[Caseymay]

Hi,

I have a Labrador that I need to take to the vet. My question: is he allowed in the front seat? I know he has to be restrained but not sure if he is allowed in the front. I know it is probably not the preferred place for him to be.

I have sedan (Honda Accord) and two car seats in the back. There is very little space to squeeze him in and to be honest I don't even think I could. Does anyone know what the law is?

[mummy.to.one]

I think it's fine he sits in the front seat as long as her is restrained.

Our dog sits in the front seat, with the seatbelt through the section for it on her harness. I think they are not allowed to sit on your lap.

[Jellyblush]

Roo goes in the front, in a harness. She is much more distracting in the back.

[*Spikey*]

Front seat is okay - but make sure harness is on securely and they cannot move around. Safety is paramount and a dog in the front seat has better access to the driver, therefore could cause accidents if improperly restrained.

FWIW, Buttercup loves the front seat - but these days, that belongs to the cat.

[ChexMix]

I don't like putting a dog in the front seat of a car with passenger airbags. My thinking is the dog won't be the same distance from the airbag as they are designed for - anyone know more about airbags know if this is a problem or am I being too catious?

That being said I occasionally let my older girl sneak in the front if I'm just going around side streets

[*Spikey*]

ChexMix, you're right about the dog being too close to passenger side airbags. I guess its a risk you need to weigh up - kind of like kids travelling in the front seat, even though they're allowed to in some circumstances.

I pop the dogs in the back of the wagon, but we did get a bigger car when our fur family (and people family) expanded.

[ChexMix]

Thanks Spikey - yes it's always a risk with cars! I use DH's wagon with a cargo barrier for long trips too, seems much safer

[~kitteh.hoardere...]

heheh airbags aren't a risk for my giants LOL I'm pretty sure if Bandit sat upright on the front seat, his head would be wedged into the ceiling. His nose is at bench level in the kitchen when he's walking. THAT in dangerous LOL!

[MegzG]

my dogs go in the back of my Suzuki Grand Vitara when i have both or going for a longish drive, if we are just going vet or shops etc and only have one for the 5 minute drive i do let them sit in the footwell of the front passenger seat.

does remind me of how my dad used to take our cat to the vet many many years ago, she would just roam loose thru the car, under his feet while driving and hanging over his neck. we didnt have carriers then so the other option was to put her in a pillowcase