Unavoidable accidents: would your pet survive?

National safety statistics indicate the number of pets traveling in vehicles continues to grow—and so do the number of pet fatalities. I'll bet dog bones to dollars that 99.9 percent of pets travel improperly restrained.

Visit Story Here

As quoted by a representative from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “wearing a seat belt costs you nothing but to not wear one certainly will.”

Sacramento area Veterinarian, Dr. Tom Kendall Director of American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) stated that “as Veterinarians we see, first hand, the tragedy of improper restraint of animals that travel and look forward to continuing to educate pet owners on the importance safe travel for their beloved pets." (Dr Kendall and Sherry the dog wearing the Ruff Rider Travel Harness featured in this photo with the Commissioner of CHP Joe Farrow).

The following life changing survival stories of Unavoidable Accident are a true testament of Why Buckle?

California
I was taking Cody, our large collie, to the veterinarian when a knucklehead pulled right out in front of my car from a driveway. I was only going about 25 mph, but Cody fell forward in the back of my Expedition (seats down, limo style). It wasn't until I got to the vet that I realized he had caught his paw during the "flight" and ripped a nail out of the nail bed. Blood was all over the back of the car. I am getting him a buckle as he LOVES his car rides and I don't want him to be hurt ever again!

Washington
I was traveling at 40 mph when the other driver ran a stop sign. I broadsided him before I could hit the brakes. The car (a 1999 Honda CRV) was totaled. My wife spent 4 days in hospital and I spent 2. I was off of work for a month. The other driver had to be removed with the "jaws of life". When the fireman heard that there was a dog in the car he immediately asked for "the kit"; however, since our dog was buckled in he was unhurt and didn't need to be put down. In fact he didn't require any veterinarian care at all.

Massachusetts
I started using a vest type dog restraint years ago after an incident where my 15 lb. Norfolk Terrier was jumping from the front to the back seat of the car while I was going through the car wash. She was making a game of trying to catch the car wash brushes that she could see through the moon-roof. Her leash tangled around the headrest and I was unable to reach it to untangle her without walking around to the other side of the car. She almost strangled herself. From that day on she wore a restraint and I felt much safer. I was in an accident a couple of years later and even though I was injured, she was fine.

Texas
We have always used a seatbelt restraint that connects to the existing seat belt system of our truck for our miniature golden retriever whether we are traveling in town or on the highway. We got into a situation in one of the state parks where we had to "jump" two "ditches" in order to get our truck and trailer out of the site the campground had put us in. The roads leading out of each campsite were too narrow for a truck and trailer (or large RV) to turn the corners of the roads in and out of the park. (There was one way in and another way out - in was ok, but out was not.) Brandie was buckled up when we were attempting to get out of the site. If she had not been restrained she would probably not be with us today and may also have caused much harm to my husband who was driving. We escaped with only a blown out trailer tire and torn up steps and back corner of the trailer. God was truly watching over us that day. I believe that all children and pets need to be restrained for their safety as well as the safety of all the occupants of the vehicle. Thank you for what you do to make this safety issue known to the public.

Ohio
I used to let my then-kitten Bouncer run free in my car. My husband and I were in a very bad car accident and if Bouncer had been w/us at the time, he would've been thrown from the car. That served as a wake-up all. Since that day when I travel with my cats, they each have their own carrier. I use the plastic hard carriers, not the soft squishy style. They always ride in the back seat (away from airbags) and I use the safety belt to secure their crates.

Pennsylvania
My husband and I do a fair amount of traveling in the car with our 2-year old Boxer dog, Kiara. We made the decision about a year ago to purchase a pet restraint and we had been using it consistently since then. In August of 2007, we were traveling home with Kiara from my in-laws' vacation house when we struck a deer (6-point buck) head-on. [It was a totally unavoidable accident - very sad for the deer] Kiara was strapped into her "seatbelt" and she stayed put in the back seat. There was $8000 in damage to our SUV. No damage to any of us because we were wearing our seatbelts!! Please, please buckle up your pets!

Montana
One day I got stopped by the police I am originally from Canada and have been using a seat belt harness for 5 years now. One day, I got stopped by the police speeding 10 kms over the speed limit. When the police officer came to the vehicle and wrote the ticket, he asked why my dog wasn't jumping at the window. I told him that "she" was in a harness and attached to the seatbelt. I had to get out of my vehicle to show the officer how it all worked, as the officer had never heard of a seatbelt system for dogs. Unfortunately, he still gave me the speeding ticket!!!

To share your travel safety stories with us visit www.barkbuckleup.com and go to the contact page.

Be Smart Ride Safe

Pet Safety with Flea Medicines

Those pesky mosquitos pet owners beware
We all know how itchy we get with a Mosquito bite, but what about our pets? As the temperatures get hotter every pet owner needs to prepare for Mosquito season, don't forget Heartworm disease and fleas are a great risk to pets.
Heartworm is dangerous to dogs, however there is treatment. Cats on the other hand/paw there is no approved treatment for feline heartworm disease. Either way to avoid costly pet medical bills for your pet use year round treatments that are prescribed from your veterinarian. Your doctor most likely will give you daily or monthly tablets or a topical, which are effective and easy to use.
Recently the EPA is considering further restrictions on Flea/Tick pet products due to the evaluation of whether the use of spot-on pesticides for Flea and tick control are necessary. More than 44,000 potential incidents were reported to the EPA in 2008. The Federal laws require reports of adverse reactions of a product even if it was misused or misapplied.
It is best to communicate with your pet’s veterinarian regarding any medical questions or concerns:
Purchase medicine through a licensed veterinary
Always read the instructions
Call your pet’s veterinary if there are any side affects.

Keep Your Pets Safe Week

Take care of your pets and keep them safe by speaking out to your state officials, reports animal abuse, appreciate wildlife (also do not litter), make sure to adopt your pets.
1915 was the launch of Be Kind to Animals Week by the American Humane Society. This week was created to help promote for you to Be Kind to Animals, your pets and wildlife.
As a Pet Safety Expert I believe Animals play a very important role in our lives. Our pets, wildlife are all connected to the ECO system so it is our job to promote ways to treat them humanely and to teach others to do the same. The picture to the right is Radar a little angel we met in Jacksonville, Florida at one of the Bark Buckle UP Pet Safety Days. The Humane Society brought him over along with several other wonderful pets for adoption, he was full of energy and love to share with a loving family.
Adopt your next pet and teach other to do the same, keep them safe and healthy so they can live a long happy life.
Check out your local rescue, shelters or humane societies for special events that you can attend and make sure to spread the word Be Kind to Animals each and every day.

Sacramento is Barking "Bark Buckle UP"

SACRAMENTO, CA. America’s recognized pet safety advocate, Bark Buckle UP, whose work with first responders brings the important message of traveling safely with dogs and cats, brought its message to Sacramento this week. Spokeswoman Christina Selter discussed the Bark Buckle Up’s BE SMART—RIDE SAFE® Pet Travel Safety Program and measures pet owners should adapt in their vehicles to lessen the risk of injury and even death when traveling with dogs or cats.

As a direct result of Bark Buckle UP’s mission, first responders, such as police, firefighters and animal rescue agencies throughout the country look for the Bark Buckle UP decal on a car, which alerts them that a dog or cat may be inside or may have escaped from a car involved in an accident. This insures that every effort will be made to get an injured pet to a veterinarian in the shortest possible time, or find the pet if indeed it has escaped from the accident scene.

Commissioner California Highway Patrol (CHP)Joe Farrow, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Capt. Christian Pebbles, Capt. Jim Doucette of the Sacramento Fire Department and Reina Schwartz, director of Animal Care Services discussed the importance of pet travel safety.


“When responding to a collision, our primary concern is coordinating the required medical needs of any of the injured victims and traffic control,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Any delays in the caring of victims because of the need to deal with a frightened or injured animal can and should be avoided.”

“With proper responsibility these animals do not have to die,” said Captain Christian Pebbles Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.
“The Firefighters of the Sacramento Fire Department respond to countless auto accidents. Unfortunately many of these accidents also involve pets that become crash victims, because they are not secure inside the vehicle. Many of our Firefighters are pet owners and we know first hand that by securing your animal inside your vehicle properly, you may save their life in an accident,” stated Captain Jim Doucette Sacramento Fire Department.

Special guest Doctor Tom Kendall, Director American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) demonstrated safety gear and the ease of traveling safe with your pet with his furry friend Sherry.
“Pets play such an important role in our lives; making sure they are safe when traveling helps ensure that they are around for a long time,” said Reina Schwartz, director of Animal Care Services.

National safety statistics indicate the number of pets traveling in vehicles continues to grow—and so do the number of pet fatalities. "I'll bet dog bones to dollars that 99.9 percent of pets travel unrestrained. Our mission is to make first responders—that is, police, fire fighters, and EMT's—aware of the fact that a pet may be a passenger in a car involved in a crash, and that they need to look out for, and care for, that animal if indeed it has been injured—or has gone missing,” Selter explained.


The number of pets traveling with their owners has increased 300 percent since 2005, and over 98 percent of pets that travel in cars are not restrained. “Pet owners need to realize that it is just as important to buckle their pet up as it is to buckle themselves up when the get into a car,” Selter said. “We all know that wearing a seatbelt saves human lives. Well, it saves pet lives, as well. It costs nothing to strap yourself into your seatbelt—but the cost of not wearing a seat belt can cost you your life. The same applies to your dog or cat.”

Crash tests show that a car traveling at 35 mph with an unrestrained 60-pound dog causes an impact of 2,700 pounds in a crash. That’s equivalent to an elephant crashing into a car seat, windshield or worse, a passenger. Chances are an animal cannot survive such an impact. A further difficulty is that an unrestrained pet can impede the progress of first responders. Every second counts in getting to those injured in a car crash. If the crash scene is complicated by a dog that has been injured, or worse yet, has escaped from the car and is frantically running loose, a secondary accident in which the dog runs into oncoming traffic can occur, causing additional injuries or even death.

Reporters Speak UP about Bark Buckle UP the Real Pet Safety Program

Written by Yegster:
Bark Buckle Up Campaign is stirring up the automakers I have to give a good friend of mine a lot of credit for what she has done. Christina Selter is the founder of Bark Buckle Up http://www.barkbuckleup.com

Bark Buckle UP has been traveling the country putting on press events, attending auto shows, and visiting car dealerships to demonstrate what people should be doing to secure pets in their vehicles while traveling with them.

Initially she worked with Volvo to launch a dealer campaign utilizing the Pet Safe Vehicle of the Year – the 2008 Volvo XC90. The crowds that attended her press releases at the auto shows were incredible! Imagine 15 dogs running around and barking and hundreds of photo journalists trying to get photos of them with Christina and the barrage of police and fire personnel that were part of the news release.

Well, for 2009, the GMC Acadia Sport Utility vehicle won the Pet Safe Vehicle award and two other manufacturers took note – Toyota, beginning a campaign of their own at the Chicago Auto show and now Honda, who installed pet safety equipment in an Element to carry on the cause.

One person can make a difference in people’s lives and in this particular case, your pet’s life. When that person is someone you know and she delivered a message that has now caught the attention of 25 auto manufacturers, I can’t say enough about how proud I am of her.

You go girl!!! Keep on these guys until you get them all on board!!!

Christina Selter Pet Safety Expert from Bark Buckle UP on Petopia TV

Petopia reporter Michelle Brubaker interviewed Christina Selter at the Bark Buckle UP Pet Safety Day in San Diego with dogs hopping in and out of the General Motors Acadia Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice winner 2009.

Giant 225 pound dogs all the way to 3 pounder Yorkie all test drove the Acadia with their families. Take a peek at the wonderful coverage from Petopia.TV

More then 100 dogs test drive GMC Acadia Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice Winner

As most of you know Bark Buckle UP and the pet safety days tour last weekend more then 100 dogs test drive GMC Acadia Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice Winner.

Everyone loved the Acadia and Marvin K Brown, three Acadia's were none stop for more then 3 hours for all dogs and their families. Even a lottery winner came down to buy the Acadia after seeing Christina Selter the official Pet Safety Expert on KUSI.
KSON mascot was there to check it out and won a Pet Buckle Harness along with over 175 dogs and their families stopped by to check it out.
A big thank you went out for all paws up to:
Dogswell
PetBuckle tethers
SleepyPod
Wellness
Roadie Ruff Rider
Bamboo travel bowls, quick connects
Pet People retail store
K9 Canvas from Evolve Digital
Pug Rescue/Adoptions
PawYard Photo Booth
Union Tribune Mark Maynard
GM Blogger
Pet Topia TV
KUSI Dave Stall
NBC
KSON Toni
Bark Buckle UP Volunteers and the hard working Marvin K Brown team!

Bark Buckle UP Spring Pet Safety Day San Diego

Bark Buckle UP was featured at Marvin K Brown GMC for the Pet Safety Day 2009 Kick Off, over 100 dogs and their families test drove the 2009 Acadia Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice. The Acadia and Bark Buckle UP were a huge hit.

Bark Buckle UP Pet Safety Days travel the nation and Canada teaching pet safety not just for around vehicles, but home, emergencies, travel and day to day care. Visit the website for a city event near you.

Bark Buckle UP Tests Pet Products for Lead

Bark Buckle UP the leader and experts in pet travel safety, test products to set the guidelines and regulations for quality, ease of use and safety. Bark Buckle UP has added lead testing to the pet safety program. By testing, pet toys, pet beds, pet carriers, pet clothing, misc pet products for lead content and safety we will safe lives and make the public aware of products that are being sold that are not safe for our pets or homes.

Here are some simple guidelines and tips to follow from Bark Buckle UP:
1) Purchase products made in the USA
2) Brand name products
3) Look for the Bark Buckle UP seal or testing results on packaging
4) Avoid painted products (ex: painted dog house, food/water bowls not from USA)
5) If not sure DO NOT BUY, investigate or email Bark Buckle UP
6) Tennis balls (just ask Marshall several surgeries to remove pieces)
7) Products with removable or chewable areas need to be secure
8) Read instructions, labels and investigate
9) Products pet size appropreiate (small dog small toy)
10) Supervise your pets with all toys, bones, chews, snacks, foods

LEAD What is it?
Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes.

Lead poisoning may cause a range of health issues or disabilities:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Frantic Barking
- Appetite Loss
- Lethargy
- Muscle/Joint Pain
- Convulsions
- Blindness

"If you feel that your pet may have Lead Poisoning consult your Veterinarian immediately." stated Christina Selter Pet Safety Expert with Bark Buckle UP.

Bark Buckle UP's Christina Selter Pet Expert in Fido Friendly

There you have it Christina Selter Pet Expert from Bark Buckle UP featured in Fido Friendly spread. Great Article written by the wonderful Laurie Jacobson.

Seat belts aren't just for people. In a collision at just 35 mph, physiscs is not in favor of a dog. A 60 pound dog becomes a 2700 pound projectile---What 60 pounds that the size of my Golden Retriever.

"Seat belts protect millions of americans every day, why not secure your pet, for your safety, their safety, your passengers and our first responders". First responders are at risk for injury/dog bite or worse delay in getting to you and yours. Be Smart Ride Safe.

Check out the fantastic article on online http://www.BarkBuckleUP.com click on Press
Laurie is also a Los Angeles Historian read more on her at her website http://www.lauriejacobson.com/

Bark Buckle UP's Christina Selter Pet Expert in the New York Times

Bark Buckle UP Christina Selter in the NY Times quoted as:

"At 35 miles per hour, you get hit, what happens with your airbag? That airbag will kill a small dog sitting on your lap, just like a child."

Bark Buckle UP the original and FIRST Pet Travel Safety program specializing with pet travel, pet safe awards, pet safety kit, pet travel safety standards, pet safety days, pet travel safety education and national tour.

Never travel with a pet in the front seat and if you see a product that promotes pets in the front seat do not buy any of their products or if they promote other manufacturers products that promote pets in the front seat beware as they are only after your money not the well being of your pets.

If the product has not been recognized by the Bark Buckle UP pet safety program DO NOT BUY IT, in fact avoid at all costs. Your pets safety is at risk. Different products for different breeds, sizes and pets.

Bark Buckle UP has been traveling the USA for years teaching and promoting Pet Travel Safety, Pet Safety Days and giving away tons of FREE pet products, don't fall for a fraudulent claim by others pretending to be Pet Travel Safety. Bark Buckle UP does not sell products it is an educational program and gives away Bark Buckle UP First Responder Pet Safety Kits year round. To attend the original, true, REAL pet travel safety event visit the BarkBuckleUP.com website and click on calendar. Or email bark@barkbuckelup.com for more information.

Bark Buckle UP on KTLA with Gayle Anderson

Bark Buckle UP live with Gayle Anderson KTLA and Battalion Chief Carl Bjerke Santa Monica Fire Department to talk about pet travel safety.

Gayle Anderson covered the Santa Monica Pet Safety Day and brought along her little ones all three in fact, Kermit did great his travel harness, they all three loved the backpack and the SleepyPod.

Battalion Chief Carl Bjerke help Gayle explain to the public how important is it for folks to secure their pets just like themselves and their children. A 60 pound dog like a Golden Retriver in an accident of about 35 mph can cause a impact of about 2,700 pounds of projectile. "Now we love our pets lets protect them ourselves and our first responders, who's job is to help us at an accident" said Christina Selter Pet Safety Expert with Bark Buckle UP.

For decades, seat belts have been protecting families throughout the world from a baby in a car seat, a trucker on the road or a passenger in a car. As part of an overall occupant restraint system, seat belts are intended to reduce injuries by stopping the wearer from hitting hard interior elements of the vehicle or other passengers (the so-called second impact) and by preventing the passenger from being thrown from the vehicle.

Unrestrained pets can also distract the driver, and cause an accident. Even pets that are normally well behaved could be frightened by something unusual and dive for the driver's feet or lap. Following a car accident, an unrestrained pet could escape and be hit by another vehicle or cause another collision. A frightened dog may attack strangers who are trying to help.

While most of us, spurred by safety concerns and government regulations, wear seat belts as a matter of course, we don't always think about restraining our dogs when they're our passengers. But going without a restraint poses dangers to dogs and drivers alike. In the event of a sudden stop or accident, a dog can become a flying projectile that can injure you, your passengers or be thrown through the windshield. Accidents do happen everyday.

Bark Buckle UP campaign educates pet parents on how to put on and take off safety pet belts and the importance of securing their pet safely for travel. Get your FREE Pet Safety Kit today from Bark Buckle UP.

Visit Bark Buckle UP and view KTLA Gayle Anderson Bark Buckle UP video:

http://www.barkbuckleup.com/PressDetail.asp?ID=1&page=2

Travel Tips for Spring time with your Pet

Bark Buckle UP can help you keep your pet safer during travels pick up your FREE pet safety kit today and keep it with you at all times. Below are some helpful tips for traveling with your pet, spring time is approaching and it is best to be prepared.

Secure your pets in Cars, RV’s, Boats all modes of transportation. With a harness, crate, carrier, pet carseat and tethers

Test drive with your pet on short around the block trips to get them used to accommodations, noise and feel of the ride

Over night stays Hotel, Resort, RV parks, Camping check ahead to be sure they are pet friendly

Pack medicines, leash, food, poop bags, clean water, toys, bedding and bring a first aid kit or make one
Even if your pet is chipped be sure in have an updated ID tag on them at all times

Different weather places in hot weather disposable booties to protect their pads on hot pavement, sand or sidewalks or cold weather coat, boot and extra blankets, night time reflective gear for walking out doors and a flashlight

Never leave a pet in a car alone or travel with them in the front seat just like a child, avoid injuries

Keep your FREE Bark Buckle UP pet safety kit in your glove box incase of an emergency the First Responders will thank you
Preparedness for traveling with your pet for a fun vacation or short trip to the park, beach, vet always makes it more fun and safer. Or in an emergency you are not caught off guard without a plan in a natural disaster. Pre-plan just like you do for your family have pet emergency packed bag with the basics and you will be safer and ready.

AKC Pet First Aid Kit gets Paws Up from Bark Buckle UP

AKC Pet First Aid Kit
The American Kennel Club® and Rayco International’s division, First Aid USA™, have developed the AKC Pet First Aid Kit designed specifically with four-legged friends in mind.

What makes the AKC Pet First Aid Kit unique is the fact that it is a full emergency kit, covering incidents ranging from national disasters to the simple removal of a tick. The kit includes a waterproof emergency ID tag and information card, a thermal foil emergency blanket, emergency lead with reflective tape, a collapsible waterproof bowl, all within a multi-functional travel bag. In all, the kit includes 51 items ranging from alcohol cleansing pads and fur-friendly vet wrap to tweezers with an attached magnifying glass and Pet Safety Pamphlet. At a suggested retail price of $24.95, the kit is priced significantly lower than other kits on the market and offers dog owners twice the value.

SleepyPod gets the Four Paws UP from Bark Buckle UP

Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed, Carrier, Carseat, because your pet will already be living in the Sleepypod, traveling will become much easier and less stressful for everyone. To safely transport your pet in the car, simply wrap the seat belt around the base of the Sleepypod and pull the shoulder belt through the top handle. The Sleepypod is designed for road trips. The Sleepypod Mini fits under the seat on commercial airplanes.

Most cats and many dogs associate travel with negative experiences such as a trip to the vet or the kennel. Sleepypod allows pets to travel safely in the pampered comfort of their own bed made of luxurious ultra-plush and foam alleviating the stress associated with travel and confinement in hard, plastic boxes with limited visibility.

On the road, the Sleepypod is designed for use in the home and in the car. It is too large and comfy to fit under the seat on an airplane, but it is a perfect fit for the back seat of a car.
Care and Cleaning, the ultra plush interior is easily maintained with a quick vacuum or a dip in the washing machine: cold water, gentle cycle with like colors. Tumble dry on low. Do not bleach. All other components can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Should the interior ever look less than its best, Sleepypod offers additional Ultra Plush Bedding to ensure your Sleepypod is as luxurious as the day you bought it.

Bark Buckle UP leader in Pet Travel Safety

Bark Buckle UP is the recognized innovative leader and experts in pet travel safety. Bark Buckle UP is touring the USA and Canada educating and promoting awareness for pet safety while traveling with our pets. National safety statistics conclude the number of pets traveling in vehicles is now at an all-time high. Most animals travel unrestrained, the corresponding risk to vehicle occupants, pets and first responders called to an accident site is of growing concern. Because more pets now travel with their owners there is a genuine risk. For first responders called to render aid – the challenge of securing a frightened or injured animal before treating victims can be of equal concern.

It only takes a few minutes to safeguard your pet’s safety by buckling them up. Accidents do happen, and you owe it to your pet to protect them against possible injury. Unleashing this life saving message through Bark Buckle UP will increase the number of pets traveling safely and will save lives. When driving 35 mph, a 60-pound unrestrained dog can cause an impact of 2,700 pounds, slamming into a car seat, windshield, or passenger.

Even if the animal survives, it can impede the progress of rescue workers who need every moment possible to safely care for accident victims. Pet restraints in moving vehicles are now required in many states and provinces since they offer several advantages - they help protect pets in the event of a collision; keep pets from running loose and distracting the driver; and prevent pets from escaping the car through an open window or door.

Bark Buckle UP Stat-Tracker program collects and stores valuable in-depth statistics about pet safety. The data and hard facts collected on an ongoing basis is complied and stored and used in improving the laws for pet safety.

Bark Buckle UP founder Christina Selter Pet Travel Safety Advocate is featured at International Auto Shows, Pet Expos, Television, Radio, News Articles and guest speaking engagements Nationwide. By teaching pet travel safety we are saving pets lives. Christina works closely with Fire and Police personnel who support the safety program.

– Be Smart Ride Safe™

Pet Travel Safety Gear Testing & Review Bark Buckle UP

Bark Buckle UP is always looking for new and exciting pet safety related products and services. Pet safety products can be submitted to Bark Buckle UP for review. Simply mail in your product to the the following mailing address.

Products are reviewed on, safety function, durability, quality, engineering, general functionality, ease of use, overall product design, and packaging.

Bark Buckle UP
ATTN: Product Review Committee
555 El Camino Real
#A408
San Clemente, Ca 92672

Volvo XC90 Wins 2008 Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice

Volvo Travel Barrier System

Cargo Compartment Wall Longitudinal XC90
A steel cargo compartment wall enables you to separate the cargo compartment longitudinally, and so have two cargo compartments in one. You can for example separate dirty or fragile cargo from other cargo. This is ideal for combinations such as your pet and luggage or two pets one on each side.

Cargo Compartment Steel Grill XC90 (2nd row)
The steel tubed grille is available in two colors, color matched to suit the rest of the car’s interior trim. Pre-installed fixing points in the car, behind the second row of seats, allow for easy installation. The grille can not be folded up into the roof. It must be removed if it is not going to be used. The safety grille has been collision tested in accordance with the ECE R17-norm, and satisfies Volvo's resistance requirements for approximately 1650 kg.

The XC90 also comes equipped with multiple anchor points for pet tether restraint systems and tie-downs.

"This seems to be a reasonable extension with what we've been doing for years to protect people," said Dan Johnston, spokesman for Volvo. "We've had a campaign for years about buckling children up in cars. Bark Buckle UP's campaign to educate people on properly restraining their pets seems to fit with what we want to do for safety."

Johnston said Volvo has two types of restraints that pet owners can add -- as options -- to its wagons, SUV and C30 coupe: a cage structure that goes in the back of the vehicle and a metal or nylon cargo net that comes down from the roof. "Both are designed to hold objects in the back of the vehicles," Johnston said.

Bark Buckle UP judges give the Volvo XC90 four paws up for the 2008 Pet Safe Vehicle of Choice

Pet Buckle Travel Harness gets Four Paws Up from Bark Buckle UP

The PetBuckle Seat Belt Harness provides protection for a dog in a standard vehicle by using the vehicle’s seat belt or latch bar system to safely secure a harnessed dog. Just slip the seat belt through the web loop on the harness and buckle up. The harness is also designed for use with the PetBuckle Kwik-Connect Tether.

1. EASY TO USE
One of the easiest harnesses to put on, adjust, and remove.

2. DURABLE DESIGN
Features automotive quality buckles, latches and adjusters.

3. COMFORTABLE FOR DOGS
Will not choke or cinch the dog's abdomen area.

Product Sizing :There are two ways to size the harnesses to your dog: weight-based sizing and chest circumference sizing.

Weight-Based Sizing: Pet owners can choose one of two harnesses, based on the weight of their dog. Two harnesses support dogs of all sizes. *

Chest Circumference Sizing: To properly size the PetBuckle Seat Belt Harness using chest circumference sizing, measure the dog’s chest around the area behind the dog’s front legs. Match the dog’s size to the measurement chart below.

Pet Accident Coverage from PetFirst Healthcare

PetFirst Healthcare Pet Accident Coverage from PetFirst Healthcare

http://www.petfirsthealthcare.com/travel/landing.asp

Are you prepared when an unexpected accident happens to your dog or cat? With PetFirst Healthcare, you can be reimbursed for 100% of veterinary expenses after a $50 per incident deductible – even while traveling away from home. It’s that simple!

Enroll today and start enjoying these great benefits tomorrow!
• Up to $3,000 of accident coverage
• 100% reimbursement after a $50 deductible
• Reimbursement in as little as two weeks
• Use any veterinarian
• No age restrictions

What is accident coverage from PetFirst Healthcare?
This plan from PetFirst Healthcare protects dog and cat owners from the expense of veterinary treatment for unexpected accidents or injuries. PetFirst’s coverage is simple and easy to use providing quick reimbursement for covered expenses.

Why do I need accident coverage?
With PetFirst, there is no need to worry about unexpected veterinary expenses for accidents and injuries. Whether an appointment with your usual veterinarian or a late night visit to the emergency clinic, you can give your pet the best care available while controlling the costs.

What does accident coverage cover?
Unexpected accidents and injuries are covered with this plan. From a motor vehicle accident to a foreign body ingestion, you can be reimbursed for 100% of the
treatment costs after a $50 per incident deductible. Treatment for illnesses are not covered by this plan.

Reimbursement is Quick and Easy!
accident coverage from PetFirst Healthcare helps you pay for your pet’s accident treatment costs. Here is how it works:
1. Visit any licensed veterinarian.
2. Pay your veterinarian.
3. Send the completed claim form to PetFirst.
4. Meet the $50 per incident deductible.
5. Receive your reimbursement check in as quick as two weeks.