Ford and the American Humane Association Team Up to Protect Dogs

Sept. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- Arlington Heights Ford (http://www.ahford.com/section/secondary/about-us/Arlington-Heights-IL-Ford-Dealer) announced the new campaign by Ford and the American Humane Society to help protect dogs from accidental harm during car travel. The American Humane Association estimates that 100,000 dogs are killed each year due to traveling unsecured in truck-beds. Ford and the Humane Association are trying to help encourage drivers to use safer practices when transporting their pets.

Dogs are killed by riding in truck beds when they are ejected during accidents, when they jump out while the vehicle is moving, from exposure to the elements, from debris, and even from low hanging tree-branches and other obstacles. A truck bed is not a safe place for a dog to ride. Ford recommends that all animals should always ride inside the cab. They also listed other safety recommendations for pet safety:

Animals should always ride in the back seat, whenever possible, because it is not only safer in the event of a collision, it helps to eliminate possible distractions.
Animals should always ride in a kennel or a crate whenever possible. This also helps eliminate possible distractions and can keep animals calmer.
If a crate or kennel is not possible then a pet seatbelt can be substituted. A pet seatbelt will help protect an animal in the event of a collision.
Dogs should not travel with their heads out the window. They can be struck by debris or even fall or jump out.
Animals should always be collared, tagged, and chipped, so that they are easier to find if they do escape the car.
Animals should never be left unattended in a vehicle. A vehicle can quickly get to unsafe temperatures (hot or cold) in any weather.

Ford and the Humane Association are working with Fido Friendly magazine on a campaign called Get Your Licks on Route 66 to help drive home the pet safety point.

Buyers interested in finding a new pet-friendly Ford can visit Arlington Heights Ford at 801 W. Dundee Rd. in Arlington Heights, IL. Arlington Heights Ford is a leading Chicagoland Ford dealer (http://www.ahford.com/page/locationhours2-masterpage/mast...) providing new and used vehicles along with maintenance and repair services.