As a busy summer starts, Canadians are travelling to the camps, to visit family and more and they may be bringing a furry passenger or two along.
A recent survey from Allstate Insurance shows many pet owners do not keep their animals properly restrained in their vehicles – experts say that poses a danger to the driver, passengers our furry friends themselves.
A Timmins, Ont. pet trainer says making sure that pets are always fastened in is the key to a smooth drive.
Chris Garrision told CTV News that his personal ‘pet peeve’ is free-roaming dogs in a vehicle – especially ones in the driver’s lap.
“You cannot drive responsibly. If you have to make emergency maneuvers, if you have to slam on the breaks, if you’re in an accident – that airbag is coming out, the first thing it’s hitting is your dog,” he said.
“If you wouldn’t drive with a baby in your lap, don’t drive with a dog in your lap.”
According to the recent survey about 47 per cent of pet owners in Canada are playing fast and loose with canine car safety as they do not restrain their animals while driving.
“Sixty-seven per cent of Canadians now own pets and- based on the survey- and, you know, we don’t want anything to happen to our pets, we want to keep them safe,” said Gene Myles of Allstate Insurance.
Myles said a loose pet is distracting – and in the event of a collision, not only is it unprotected, but it can slam into others, potentially harm first responders out of fear or even run away.
Pet safety experts recommend using well-secured carriers and for larger pets, doing away with the collar.
“We want to make sure that we have a nice, robust harness,” said Garrision.
“There’s a number of crash-tested harnesses out on the market.”
He said you can connect the harness to a seatbelt and maybe give your pet one of its favourite toys and you’re ready to hit the road.
Officials with Allstate Insurance suggest providing pets with plenty of water, making frequent stops on longer trips and making sure you have the animal’s documentation on hand.
Pet trainers said it is good practice to get pets used to being in the car and to reward good behavior – Myles credited this as the reason his four-legged friend Dave always follows travel etiquette and is happy to be fastened in.
The goal for everyone traveling – human or not – is for everyone to have a safe and fun trip.
Pet owners are also reminded to never leave pets in a hot vehicle or alone in a vehicle for an extended period of time.
A dog left in a car on a hot summer day. (File Photo/BC SPCA)
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