According to a new ICBC survey, the majority of pet owners who take them for car rides, do not secure their pets.
Data from the survey found that more than half (57 per cent) of B.C. drivers have travelled with a pet in their car in the last year.
Of those, only approximately one-third (36 per cent) have actually secured their pets with a restraint.
Nearly two-thirds of those who responded to the ICBC survey, admitted they do not always use restraints.
ICBC states that by not restraining pets in cars, drivers are “putting themselves, their passengers, and their animals at risk.”
For people who responded to the survey, 12 per cent said their pet rides on a passenger’s lap and 2 per cent stated that their pet will sometimes even sit in the driver’s lap during car rides.
There were four top reasons why people did not secure their pets – trips are usually short (39 per cent), pet is calm or well-trained (36 per cent), pet doesn’t like restraint (22 per cent), haven’t really thought about it (21 per cent).
Other respondents to the survey stated they didn’t believe restraints were necessary, 18 per cent, and others wanted their pet to be able to “stick its head out the window,” (14 per cent).
For those who do secure their pets, crates or carriers were utilized 33 per cent of the time and harnesses or seatbelt attachments were used 16 per cent of the time.
According to the survey, 24 per cent of drivers who travel with pets admitted to leaving their pets in the car, alone. Most said it was for a short time (77 per cent), the temperature was safe (70 per cent) and the window were open (66 per cent) in defense of their actions.
“Securing your pet while travelling is the first step but taking them with you when you leave your car is just as important,” said Kim Monteith, BC SPCA manager of animal welfare.
“We continue to see animals suffer needlessly when they’re left in parked vehicles—even for a few minutes. Temperatures can rise quickly, putting pets at risk of serious distress or death. Please secure your pet when driving and take your furry friend with you when you’re not. Leaving your pet at home is the kindest thing you can do when you can’t control the temperature.” The survey was conducted in May with 404 people who had driven with a pet in their vehicle answering