Dog in car safety question

[Rock'n Robin]

I know this sounds weird, but I figure someone would know here! We just got a 2002 Trailblazer. We've had a van before. I have 3 kids. The oldest is 11 and about 105 pounds. The other two are 8 and almost 5. The 5 year old still needs a booster seat.
When I pick up my son at my mom's after school (I teach), they usually have picked up my golden retriever as well. He is used to just hopping in the back seat of the van with my oldest, or even laying in between the seats in the middle row.
In the trailblazer, should I put him in the front seat, or let the oldest ride in the front (I think she meets federal standards), or try to get him to lay in the back behind the seat? It is NOT a 3rd row seat model. For dog or oldest child, I will move the passenger seat as back as far as I can.
I'd like to keep the kids in the back as much as I can--although one night a week I carpool to dance and the oldest will be in front then anyhow.
As for now, however, I am worried about my dog and that airbag--you never know what might happen--any suggestions?
Robin M.

 

[goofy4tink]

Hi Rock'n Robin. We have a mini-van at the moment. We used to have our golden lie on the floor in front of the third seat. However....for about a year now he just curls up on the floor at my dd's feet. He pops up if we stop and then lies back down. I would try to keep them all in the back seat. My dd, 9, is just about tall enough to be in the front seat too, but I'm like you..just not so comfortable with that. I would try on the floor, in front of that second seat, at your kid's feet. Good luck.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I always have the dogs riding in a travel crate that is always in the minivan. They really aren't safe loose in a vehicle no matter where they are. They become a missle in an accident.

 

[rae519]

We have a safety harness for our Shepherd/Goldie mix (55 lbs) and use that either in the passenger seat or first row of the Montana (mini van).

IF you are in an accident, animals can be very confused, disoriented, injured and run away from the vehicle (which they see as the cause) - the safety harness protects both passengers and the animal.

I also want to stress the microchip - for under $20.00 it's an investment if you lose your animal.

Rae