ICBC and BC SPCA have issued a reminder for drivers to secure pets while they’re in the vehicle.
As the summer heightens, the roads get busier and so do our lives—which is why pet safety can sometimes be overlooked amid the excitement and trip preparations.
A curious pet can become a hazard to you and others on the road if they’re not properly tethered or harnessed in.
In order to avoid any unpredictable pet behaviour becoming a danger to themselves, you, or other people sharing the roads, ICBC and BC SPCA have provided some tips.
If you use a harness or safety belt, ensure it fits correctly and is easy to put on. Dogs should still be able to sit, stand or lie down without sliding around whenever you break or turn.
Crates should be crash-tested, and securable by using a seatbelt, cargo hook or placing it flush against the rear seats. Consider a crate, or having your pet in the back as opposed to up-front in the passenger seat.
If you drive a pick-up truck, it’s illegal and dangerous to leave dogs loose in the truck bed. Back in May of this year, a distressing moment was caught on dashcam, showing a dog falling out of a moving pick-up truck into a busy downtown Victoria intersection.
The incident happened as a white truck turned left from Blanshard Street onto Pandora Avenue.
In the video, first shared on Reddit, a dog can be seen with its head out of the rear passenger window. As the driver accelerates through the turn, the dog is flung from the vehicle, landing on the road and limping away in clear distress.
The owner of the dog eventually pulled over to retrieve the dog, however, it’s unknown if the dog suffered any serious injuries.
Related:
In addition to safety, bring plenty of water, food, toys and bedding to keep your pet comfortable, especially for those long road trips. Don’t forget to get out and stretch every once in a while!
Also, while it can be nice to allow your dog to feel the wind in their fur, it’s recommended that you keep your windows shut to avoid injury.
Last, but not least, don’t leave animals alone in a parked vehicle. BC SPCA says that even in the shade with the windows cracked, a car can heat up quickly and cause heatstroke or worse.
“They trust us with everything, from belly rubs to big adventures,” said Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC road safety manager.
“When we bring our pets along for the ride, it’s our job to make sure they’re safe and secure. It’s a simple act of love that also keeps everyone else in the vehicle out of harm’s way.”
For more information on how to travel safely with your pet, visit the BC SPCA website.
Stay safe out there and make sure your furry co-pilots are, too.
