Precious Cargo: Pet Safety on the Road 

Two dogs in a fall setting

Can you recognize the signs of safe driving with animals? It is not an uncommon sight to see someone driving down the road with a dog perched on their lap in the front seat, its head out an open window sniffing the breeze or even a cat roaming freely in a vehicle.

But what many of these animal lovers don’t realize is that this is an unsafe habit: they are seriously endangering their pets, people in their car and fellow drivers by keeping them unrestrained. 

Lychee, Chad’s dog

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada released the 2025 results of a national survey conducted by Léger, as part of the company’s Precious Cargo campaign, that shined a light on how risky the issue is.

Precious Cargo survey finds 50 per cent of pet owners don’t restrain animals in the vehicle 

According to the survey, 84% of dog and cat owners reported travelling with their pets at least once per year, but only half of them used restraints such as harnesses attached to a seatbelt or crates. Dog owners are more likely to leave their pets unrestrained, while cat owners tend to be more cautious by keeping their pets restrained.

Safety should be the top priority when travelling with pets 

George Ljubicic, agency manager at Allstate’s Kitchener Waterloo branch, admits he understands why many pet owners hesitate to use a crate or seatbelt restraint. As a Tonkinese cat owner himself, he knows how heart‑wrenching it can be to hear a pet protest.

Close up on a cat
Hattie, Alanna’s cat

Still, he stresses that car safety for pets must come first.

 “The principal concern that we have with pets roaming freely is that it’s a distraction to the driver.” Ljubicic says. “They could injure the occupants or themselves in a tight manoeuvre or an accident, and a frightened or injured pet can also be a danger to first responders, paramedics and firefighters.”

Ljubicic adds that restraint is a form of tough love. Even if his children don’t like seeing the family pet upset in a carrier, it’s the safest choice.

“With the kids, you have to explain to them that the cat’s going to be fine.” he says. “This protects them and us when we take her to the doctor to make sure she’s healthy. Safety is paramount. And if you love the pet, you’ll want to put them safely into the car, with their favourite toy and water on hand, for long trips especially.”

What are the safest restraint options for pets?

Seatbelt harnesses, mesh barriers, or nets installed in the rear of the car to prevent pets from moving to the front, along with crates or carriers, are different forms of restraints available that help reduce risks. 

It’s good to do some research to see what might be the best option, although Dr. Karen Ward, chief veterinary officer at the Toronto Humane Society, says there’s a lack of peer-reviewed literature on the safest devices for pets. 

“When you look at safety devices, they won’t all be equal efficacy. So, was there some kind of third-party testing done on this and can they show that, in simulated crashes, did this prove to lessen the opportunities for injury?”

Two dogs sitting in the backseat of a car, safely restrained with a harness.
Tigger and Alfie, Nonna’s dogs

The Center for Pet Safety, for instance, has done testing on harnesses, she says. The organization’s website also lists the products it has certified and offers tips on pet safety.  

“I think being a thoughtful consumer and just investigating to assure yourself that what you’re doing really is going to be a benefit for your animal, whether that’s a seat belt or whether that’s restraining them in a crate or something like that, is important.” Dr. Ward says.

Train your pet to get accustomed to car rides

Finding the right type of restraint for a vehicle is just half of the equation. Animals’ behaviour will change depending on the environment, and riding in a vehicle can be stressful, so some care should be put into getting the pet used to it. 

Close up of a dog sitting on a couch
Mr Beans, Cody’s dog

“Any time we are thinking about doing something new and different with our animals, we want to try to do that in a way that is going to be comfortable and safe and happy for them,” Dr Ward says. “We want to train them to accept going in a carrier or wearing a harness or anything like that, so that it is a positive thing for them.”

The Toronto Humane Society has an article on training a cat to love its carrier, as an example. 

“Get that animal used to it so that they are happily letting you put the harness on them, or happily walking into their carrier, so that they are in a stress-free space for them.” Dr. Ward says.

More tips for pet safety in vehicles 

Having a pet properly restrained in a vehicle is important, but there are also other safety tips to keep in mind.  

  • When utilizing a carrier, ensure it is well-ventilated and firmly secured to avoid sliding or tipping during abrupt stops, which helps in preventing symptoms of motion sickness.  
  • Never leave a pet alone in a hot, parked car as temperatures inside can rise quickly and be lethal. Similarly, don’t leave a pet in the cold.  
  • Before travelling, consult your veterinarian to ensure your pet is fit for the road. Your vet can advise on any necessary vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, or other health considerations, especially if your pet experiences motion sickness or travel-related anxiety. On longer trips, make sure your pet has plenty of water and food and regular breaks or rest.  
  • Ensure your pet has proper identification – either on a collar or through a microchip – in case they get lost.  
  • Don’t let you pet stick their head out the window, as they could be hurt by debris. 
  • Protect their health… and your peace of mind. With pet insurance, unexpected vet visits won’t catch you off guard or strain your budget during travel. Be sure to check with your insurance agent to understand the specifics of your coverage. 

Disclaimer: This blog post is for general information only and does not constitute legal, insurance, or veterinary advice. Allstate makes no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. References to third-party products, services, or websites are for convenience only and do not imply endorsement. Insurance coverage varies by provider and policy; speak to a licensed agent to understand your coverage. Quotes reflect personal opinions, not professional advice.