Southern Cross Pet Insurance and the SPCA are calling on pet owners to keep their animals safe every time they take them in a vehicle, particularly in the lead up to the school holidays.
The two organisations, which have been working in partnership since 2015 to promote responsible pet ownership, are making the plea because Southern Cross Pet Insurance has paid 16 claims over the past two years for pets being injured while in vehicles. Two of those claims involved dogs falling out of cars, each costing more than $3000 in vet treatment.
SPCA Chief Executive Andrea Midgen encourages all animal owners to take their pet’s safety and happiness into consideration before going on any trip.
“All animals should be transported in a way that ensures their physical wellbeing. We suggest dog owners use a secured and safe crate, and cat owners keep them contained in a carry cage,” Midgen says.
“If you’re heading out of town, make sure you stop every two or three hours for your animal to stretch, toilet and drink.
“Some pets find travel stressful, or can even suffer from motion sickness during a car ride. In these cases, the SPCA suggests owners seek advice from their veterinarian on how to ease their pet’s worries before making travel plans.”
Southern Cross Pet Insurance General Manager Anthony McPhail says people don’t think twice about making sure their children are wearing seatbelts and our furry friends deserve the same.
“If you’re taking your pet on a road trip you can keep them safe and avoid thousands of dollars in vet bills by ensuring your furry family member is safely secured in a moving vehicle,” McPhail says.
“Nobody wants to have their holiday spoiled by having their beloved pet injured. Pet insurance is another safety measure for the things you can’t predict, especially since there’s no public health system for animals.”
Top tips for transporting your pets:
ENDS
Notes to editors: Southern Cross Pet Insurance and the SPCA have been partners since 2015. Southern Cross Pet Insurance’s six weeks’ free puppy and kitten cover is offered during the SPCA adoption process, and the organisations collaborate on a number of projects. Southern Cross Pet Insurance is the SPCA’s preferred pet insurer.
Customer enquiries, feedback and complaints.