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Selective provides pet injury or loss coverage through a personal automobile insurance policy. This coverage pays up to $750 for the care or loss of a dog or cat if they are injured or fatally injured during a covered loss (not subject to the policy deductible). Contact your local Selective agent for more information. Don't have an agent? Click below to find a Selective agent near you.
There's a good chance you'll have to travel with your pets sooner or later. And bringing your pet with you can be challenging. While humans can buckle up, pets can't. That means you have to take care to keep animals secure should a dangerous situation arise. Here's what you can do to ensure everyone ‒ human and animal ‒ in your vehicle is safe and secure.
Pick the Right Vehicle
If you're a pet owner in the market for a vehicle, you can make your pet's safety and security a part of your buying decision. If you have a smaller animal such as a cat or a rabbit, the car size, make, or model might not mean that much. But if you have a dog that accompanies you on a regular basis, some cars are better than others.
Keep in mind considerations such as adequate space and safety ratings. Dogs, especially larger dogs, will require plenty of room to keep comfortable, and that means an SUV, minivan, or crossover. While some dogs can fit in the back seat, larger dogs might require the extended room available in the rear of the vehicle.
Choose a Crate or Carrier
To travel with a pet, you'll need to a crate, carrier, or other restraint system that can keep your pet appropriately contained within your vehicle.
Many pet owners like to let their pets ride freely in the front or backseat. But this can be dangerous. Even a calm pet can panic in a moving vehicle. If you're driving, you may not be able to help. Some animals may inadvertently harm their owners, interfere with visibility, or even crawl under the pedals and compromise the ability to drive.
A 60-pound dog in a car moving at 35 miles per hour can turn into a 2,700-pound projectile in a car crash, creating a dangerous and potentially-fatal hazard. Some states even have laws on how and where a pet can be transported, so be sure to check on local legislation.
In Case of Accidents
An accident is always a worst-case scenario when on the road. And, accidents can happen while your pets are in the car. If you do get into an accident with your pet, do your best to stay calm. Don't open any doors or windows without ensuring pets are restrained.
When you speak with emergency services, be sure to note that you have a dog, cat, or other animal with you that may need assistance. If there is any risk to your pet's health, ask emergency responders for advice on animal urgent care facilities in the area that can provide a thorough checkup.
Come Prepared
When you're traveling with your pet, the incidence of problems is much higher than it would be at home. As such, you'll want to be prepared for issues that might arise. Before leaving, prepare all of the equipment you'll need, including:
A friend or family member can express hunger, discomfort, or other problems to you. But your animal likely can't. In order to maximize comfort and avoid health issues, keep the following advice in mind:
Pick the Right Vehicle
If you're a pet owner in the market for a vehicle, you can make your pet's safety and security a part of your buying decision. If you have a smaller animal such as a cat or a rabbit, the car size, make, or model might not mean that much. But if you have a dog that accompanies you on a regular basis, some cars are better than others.
Keep in mind considerations such as adequate space and safety ratings. Dogs, especially larger dogs, will require plenty of room to keep comfortable, and that means an SUV, minivan, or crossover. While some dogs can fit in the back seat, larger dogs might require the extended room available in the rear of the vehicle.
Choose a Crate or Carrier
To travel with a pet, you'll need to a crate, carrier, or other restraint system that can keep your pet appropriately contained within your vehicle.
Many pet owners like to let their pets ride freely in the front or backseat. But this can be dangerous. Even a calm pet can panic in a moving vehicle. If you're driving, you may not be able to help. Some animals may inadvertently harm their owners, interfere with visibility, or even crawl under the pedals and compromise the ability to drive.
A 60-pound dog in a car moving at 35 miles per hour can turn into a 2,700-pound projectile in a car crash, creating a dangerous and potentially-fatal hazard. Some states even have laws on how and where a pet can be transported, so be sure to check on local legislation.
In Case of Accidents
An accident is always a worst-case scenario when on the road. And, accidents can happen while your pets are in the car. If you do get into an accident with your pet, do your best to stay calm. Don't open any doors or windows without ensuring pets are restrained.
When you speak with emergency services, be sure to note that you have a dog, cat, or other animal with you that may need assistance. If there is any risk to your pet's health, ask emergency responders for advice on animal urgent care facilities in the area that can provide a thorough checkup.
Come Prepared
When you're traveling with your pet, the incidence of problems is much higher than it would be at home. As such, you'll want to be prepared for issues that might arise. Before leaving, prepare all of the equipment you'll need, including:
- A pet ID collar
- A harness and leash (do not let your pet outside the vehicle without being properly restrained)
- A supply of food for the entirety of your trip
- Access to clean, cool water
- Animal medical records, including documentation of shots
- Plastic bags and paper towels for cleaning up messes
- Litter and a litter box, if traveling with a cat
- Towels and blankets for your pet's comfort
A friend or family member can express hunger, discomfort, or other problems to you. But your animal likely can't. In order to maximize comfort and avoid health issues, keep the following advice in mind:
- Keep windows closed at all times. Do not let your pet put his head or body outside of the vehicle.
- Stop every few hours for food, water, or bathroom breaks.
- Be sure to provide plenty of play and exercise before and after a long period in the car.
- Visit your vet before every long trip. If necessary, they can prescribe medication that can keep anxious pets calm.
