Our pets are family, so they often travel with us — and that means lots of car rides. Minding the travel environment can keep us all safe.

Temperature is a key factor. Even in mild weather, the inside of a car can become 40 degrees warmer than outside in just an hour — even in the shade with the windows cracked. And in cold weather, being in an unheated car is virtually no warmer than being outside. So, don’t leave pets unattended in a vehicle—ever.

Pets also need to be restrained in a moving vehicle — for their sake as well as ours. Just like you wear a seatbelt, your pet should be in a secured carrier or wear a harness attached to a seat belt. And never let pets ride loose in a truck bed or hang their head out the window.

Keep the good times rolling by making pet safety a priority.