Most Pet Owners Unaware of Proper Car Transport Methods

Pet integration into Spanish families has been increasing in recent years, reaching a figure of 11 million, with dogs and cats accounting for more than 85%.

Society has embraced this new reality, and "pet-friendly" places, where such pets are allowed, are becoming more common.

The RACE Foundation and Babyauto conducted a national study surveying over 1,200 drivers about their knowledge of how to transport their pets, the types of restraint systems they use, and their awareness of applicable regulations.

The study's results reveal significant misinformation among pet owners regarding how to transport them in vehicles. In fact, 70% of drivers report difficulties interpreting the regulations, with some even unaware of them.

Currently, the General Traffic Regulations, in Article 18.1, state that "the driver of a vehicle is obliged to maintain their own freedom of movement, the necessary field of vision, and constant attention to driving, ensuring their own safety, that of other vehicle occupants, and other road users.

To this end, they must especially ensure the proper position is maintained by themselves and other passengers, and the correct placement of transported objects or animals to avoid interference between the driver and any of them (Article 11.2 of the articulated text)."

This freedom of arrangement inside the vehicle creates a range of possibilities for owners, who are unaware of the consequences an accident can generate for both pets and other vehicle users.

In this regard, 4% of Spanish drivers admit to having their pet loose inside the vehicle, which is the most dangerous situation in case of an accident, as at an impact of about 50 km/h, the animal's weight would multiply by 30.

Additionally, 3 out of 4 respondents demonstrate that they transport their pets (dogs or cats) unsafely, either because the restraint system used is incorrect or due to the interior location where the animal is placed.

While 61% of owners believe that the products they use to transport animals have safety approval, the reality is that there is currently no clear regulation governing the safety of these restraint systems.

For all these reasons, the lack of information and incorrect practices by owners (often due to ignorance) have prompted the RACE Foundation and Babyauto to conduct this study, aiming to educate, inform, and raise awareness among pet owners about vehicle travel with their pets.