Traveling with pets? Keep them secured, says ICBC and BC SPCA

ICBC and the BC SPCA are reminding drivers of the importance of keeping four-legged passengers secure this summer.

“Many drivers consider a pet as part of their family,” said BC SPCA Manager of Animal Welfare Kim Monteith.

“As with any loved one that rides in your vehicle, it’s important to take steps to keep your dog or cat seated, secure and safe during every drive.”

ICBC and the BC SPCA say it’s important to ensure pets are secure in a harness, a safety belt or a crate in the back seat.

According to the two organizations, it’s also illegal and dangerous to travel with an unsecure pet in the exterior of the truck. They say if you have to transport a pet in the back of a truck, the safest way to do so is with a secured crate in the centre of a truck box.

They add while it’s tempting to let a dog hang its head out of a window while driving, this can lead to eye injuries due to weather, heavy wind, as well as flying debris or objects coming close to the vehicle.

They also say that if you’re not in the vehicle, you’re pet shouldn’t be either as vehicles can heat up quickly in warm temperatures.

“They trust us with everything, from belly rubs to big adventures,” said ICBC Road Safety Manager Kathleen Nadalin.

“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 harms way.”