Can Colorado drivers get in trouble for traveling with pets? Here’s what CSP has to say

It’s no secret that Coloradans love their pups – nor that many pet owners opt to bring their dogs along for the ride, whether they’re on their way to their next outdoor recreation excursion or headed to the craft brewery down the street. While bringing the pup along is all fine and dandy, doing so in the wrong way could result in legal consequences and various safety risks.

Colorado State Patrol recently addressed this topic in a press release related to “unrestrained fur babies” in vehicles.

As noted in the press release, the state of Colorado is one of many that doesn’t have an explicit law related to restraining pets inside of one’s vehicle. That said, not doing so can result in other traffic violations.

When it comes to pets, law enforcement tends to come into play if a pet is obstructing the driver’s view or if a driver is exhibiting driving violations that fall under the ‘careless driver statute.’ In other words, the situation becomes a problem when the dog becomes a distraction that’s putting the driver, other drivers, and the pet at risk.

Officials also noted that outside of distracted driving, a free-roaming pet in a vehicle can become a “deadly projectile” in the event of a sudden stop or crash. This reality can put both people and pets at serious risk of bodily harm.

“Having your pet properly restrained is important for your pet’s safety and your own,” explains Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Even the most well-behaved dog, ferret or cat can be a distraction. And, just like you, a pet can fly through the windshield, out an open window or crash into the dashboard.”

Colorado State Patrol provided a few tips related to traveling safely and legally with your pet:

• Pets shouldn’t be allowed to roam the vehicle – dogs should be anchored down in a crate and cats should be in a carrier.
• Keep animals out of the front seat. Airbags can be a serious risk to pets.
• Keep the head of a pet inside of the vehicle. This can help prevent sickness from cold air blowing into a pet’s lungs, also preventing a pet from being struck by debris or other road hazards.
• Never leave the pet alone in the vehicle. Even on a 70-degree day, a vehicle can heat up to deadly temperatures in a matter of minutes. This also results in a risk of theft.

There’s nothing wrong with bringing a pet along for an adventure, just make sure it’s being done in a safe manner for the sake of the pet, those in your vehicle, and other drivers on the road.