Must-know rules on the road today – Dogster

news7g06/07/2022

4 6 minutes read

Must-know rules on the road today - Dogster

Anna Jacoby plans to hit the road with her beloved pet dog, Jack. But when planning her “work” to Denver, Colorado, she slammed on the brakes. She finds out Jack will face more scrutiny in The Mile-High City because he’s a Pit Bull. The breed is only allowed in Denver if owners pay to have their dogs assessed and allowed – this also applies to visitors.

“If you have a bully breed and you want to take a road trip in the US, you have to check the local laws,” says Anna. “It’s pretty wild.”

Breed restrictions are one of many road rules to consider before you travel with your dog, or you could end up in a dog crate.

Lawyer Jeremy Cohen from Boston Dog Lawyers said: “Not knowing the law is not an excuse for not following the law. “The law is constantly changing.”

Dog owners who break the rules have faced lawsuits, evictions, and violations. For example, disallowing your Pit Bull in Denver can result in a $999 fine and 300 days in jail.

Why you should know the law and your legal responsibilities

Each state, county, city, beach or park you and your dog visit may have its own laws and restrictions on dogs.

Jonathan Zacks quickly learned about the Big Apple’s leash laws when he took his newly adopted dog, Charley, for his first walk on a retractable leash.

Jonathan said: “I released the catch to give it a little run. “Within seconds, a neighbor yelled at me, pointing out that local law requires all dogs in New York City to be on a leash no more than 6 feet long. Sheepishly, I rolled him in and headed to the park, where I was similarly informed by the park manager. I admit I was completely unaware.”

Failure to follow leash laws anywhere in the United States can result in fines and increase the risk of dog owners’ liability.

When attorney Justin Wolfe, who represents dog bite victims, took on a new case, he researched whether the dog needed to be locked up.

Justin said: “If the dog, while breaking the leash, bites and injures someone, the owner who does not follow local leash laws will be liable for any damage suffered by the victim. .

Updated Fido vaccines and microchips

Making sure your dog is properly vaccinated will protect your best friend from diseases and protect you from problems. The rabies vaccine is required in most states. Keep documentation of your dog’s vaccinations.

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“If your dog bites someone, and you have no proof your dog has been vaccinated, what I have seen happen is that the victim is being treated for rabies exposure,” says Jeremy. “It can cost thousands of dollars and you could be stuck with the bill.”

Experts say ask your vet about other core vaccines like parvo, distemper, and site-specific immunizations for where you’re traveling.

“There are a number of areas that are at risk for certain diseases like leptospirosis, Lyme disease, or the canine infectious respiratory disease complex,” said veterinarian Lori Teller, president of the American Veterinary Association. “Vaccines are available to help prevent or reduce the severity of these diseases. See your vet at least six weeks before you depart to make sure your dog is adequately protected. ”

Many states require a veterinarian to examine your dog and issue a document certifying it as healthy. You should also feed your dog microchips. It is implanted under the skin, so it cannot fall off like a collar or tag.

“Make sure your dog’s microchip contact information is up to date,” says Jessica Simpson, senior public policy expert from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). “If you’re separated from your pets in an unfamiliar area, that could be the key to reuniting with them.”

Find a truly dog-friendly place to stay

Some hotels say they’re pet-friendly, but that doesn’t mean your stay will be like home.

When Meera Watts and her Pomeranian, Bozo, checked into a hotel, it didn’t allow dogs in bed and she couldn’t bring his food into the room.

“Sometimes hotels go a little too far with their pet policies. It really gives me a headache because my dog is used to sleeping with me in bed, and I find the dog food rule to be illogical,” says Meera.

Gigi Chow and her Yorkie, Roger Wellington, also encountered unexpected restrictions.

“Many times, I was surprised by the hotel’s policy of not allowing dogs in the room. If they are, they must be in a crib or crate that I am not traveling with. Usually, this is not in writing online at the time of booking,” says Gigi.

Gigi has now phoned the hotel and confirmed this policy via email. That’s similar to Airbnb’s advice. The company notes checking a listing’s in-house rules, contacting landlords, and asking if there are any pet restrictions.

If you’re staying with friends or family, find out if their apartment or homeowners association has breed, bark, or size regulations. (Of course, circumstances will be different if you have an emotional or service dog.)

Check in advance the rules for planes, trains and cars

In some states, it is illegal to keep an unsafe dog in the back of a pickup. (And that’s just a stupid thing.) Some states make it illegal to keep an unsecured dog in a car. Many states prohibit distracted driving, and a stray dog in your car can get you penalized for distracted driving, even if the law doesn’t specifically require you to lock your dog.

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Dr. Teller recommends using a seat belt, seat belt, or crib. “If the worst happens, and you get into a car accident, stray dogs can become rockets that fly, ricochet around the car and/or be launched through a window. This can lead to injury to people and injury or even death to pets,” she said.

If you’re flying, each airline will decide whether pets can travel in the cabin unless you have a service animal. Federal regulators no longer recognize emotional support animals as service animals on airline flights.

Smaller dogs can fly in airplane cabins. But larger dogs do carry cargo – this is somewhat of a health and safety risk for your dog. Talk to your vet and airline, and do thorough research before you book.

“Some airlines won’t allow certain breeds of dogs to fly, especially brachycephalic dogs,” says Dr. Teller. “Make sure your dog is comfortable in the kennel, especially when active. During warmer times of the year, try to avoid mid-day flying. Early morning or overnight flights are better because the ambient temperature won’t be too hot when your pet is moved to and from the plane.”

Many railroads welcome dogs but have size limits and other restrictions. For example, Amtrak allows dogs and cats, but only up to 20 pounds of the combined weight of both pets and the carrier, and your pet must be at least 8 weeks old, mess-free, odor-free and “ No need to pay attention while moving. Plus, it only allows up to five pets per train and limits the total travel time of pets to seven hours.

When it comes to traveling with your pet, it’s clear that pre-travel research is key. And Anna was relieved that she had done all her homework on Denver’s Pit Bull ordinance ahead of time. “I am a careful travel planner,” she said. “I saved myself a big trouble.”