Whether you’re transporting a canine team, an officer or another security force member, there are many factors to consider. These include safety, comfort and visibility.
For the best experience, K9 transport vehicles should be upfit with these priorities. These upfit features help keep your teams safe, comfortable and visible.
Safety First
Whether you’re moving to a new home or on a long road trip, your dog must stay safe. The problem is that most vehicles are designed for human safety rather than canine protection, so it takes extra precautions to ensure your pet’s safety during a car journey.
According to Lindsey Wolko, founder of the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), three primary car restraints can keep your pet safe in the back of a vehicle: carriers and crates, car seats and safety harnesses. The best option for K9 transport is to keep your dog in a carrier or crate secured to the car using bungee cords or strapped in with the seat belt.
In addition, make sure your dog’s carrier or crate is large enough to fit its head. A car crate that’s too small can lead to severe injuries or even death.
A good K9 handler should be able to tell you how to safely transport your dog in a vehicle without putting your dog at risk. They’ll also be able to help you choose the correct safety restraints for your pet.
One of dog owners’ most common concerns about bringing their pets on long road trips is how to protect them from distractions and collisions. Several options can help you keep your dog safer while traveling.
Comfort
You can only get a little better than a canine on patrol regarding safety and security. They work just as hard as their human counterparts, yet they often perform duties in remote locations. They’re also expected to perform at a moment’s notice.
They spend long hours in their vehicles, and it’s essential to make sure they remain comfortable. Thankfully, Havis offers several upfit products that can help keep your police dogs happy and healthy.
One of the best ways to do this is to provide them with more than just a roof rack for their gear. A custom-fitted K9 insert for sedans and SUVs will ensure the dog is a sight to behold and a comfort zone to boot.
For a more thorough investigation of this topic, read our K9 safety brochure or contact your nearest Havis location. Our representatives will be more than happy to discuss all of the details. Hopefully, you’ll find the solution to your K9 transportation needs. The more you can do for your canine partners, the more they can help you and your community. Thank you for your time and consideration!
Visibility
Regarding safe and secure K9 transport, visibility is an essential factor. The ability to see is a skill that requires training and experience.
Weather conditions can affect visibility. Fog, mist or haze can reduce it to almost zero, making driving dangerous.
Visibility can also be impacted by the time of day. Nighttime visibility is usually higher than during the day because of the contrast between light and dark.
This is especially true when observing celestial objects like the Moon. Moreover, a clear sky helps to increase visibility because it allows you to see more of the Earth.
In meteorology and astronomy, visibility is measured as the distance from which an object can be seen clearly. In the astronomical field, it is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem and is measured from an elevated observation point to the Earth’s surface.
Meteorological visibility is reported within surface weather observations and METAR code, in meters or statute miles depending on the country. Geodetic visibility is a similar calculation, but it considers the Earth’s curvature.
Regarding K9 transport, visibility is essential for safety reasons and the ability for other drivers to perceive a driver’s presence on the road. It also impacts how easily a K9 can move through and around the vehicle.
Security
Regarding K9 transport, security is more than just protecting the dog. It can also include ensuring the safety of the handler and other passengers.
During their training, canines are taught to detect explosives and narcotics. They can also deter threats and help protect people, property and infrastructure.
According to industry officials and security experts, as the transportation security Administration begins to impose new rules for screening air cargo on passenger flights, interest in deploying K-9 teams has spiked. The bomb detector dogs can help e-commerce retailers, freight forwarders, and all-cargo airlines comply without hiring new employees or significantly changing their processes.
While some K-9 teams are screening cargo at all-cargo carriers, others will only screen if they get certified under the TSA’s current program. The former head of TSA’s air cargo division, Doug Brittin, said the agency needs to update its guidelines, so companies know what they’ll need to do to be able to provide the services.
