November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month! Any pet lover can tell you how special it is to welcome a new pet into your home. Senior pets have a harder time finding a home, and they tend to spend a longer time in shelters and rescues before finding their forever home. Many senior pets are never adopted.
There are many benefits to adopting a senior pet. Older cats and dogs are usually already housetrained. Adopting a senior pet also takes the guesswork out of how large the animal will become and what their personalities will be like, as these traits are already developed in senior animals. If you're considering adopting a senior pet, November is an excellent time to do so! Bringing home a new pet during the holiday season is sure to bring joy to your home.
Of course, once you adopt your pet, you will need to bring them back to your home, and often this is done by driving. The truth is, traveling with a pet can be distracting and dangerous. Distracted driving claimed 2,841 lives in 2018 alone.
According to a survey sponsored by AAA, 65% of respondents participated in a distracted driving activity while driving with a dog.
With distracted driving being such a common issue across the country, many states have new distracted driving laws. The laws vary depending on the state you’re in, but in general, it’s prohibited to drive while distracted. Some states have specific laws about traveling with pets. For example, it’s common for states to prohibit drivers from driving with a pet on their lap. A few states even require pets to be secured in a carrier or wear a seat belt. Make sure you’re familiar with the laws in your state before you get in the car with your pet.
If you are traveling with a pet, make sure they are secured. Pets can be secured in a crate in the back of your vehicle (not an enclosed trunk space) or on the back seat. You could also purchase a harness that secures your pet using the seat belts in the back seat. That way, your pet is secure in the event of a collision, and isn’t trying to cuddle up on your lap while you drive, possibly causing a collision.
If you're ready to adopt a new pet, consider adopting a senior pet! Just remember to always travel safely with your pets, regardless of their ages. If you’d like to learn more about traffic safety topics like this, visit our website to find an online course in your state!
November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month! Any pet lover can tell you how special it is to welcome a new pet into your home. Senior pets have a harder time finding a home, and they tend to spend a longer time in shelters and rescues before finding their forever home. Many senior pets are never adopted.