PET INDUSTRY UNITES TO LAUNCH PET SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT EIGHT MILLION DOGS AT RISK ON UK’S ROADS

An estimated eight million dogs are being put at risk on the UK’s roads, by ill-informed motorists who are taking unnecessary risks claims Tavo, the pet car safety specialists. Research released at Crufts yesterday (Thursday 6th March) shows a worrying trend of younger drivers taking more risks when travelling with dogs in cars.

Speaking at Crufts on the Tavo research, leading vet Dr. Scott Miller said: “Most pet owners love their dogs and cats as much as I do. As soon as the lightbulb goes off and you realise you have been putting your pet at risk, that will be the last time you make that mistake.” 

Research revealed the extent of the risks that dog-owners are taking:

• 59 percent of motorists who travel with their dogs do not restrain them in the car.
• 26 percent of motorists allow their dog to put its head out of the window, rising to 43 percent of the 18-24 age group. Of the 18-24 age group who allow dog to put heads out of windows, 38 percent do it because ‘it looks cute’, 50 percent for ‘fresh air’, 25 percent because pedestrians enjoy it.
• 43 percent of motorists let their dog sit on a lap in the car, rising to 76 percent of motorists in the 18 to 24 age group.

Dr. Scott Miller, alongside leading dog behaviourist Adem Fehmi, pet charities, retailers, insurance companies, the Kennel Club, breeders and safety experts, are supporting Tavo’s ‘Imagine the Impact’ campaign, to change pet travel behaviour and urgently save animals from needless injury.

Adding further context to the critical need to address this widespread issue, Dr. Scott Miller, continued: "I just can’t emphasise enough how vital it is to secure our pets properly while in the car. At just 30mph, an unrestrained pet can experience forces 30-60 times their own body weight in the event of a collision - that's the equivalent of a cockapoo weighing the same as a polar bear, becoming a missile inside the car. An unrestrained pet puts everyone at risk.

"As a practicing vet surgeon, I witness first-hand the devastating impact of car crash injuries on pets. From whiplash to dislodged teeth and eyes, to fractured bones, even in tragic circumstances, death. What do people think would happen to a dog if its head is out of the window in the event of a crash? Or what would happen to the human sitting with a dog on their lap? We don’t put our babies on the back seat unrestrained, then why are we doing it to our fur babies? It’s time pet safety in cars is given the same priority as human safety. The research also revealed that only 16 percent of dog owners have received safe travel advice from their veterinarian. I’m joining this campaign to spread the word and change behaviour and calling on my vet colleagues to help too."

Joining the conversation with Dr. Miller, Canine behaviourist and trainer, Adem Fehmi brings into sharp focus dog anxiety and the risk it brings inside a car: “The sounds, sights, scents and motion of a car can feel extremely alien to a dog if not introduced positively, which may elevate a dog’s stress levels. This doesn’t just affect them, if a dog is stressed it can become a distraction for drivers too. It is especially alarming that the Tavo research reveals 40% of drivers admit to being distracted by their dogs while driving. Considering that driver distraction is a leading cause of accidents, it is clear to me that addressing this issue isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential. If only 12 percent of dog-owners have received safe travel information from pet retailers, I am also calling for retailer engagement and clearer in store communication on the legal obligations around travelling with pets. Pet owners need to be guided by those they trust.”

Tavo research also revealed motorist concerns over police enforcing the law around safe pet travel and a lack of industry support in educating dog-owners:

• 61 percent think the police should be more vigilant regarding pet safety in cars.
• Two-thirds (67 percent) of motorists who own dogs believe the public is poorly informed about safe pet travel.
• 28 percent of motorists with dogs have never received advice about travelling safely with their pet.
• Less than half of motorists who travel with dogs have researched the official pet safety guidelines in the Highway Code with just under a third (30 percent) of those who haven’t researched claiming they didn’t know the guidelines existed, and another 30 percent unaware that consulting the Highway Code was necessary.

Tavo Global Marketing Director, Helen Johnson explains: “This is a global initiative for Tavo, launching first in the prestigious surroundings of Crufts, in the UK. We are thrilled to have support from so many industry figures and hope to see more pet owners start to take pet travel safety as seriously as we do.”

Tavo will initiate ‘Imagine the Impact’, in the UK with a pivotal Round Table event, drawing together a carefully curated panel of pet welfare and road safety experts, plus Dr. Scott Miller and Adem Fehmi, to examine the state of pet safety in UK vehicles and what can be done as an industry to change perception and behaviour. The group will explore actionable strategies, aiming to reduce the number of unnecessary injuries received by pets in cars.

Explore Tavo's award-winning range of impact-tested pet car seats instore or at Halfords.com.

Ends

Editors notes

SURVEY:

Two, One Poll surveys carried out between 16th – 26th July 2024 and 31st January to 6th February 2025. Each survey included 2,000 respondents in the UK who are dog owners and who drive a car.

ABOUT TAVO:

Tavo is a revolutionary pet protection brand from the makers of Nuna, created to redefine pet travel with a perfect blend of safety, style and innovation. With premium materials, timeless aesthetics, and rigorous safety testing, Tavo provides pets and their people with perfect travel experiences. Whether you're on a daily outing or an extended journey, Tavo ensures your pet travels safely anywhere. To learn more about Tavo and Nuna, visit https://tavopets.com/uk/ and https://nunababy.eu/uk

EXPERTS:

Dr Scott Miller BVSc MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon & TV Presenter 

Originally from Australia, Scott has 25 years’ experience as a clinical practicing Veterinary Surgeon. Alongside running three small animal practices in SW London, Scott is the resident Vet on ITVs This Morning. He is also featured on Bondi Vet on YouTube, and has recently published a book called Puppy Parenting. Scott is passionate about animal welfare, wildlife conservation and environmental causes, and patron of International Animal Rescue, Street Paws and Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital. Last year he visited Ukraine providing voluntary veterinary care to animals caught up in the conflict with charity Breaking the Chains. He recently started his own Youtube channel Rescue Vet.

Adem Fehmi BSc MCFBA, Canine Behaviourist & Trainer

Adem is passionate about helping people understand their dogs and vice versa. With an intuitive ability to read dogs, his modern approach bridges the communication gap between owner and dog. He owns one of the largest dog behaviour and training centres in the UK, offering both 1-2-1 and group training sessions.

Adem has appeared on TV and radio, contributing to various national newspapers and online media, including The Independent and The Mail. He has been the official Behaviourist on Channel 4 for Crufts and appeared on ITV's Love Your Weekend, BBC Breakfast, and CBBC's Blue Peter. He also attends live events like Amazon PetFest and DogFest, holding live demonstrations and expert sessions.