RACE Foundation Calls for Regulation on Pet Transport in Vehicles

With over 11 million pets in Spanish households—more than 85% of which are dogs and cats—the need to ensure their safety and that of other passengers during road trips has become more apparent than ever. However, a recent study by the RACE Foundation and Babyauto highlights a concerning reality: widespread ignorance about how pets should travel in vehicles.

According to the report, based on over 1,200 driver surveys, 70% of pet owners express difficulties in understanding the current regulations or even admit to being completely unaware of them. This lack of information results in 4% acknowledging that they transport their animals loose, an extremely dangerous action, as in a 50 km/h impact, the animal's weight multiplies by 30.

Despite the General Traffic Regulations requiring drivers to maintain full control of the vehicle and avoid interference from passengers or objects—including animals—there is no clear or specific regulation on approved animal restraint systems. This ambiguity leaves a crucial road safety issue to personal discretion.

Among those surveyed, 3 out of 4 transport their pets in a non-recommended manner, either due to the type of system used or their location within the vehicle. Although 61% believe the devices used are supposedly approved, there are currently no official safety standards to support this.

In this regard, the RACE Foundation considers it essential to legislate the mandatory securing of pets in vehicles, establishing clear regulations and approvals for restraint systems. To this end, the entities conducting the study will carry out information and awareness campaigns to address this current situation.

The study emphasizes the need to face this new mobility reality responsibly. In an increasingly "pet-friendly" country, safety must evolve at the same pace as the integration of pets into our lives. "It's not just about animal welfare, but the safety of all occupants. An improperly secured animal in a car can cause an accident or worsen its consequences," they state from the RACE Foundation.

- Prepare what the pet might need: up-to-date vaccination card, documentation, and mandatory tests if travelling abroad.

- Include their usual items (feeder, drinker, brush, toys, etc.).

- If using public transport modes, be aware of possible restrictions.

- Make stops every two hours so the pet can go out.

- When taking the pet out of the vehicle (in the case of a dog), ensure it is held on a leash, as it may exit uncontrollably and could be run over or cause an accident.

- Hydrate the pet at each stop and take it for a walk.

- Keep the interior well-climatized during the journey.

- Always keep the pet securely restrained.

- Never let the animal loose in the vehicle, as it poses a risk to itself and other occupants.

- Never leave your pet locked in the vehicle.