Keep pets safe when going for a ride | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Keep pets safe when going for a ride | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Posted on: Sunday, August 14, 2005

Keep pets safe when going for a ride

Hawaiian Humane Society

This pooch joined his owner in the truck's cab, where it's safer for a dog to be than being cross-tethered in the bed of the pickup.

Advertiser library photo

OPIE

KODA

Whether it's taking your cat to the veterinarian or heading off for a day at the beach with your dog, transporting a pet safely requires a few preventive measures and attention.

With more than 1,000 dogs and cats killed last year on O'ahu roadways, pet owners should consider these safety precautions that may save their pet's life:

A speed bump on a busy street or suddenly slamming on the brakes on a highway could place dogs in the back of pickup trucks in harm's way. Nearby vehicles swerving to avoid hitting an animal can also put motorists and pedestrians at risk. While city law requires dogs to be contained or cross-tethered at three points in truck beds, it's simply safer to allow your dog to join you in the cab.

Dogs don't have to be confined to a carrier if your vehicle has a restraining harness, available at pet supply stores, or if a passenger can restrain the animal. Since most cats are not as comfortable traveling in cars, it is best to keep them in a carrier. Pet carriers should be large enough for your cat or dog to turn around in.

Dogs should also wear a collar with a city-issued license tag, which serves as proof of ownership and helps if they become lost.

Pets left in cars can be at risk for heat stroke and theft.

Honolulu ordinance requires that bovine and equine animals — horses, mules, donkeys, cows, bulls, steers and oxen — being transported on public roadways must be in covered trailers.

Ventilation openings are permitted as long as the animals cannot fall or jump out of the vehicle. Open-air trailers must have a hard-top cover.

ADOPTABLES

OPIE

Tag No. 70864. Opie is a handsome orange tiger cat who is only about a year old. This frisky teenager gets along with other cats and enjoys people of all ages. He already has a microchip ID and is ready to go home with you today.

KODA

Tag No. 71231. This bull terrier mix is looking for an active home where his family will spend time with him, play games and teach him good manners. Just 10 months old, Koda is still a puppy. His short coat is white with black spots.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open daily. For hours, directions, special events, and to see more pets available for adoption, see www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals.

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