Oregon Coast Authorities Offer Tips on Safe Vehicle Travel with Your Pet

Published 06/05/26 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) - With many visitors bringing pets along for trips to the Oregon coast, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is urging drivers to take extra precautions to keep animals safe on the road.

“Drivers and passengers alike know the importance of wearing their seatbelt when riding in a vehicle,” the agency said. “Next time you take your pet with you, make sure they are just as safe.”

Deputies say one of the most common hazards involves dogs riding loose in the open bed of a pickup. Even well-trained animals can fall or jump from a moving vehicle. Oregon law requires dogs to be secured by a carrier or other restraint when transported on the exterior of a vehicle. A carrier or cage is preferred, but if a leash is used, it must be short enough to prevent the dog from going over the side. A two-point restraint is recommended to keep the animal from being thrown during sudden stops or collisions.

Inside the vehicle, officials warn that allowing a pet to sit on a driver’s lap creates a significant distraction and increases the risk of a preventable crash. The sheriff’s office notes that pet-specific restraints compatible with standard seatbelts are widely available online and in stores.

Watch your pets around cliff areas – and do not let them run off near drop-offs. Oregon Coast Beach Connection caught this heart-wrenching scene of a dog that had to be fished out of Depoe Bay's rough waters after accidentally falling in.

Owners are also encouraged to keep collars and ID tags on their pets and ensure licenses are current. Updated contact information can speed reunification if a pet becomes lost during a crash or other separation.

Deputies recommend packing emergency supplies as well, including extra food and water, in case travelers encounter delays or severe weather.

“Our pets love to be on the go with us,” the sheriff’s office said. “Show them how much you care by always considering their safety when you take them on the road.”

Information courtesy Lincoln County Sheriff's Office.

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