Why a car kennel can save your dog's life (and yours)

With the arrival of holidays, day trips, and weekends at the beach or in the mountains, millions of dogs spend many hours in cars. Yet, despite the importance of safety during travel, dog transport is still often underestimated.

Many owners leave their dog loose on the back seat, others hold them in their arms, or think that a short journey doesn't warrant special precautions. In reality, even a sudden braking can turn a dog's body into a projectile, endangering not only its own life but also that of all vehicle occupants.

In recent years, more and more veterinarians, dog trainers, and road safety professionals recommend using a kennel as one of the safest systems for transporting a dog in a car.

What the Highway Code says

In Italy, the transport of animals is regulated by Article 169 of the Highway Code.

The regulation states that animals can be transported provided they do not obstruct or endanger driving. The transport of a single free animal is permitted, as long as it does not interfere with the driver, or multiple animals if kept in suitable cages, carriers, or separated by an authorized dividing net.

Even though the law does not explicitly mandate the use of a kennel, safety should go far beyond mere compliance with regulations.

Why a loose dog in a car is dangerous

Many dogs appear calm during car journeys. They remain seated on the seat or observe the landscape from the window, giving the impression of being safe.

In reality, just a sudden brake, a swerve, or an accident at moderate speed can turn a seemingly harmless situation into a tragedy.

A loose dog can:

• be thrown against the windshield or seats;

• hit the driver and passengers;

• interfere with vehicle controls;

• become frightened and escape after an accident;

• sustain very serious or fatal injuries.

The physics of accidents: why a few miles per hour make a difference

It is often thought that serious accidents only occur at high speeds. In reality, even braking at 50 km/h generates enormous forces.

During a sharp deceleration, everything inside the car continues to move at the same initial speed until something stops it.

If the dog is not properly restrained, it will be the windshield, the front seat, or the occupants' bodies that stop its movement.

How much does a dog actually "weigh" during an accident?

This concept is difficult to imagine but crucial to understand.

A 20 kg dog involved in an impact at 50 km/h can develop a force equivalent to hundreds of kilograms.

A 30 kg Labrador, during a collision, can turn into a mass capable of exerting enormous pressure on the front seats and the people in the cabin.

Even a very small dog can cause significant injuries.

Risks for the dog

The dog is the primary subject exposed to dangers.

The most frequent injuries include:

• fractures;

• head trauma;

• spinal injuries;

• internal bleeding;

• rupture of internal organs;

• immediate death.

Furthermore, after an accident, a frightened dog might run into traffic, further increasing the risk of being hit by a vehicle.

Risks for the driver and passengers

The dog's safety coincides with that of people.

A loose animal can:

• hit occupants;

• compromise the effectiveness of airbags;

• distract the driver;

• make certain emergency maneuvers impossible;

• cause further collisions.

Protecting your dog means protecting your whole family.

Is a dog held in one's arms really safe?

No.

Many people believe that holding a dog in their arms on the passenger seat offers a form of protection.

In reality, it is one of the most dangerous situations.

During an impact, arms are unable to restrain the dog's weight. The animal is propelled forward and can be crushed between the owner's body and the airbag.

Even very small dogs risk serious injuries.

Is a harness seatbelt sufficient?

Seatbelts combined with harnesses certainly represent a better solution than a loose dog, but they have some limitations.

Many harnesses on the market are not designed to withstand the enormous forces generated during an accident.

Furthermore:

• they still allow some movement within the cabin;

• can cause thoracic or cervical injuries;

• do not protect against side impacts;

• do not completely prevent body projection.

For this reason, many experts consider a rigid kennel to be a safer solution.

What is a kennel?

A kennel is a rigid structure designed to contain a dog during transport.

It can be made of:

• aluminum;

• high-strength plastic;

• composite materials.

Its purpose is not only to restrict movement but, above all, to distribute and absorb part of the forces generated during an impact.

Why a kennel is considered the safest system

A well-sized and correctly secured kennel offers numerous advantages:

• restricts the dog's movement;

• reduces the risk of projection;

• protects against impacts;

• prevents escape after an accident;

• increases the safety of occupants.

Many professionals working with rescue dogs, sport dogs, and working dogs use this system daily.

A kennel is not a cage

One of the most common misconceptions is to think that a kennel is a "prison."

In reality, if introduced correctly, it can become a familiar and reassuring place.

Many dogs relax more inside a kennel than when they are loose in the car's interior.

The presence of a confined space reduces excessive stimuli and promotes rest during travel.

Where to place the kennel

The position depends on the type of car.

The most common placements are:

• boot of SUVs and station wagons;

• rear seats.
  

The kennel must be stable and properly anchored.

An unsecured carrier can itself become a moving object during an accident.

How to choose the correct size

The dog must be able to:

• stand up;

• turn around;

• lie down comfortably.

A kennel that is too small limits comfort, while one that is excessively large could reduce protection during impacts.

The ideal size allows the dog to assume a natural position without leaving excessive space.

Aluminum or plastic kennel?

Both solutions offer advantages.

Plastic kennels

They are generally:

• more economical;

• lighter;

• easy to clean.

Aluminum kennels

They offer:

• greater robustness;

• optimal ventilation;

• high durability.

The construction quality is often more important than the material used.

How to accustom your dog to the kennel

The most common mistake is to only use the kennel on the day of departure.

It's important to proceed gradually.

Leave it open at home

The dog should be able to explore it freely.

Add blankets and treats

Making the kennel a pleasant environment encourages positive associations.

Start with short periods

First at home, then in a stationary car, and then during very short journeys.

Increase gradually

Patience is essential.

"My dog is calm"

This is probably the most frequent phrase.

But accidents do not depend on the dog's behavior.

Even the calmest dog in the world cannot defy the laws of physics.

"It's only for five minutes"

Many accidents happen near home.

The duration of the journey does not alter the risk.

A sudden brake can occur at any time.

"He has always traveled like this"

The fact that nothing has ever happened does not mean the system is safe.

Safety is not judged by luck, but by prevention.

Kennels also reduce stress

Many dogs traveling unrestrained:

• become agitated;

• constantly change position;

• pant;

• suffer more from car sickness.

A contained and stable environment can promote relaxation and improve travel quality.

Summer and holidays: risks increase

During summer, there's an increase in:

• traffic;

• long journeys;

• high temperatures;

• driver fatigue.

For this reason too, it is important to plan stops correctly and always ensure a safe and well-ventilated environment.

A kennel can save a life

No one wears a seatbelt expecting an accident.

The same principle should apply to our dogs.

The kennel is not used because we anticipate an impact, but because we know that an unforeseen event can always occur.