ALMOST HALF OF CANADIANS TRAVEL WITH UNRESTRAINED PETS IN CARS: SURVEY
Source: Toronto Sun (Extract)
Posted: September 14, 2025
Whether you’re heading out on a road trip with the family or running a quick errand, it’s important not to forget about the safety of your furry companions.
With Responsible Dog Ownership Day coming up next Saturday, a new survey from Leger and Allstate Canada reveals that many pet owners may be unknowingly putting their dogs and cats at risk in their vehicles.
According to the findings, 84% of dog and cat owners travel with their pets in the car at least once a year. However, only half of them use any form of restraint. Just 12% reported using a harness attached to a seatbelt, while 32% use crates. Alarmingly, 47% admitted their pets are completely unrestrained and would be unprotected in the event of a crash.
“I wouldn’t say it’s because people don’t care about their animals,” said George Ljubicic, Agency Manager for Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “I think many simply aren’t aware of the risks. It often takes a serious incident for people to realize the importance of pet safety in the car.”
The poll also revealed a difference between dog and cat owners: 61% of dog owners said they don’t use restraints, compared to just 37% of cat owners. Ljubicic suggests this may be due to training differences or assumptions about dogs being more secure. “You often see dogs riding in the front seat. But in an accident—even a minor one—it can be dangerous, not only to the pet but also to the driver, passengers, or emergency responders if the animal reacts aggressively.”
Among those who do take safety precautions, crates are the most common method (32%), followed by harnesses (12%). Ljubicic recommends that all cats travel in crates due to their size, and for dogs, smaller breeds should also be crated while larger ones can be secured with a harness and seatbelt attachment.
The survey also found that younger Canadians, particularly those aged 18 to 34 (50%), are more likely to travel with their pets. Ljubicic added that pet insurance is worth considering for those who frequently travel with their animals: “It can help cover costs related to accidents, like surgeries or hospital stays.”