Celebrating Pets of the Bronco Nation

Happy National Love Your Pet Day to all our favorite Bronco Nation pets.

We’ve seen their photos in the forum and met some of them at Bronco Nation events — so it only seems fitting we celebrate them on this day (and every day, really!). National Love Your Pet Day is observed February 20th of every year, and is a time for pet lovers everywhere to show some extra TLC and appreciation for the furry friends who enrich our lives every day.

Treat your four-legged friend to their own Bronco Gear, like the YETI® Boomer 8 Dog Bowl.
Great for everyday use at home or perfect to pack for road trip, this 8-cup dog bowl is a very popular item with Bronco Nation pet owners. Order yours now in the gear store, and keep them hydrated or filled with favorite treats… while letting everyone know they’re a Bronco buddy. And great news, we’re working on some additional merch for our Bronco Nation pets. Watch for it to hit the gear store in the future.

Driving with your dog? Keep them safe.

Obviously keeping our pets safe on the road starts with us being mindful and practicing good driving habits every time we get behind the wheel of our Broncos. Combine that with simple preventative measures like properly positioning and restraining your pets, and you can help avoid injuries or dangerous situations.

• Keep dogs in the back seat. While the idea of them up front sounds fun (in the passenger set or on your lap), it can be very distracting for you and passersby. Not to mention, your pet will be at risk of being severely injured if an airbag ever goes off.
• Pets should always be restrained. With a pet harness or tether, a pet carrier, or in a crate. If using a harness, choose one that’s the right size and easy to put on the dog. If using a crate, tether it to ensure it is secure, as non-tethered crates can shift around while driving during sudden stops, sharp turns, steep inclines, and more.
• Beware of the windows. We all know how much those dogs love to put their head out the window and feel the breeze in their fur as you cruise in the Bronco, but it’s truly something to avoid/minimize.  Not only can they fall out of the window, they can get hit by something, get flying debris in their mouth and eyes — they can even be stung by a bee. Plus, it can be distracting to you the driver… and passengers on the road.
• Lock your windows and child-lock your doors. This is especially important if your dog is not restrained or in a crate. Our four-legged friends are smart and resourceful, we don’t want the unthinkable to happen while we’re driving.
• Know and follow pet-driving laws in your area. You may be surprised. Hawaii has a law banning pets from riding in the driver’s lap. And in New Jersey, for example, a law went into effect in 2012 that says driving with unrestrained pets in a vehicle is an animal cruelty law violation. Those are the extreme, but better to be safe than sorry!
• Never leave your dog unattended in the car.  Seems obvious, but it’s an important reminder, especially in hot weather. Even if your dog has water, the temperature inside a closed car rises very fast.

A great source is fellow members of the Bronco Nation community. Bronco Nation members love their dogs, and love to travel with them. I came across this earlier Bronco Nation forum post, and it was interesting to read member’s comments about their personal experiences traveling with their pets. Sharing ideas with one another can be a great way to support others and get ideas for your own future pet journeys. Like [USER=14377]@Big Papa[/USER]: “I have an 80lb Black Lab. She loves riding with me. So, I put down both back seat backs. Then I put her in her harness and using a child seat seat-strap, I buckle her into the post on the back of the seat. This way…if I hit the brakes/gas she's not going anywhere.”

Be in the know before heading out.

While I think it’s safe to say that we are a very pet-friendly society, there are rules and regulations that are important to know anytime you hit the road. Whether it’s taking your dog to the local beach or packing the Bronco for a family road trip, these guidelines are there to keep your pet controlled and the people they encounter safe. Here are just a few things to consider: 

• Always clean up after your dog. Keep an eye on your pup and respect others by cleaning up anytime your dog handles their business or stops for a snack.
• Know the laws of the leash. Most places require dogs to be kept on leashes at all times. However certain locations may have designated times of day (early morning-late evening) or seasonal specifications (between Labor Day–March) that allow them off leash. These rules will obviously vary by location, so check before you go.
• Are they welcome? While we love our pets and think they are amazing, there some places pets just aren’t welcome. There are some beaches and parks, for example, that never permit dogs. There are some, however, that allow them in a designated area. Many retail locations welcome pets, but not all. Most National Parks welcome dogs in limited areas (and not on most hiking trails). Wherever your adventure takes you, make sure your pet is able to join the fun.
• Confirm lodging details. There are plenty of pet-friendly hotels, resorts, and Airbnb locations, which is awesome. However, some may charge an additional fee, have size restrictions, crate requirements, and more. Many of these same considerations may apply to campgrounds along your route, too.
• Is your pet covered? If you have pet insurance, great. If not, this may be something to consider as an added protection for your pet. And if you don’t have/want specific pet insurance, take a look at your auto insurance policy. Some companies might offer some type of coverage.

Is the Bronco, or driving in general, new to your pet? The American Kennel Club says even dogs that act calm and obedient at home may be startled or act differently in new situations that frighten or stress them out. They recommend “slowly introducing dogs to new situations like being in the car, or staying over at a friend’s house or hotel. Start by practicing in short sessions and then gradually increasing the time from there.” I remember when my mom first took her dog for rides in the car – even just to the vet – and the poor thing shook and panted from being so nervous. Gradually he got used to it and became a more relaxed passenger as they took him in the car more often.

Man’s best friend, and valued Bronco Nation members. 

Let them jump into the Bronco for a fun evening ride, take them to their favorite park or hit up a dog run, indulge them with a special treat (in their Bronco YETI bowl!), surprise them with a new toy, or pamper them with a bath to keep them looking their best. However you choose to celebrate National Love Your Pet Day, we hope you and your trusted companion have a great time.

Have a favorite photo of your pet and your Bronco? Have some helpful hints or recommendations for driving with your pet? Share it with Bronco Nation members below!