When you want to bring your furry friend along on car rides, make sure you follow these guidelines to enhance safety for all vehicle passengers.

• If you want to reduce the risk of getting into an accident, keeping your pet restrained is a must. Invest in a pet carrier or pet seat belt to keep your pup in place on car rides. A roaming Rover can be a big distraction and, according to a 2011 AAA and Kurgo study, a high percentage of dog owners admit to reaching back to hold down their dogs while driving.


• Do not let your dog sit in your lap while driving. Even if your pet sits calmly in place, your reaction time and ability to properly react will be reduced in an emergency driving situation; not to mention that if the airbag deploys it’s more unsafe for you and your dog. Plus, Arizona’s distracted-driving law applies when an individual drives with a pet on their lap.


• Don’t leave your dog in the car unattended. Temperatures will soon be on the rise in Phoenix and every year there are cases in which dogs are harmed or put in fatal situations when left in hot cars.


• Store treats in your car. If your pup starts to get antsy or nervous, or if they’re inclined to have motion sickness, offering treats (and verbal praise) can help. Make sure you stick to treats that your dog is familiar with.


• Store dog waste bags and cleaning supplies. If your dog has an accident in the car, you won’t want to be stuck without a rag and cleaning spray; some type of odor remover is also a good idea. In addition, having dog waste bags will also come in handy any time your dog needs an unexpected bathroom break.