As Canadians prepare for one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is warning pet owners that letting animals roam free in vehicles could put both lives and insurance claims at risk.
A new Allstate survey found that while 84% of dog and cat owners take pets on the road at least once annually, only 50% use restraints such as seatbelt-attached harnesses (12%) or crates (32%). Nearly half, 47%, said their pets would be unprotected in a collision.
The data showed dog owners are more likely to leave pets unrestrained, with 61% admitting they do so, compared with 37% of cat owners.
“An unrestrained pet in a moving vehicle is a hazard to everyone inside,” said Odel Laing, agency manager at Allstate Canada. “In a sudden stop or crash, they can be thrown across the cabin or ejected from the car. They can also distract drivers or hinder emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury and complicating insurance claims.”
The insurer stressed that in the aftermath of a collision, if an unrestrained pet contributed to the cause, policyholders could face disputes or delays in claims settlements.
Allstate recommends securing pets in ventilated carriers, crash-tested harnesses, or pet seat belts suited to their size and weight, ensuring these are connected to the seatbelt system rather than a collar.
Pets should never be left alone in parked cars, where temperatures can rise dangerously, and long trips should be planned with water, medication, proof of vaccination, and regular rest stops. Updated ID tags and microchip details are essential in case a pet is lost, and owners should consult a veterinarian for travel-related motion sickness or anxiety.
The company also highlighted pet insurance as a safeguard for unexpected veterinary expenses during travel. Reviewing policy coverage ahead of a trip can help protect both the animal’s health and the owner’s finances if an accident occurs.
