The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimates that pet owners will spend more than $38 billion this year on all sorts of things for their pet including car seats, seat belts, and other automotive accessories.
For many owners, it has become a safety issue. It is estimated that every 1.5 million accidents are caused by distraction, with pets the third biggest distraction. Several states have laws that require that pets be restrained.
In response, companies are offering all sorts of products to deal with the issue. Flexi-Mat is selling a Pet Stow Away, a multipurpose product that serves as a car seat, suitcase, and pet bed. The Pet Stow Away is hooked to the vehicle's seat belt and has a safety hook inside that attaches to the animal's harness. It retails for $89.
The company also sells a hammock which is designed to attach to a car's front and rear headrests, keeping pets in the back seat and off the floor. It also features zippered openings for the vehicle's seat belts and a front compartment for storage. It sells for $66 though PetSmart and other retailers offer a similar product around about $50.
Colorado based Ruff Rider has a vehicle restraint harness for dogs called the Roadie. The Roadie, which was rated the best in the industry by Tufts University's School of Veterinary Medicine in 2000, attaches to a vehicle's seat belt system and has a built in short walking lead. The basic model sells for $29.95. Another model with sheepskin lining sells for $59.95.
Several other companies sell pet restraints for as little as $10.
Finally, SUV owners can create space for their pet with vehicle partitions. These are designed to go behind the last row of seats and extends to the vehicle's ceiling. These products go for about $75 while add on pieces to adjust the size go for about $35.
our take? Pets, like children, should be properly restrained and we're glad to hear there are many products available for them.