Reader view: Extra care for dogs in cars

When I walk around the neighborhood, I notice people driving past with their dogs in the car with them. The dogs are loose on the back seat, or sitting as co-pilot on the front passenger seat, or even on the driver’s lap.

But have you ever thought about what will happen to your beloved pet if you suddenly have to hit the brakes, or you are involved in an accident? Your dog is just as vulnerable as a child would be in these circumstances.

If the airbags deploy, a small dog sitting on someone’s lap will be killed instantly. You will be saved, but your dog will be crushed against your chest. As would a child.

Seatbelts and child carseats keep us and them from being ejected through the windshield, and your canine family members need that same protection. Also, it is illegal in Washington for dogs to ride loose in the open bed of a truck, and yet some neighbors do this on a regular basis. The risks for the dog should they jump, or be thrown out, are obvious.

A few weeks ago, an owner posted on Lost Dogs of Snohomish County, that following a car accident in north Edmonds, their dog was so frightened that she literally squeezed herself out of a partially open window and ran away. Days later the dog was still not found.

Just this Friday May 15, 2026, a 3-vehicle rollover crash occurred on I-5 near Arlington. One of the vehicles was carrying the family’s dogs. One of the dogs was ejected and killed outright, and six dogs were let loose on the Interstate. Law Enforcement/EMS priorities are for the people (two were taken to the hospital, one was arrested.) Hours later the dogs were still sitting at the accident site, and one was on video running away in a panic.

Eventually Animal Control transported three to the Everett Animal Shelter, and Volunteers were able to secure the others. This was a terribly tragic event for the people, and for the dogs.

However, there are a variety of products that you can purchase to keep your pets safe in a vehicle. There are various canine seatbelts/harnesses that secure your dog to the car’s seatbelt system. Smaller dogs can ride on the seat in a crate that is secured to the car’s seatbelt system. Dogs that need to ride in an open truck bed, can be placed in a crate which is tightly secured to the truck.

Please, take steps to keep your beloved canine family members safe while riding in your vehicle. Remember, the safety and the dangers for dogs are the same as they are for children.