SAFETY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES AT CRUFTS TO PROTECT 3.5 MILLION DOGS

An estimated 3.5 million dogs are in danger on UK roads, when owners drive with their dog’s head sticking out of the car window.

Safer Inside, a dog safety campaign launched today at Crufts by Tavo Pets, Vet Surgeon Dr Scott Miller and Dog Behaviourist Adem Fehmi, reveals that 26 per cent of UK motorists who own a dog admit to travelling with their dog in this critically unsafe way. The campaign aims to raise awareness and change behaviour.

Dr Scott Miller explains: “It’s a familiar sight on the UK’s roads, but a dog with its head sticking out of the car window, is at risk of eye-abrasions, debris or worse, jumping or falling from the moving car. Tavo’s research revealed why owners are putting their dog at risk and the most shocking to me was a combined 48 per cent weren’t even thinking about the welfare of their dog at all. 28 per cent do it because they think it looks cute, and 20 per cent because pedestrians enjoy it. That’s an estimated 1.5 million dogs being put in direct danger purely for ‘entertainment’.”

The Tavo Safer Inside research also revealed that of those who allow their dog to travel in this way, 71 per cent claim the dog enjoys it, 70 per cent do it to give the dog fresh air and 43 per cent believe it puts the dog at ease.

Expert dog behaviourist Adem Fehmi explains why this might not be the case. “Dog behaviour is complex. Whilst some owners might think that a dog panting, with its head out of the window, is a sign that they are enjoying the fresh air, panting can in fact be a sign of stress. Sitting inside a crash tested carrier, inside the vehicle is the best option for creating security and a calm and happy dog.”

Lucy MacLeod, Borough Commander, Hammersmith & Fulham, London Fire Brigade offers a sobering perspective from the emergency services: “As firefighters we attend road traffic collisions across the country every day, and we unfortunately see the consequences when pets aren’t safely restrained in vehicles. As a dog handler and rescue specialist, I understand more than most how important it is to keep dogs properly secured when travelling.

“When we arrive at incidents the environment is loud, chaotic and stressful. Even the calmest well-trained dog can panic or react unpredictably around flashing lights, noise and unfamiliar people. This creates additional risks for emergency responders and members of the public alike. Keeping dogs safely secured inside the vehicle helps protect them, protects the people travelling with them, and allows us to carry out rescues safely.”

Tavo is leading safe pet travel with its range of occupant crash‑tested pet car seats, carriers and crates. Meeting the latest R129 United Nations ECE child restraint standards, these car seats use the vehicle’s integrated ISOFIX system to prevent rotation and provide maximum protection in the event of a collision.

The Safer Inside campaign builds on Tavo’s global initiative, Imagine the Impact, which calls for greater awareness of the dangers of unsecured pets in vehicles.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Sources

• Tavo commissioned report by OnePoll: 31st January to 6th February 2025. 2,000 UK respondents who own dogs and drive cars.
• Dogs Trust estimate of 13.5m pet dogs in the UK.

Tavo Pets for more information visit www.tavopets.com/uk

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