Tavo Pets is working to improve understanding on pet travel after it found that 59% of motorists in the UK have travelled with their pet unrestrained, 43% with a dog on their lap and a quarter with their dog sticking its head out of the window. In the 18-24 age category, nearly half have allowed this because ‘it looks cute’.
With a third of motorists claiming to have never received advice about travelling safely with their pet but over half calling on the police to be more vigilant, Tavo Pets launches Imagine the Impact: Shaping the Road Ahead for Pet Safety, a global campaign to raise awareness on the realities of travelling with unrestrained pets and change behaviour.
UK Pet Industry Support
Tavo Pets is being joined by The Royal Kennel Club, road safety charity RoSPA, care charity Pets as Therapy, and Tavo's global ambassadors – vet surgeon Dr. Scott Miller, and canine behaviourist and trainer Adem Fehmi.
Dr Scott Miller commented: “In a 30mph crash, an unrestrained pet can become a projectile with a force 30 to 60 times its body weight. That’s equivalent to a Cocker Spaniel taking on the same force as a Polar Bear.
"You don’t want to imagine the injuries I see caused by dogs not being securely fastened in cars. Whiplash injuries, torn nails, dislodged teeth and fractures can occur when your pet is flung around the car. I have witnessed too many of these injuries resulting in the pet dying. Many people wouldn’t think twice about smashing a window for a dog in a hot car. Well, the moment the penny drops and you realise you have been putting your pet in serious danger, you won’t do it again.”
Adem Fehmi, dog behaviourist and expert in pet anxiety added: “Over half of the owners who allow their pets to travel on laps say it puts their pet at ease. In fact, the opposite could be true putting added pressure and stress on the dog reacting to external factors. Dogs who are allowed to place their heads out of the window can have catastrophic consequences. I’m working to raise awareness that what many people think looks ‘cute’, can end in tragedy.”
Adding further perspective Caitlin Taylor, Road Safety Manager, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA): “People don’t think they’ll be involved in a collision, until they are. 40% of motorists in and around the UK admit to having been distracted by their dog while driving. They don’t truly appreciate how dangerous it can be if your dog is not restrained, or how dangerous distraction can be.”
Head to Tavo Pets for more information on how to travel legally and safely with your pets, and view Tavo Pets award winning pet car seats.
