Subaru UK highlights the importance of safety when travelling with dogs

Subaru UK is marking ‘National Walk Your Dog Day’ by organising a test drive event with a difference: you can bring your dog along, too.

A new national survey conducted by Subaru UK found that while 80% of dog owners’ car purchasing decisions were driven by their pet’s needs, only 20% had tried out a car with their dog before buying. Subaru UK is looking to equip customers with the tools to make more informed buying decisions, taking their dog’s requirements into account.

Over the course of the campaign, Subaru’s dog-friendly retail network will offer guests, both human and canine, the opportunity to try out the latest Subaru models and see if they pass muster for both parties. Subaru’s ‘safe, tough and fun’ model lineup has long had a loyal following among dog owners who value the range’s go-anywhere ability, practicality and award-winning durability.

The fun initiative also has a serious goal: educating the public on how to legally and responsibly transport dogs in cars – a critical but often overlooked area of road safety. Subaru UK commissioned a survey of UK dog-owning drivers across all vehicle brands to establish their practices and behaviours when transporting their dogs. It revealed that a significant proportion were unaware of the basic laws and best safety practices surrounding transporting dogs in their vehicles, and that more needs to be done to urgently close this knowledge gap.

Lorraine Bishton, Managing Director of Subaru UK & Ireland, said: “We’re pleased to launch our initiative, inviting potential customers from around the UK to visit retailers, and try out Subaru’s model range with a four-legged friend in tow. We’re looking to empower people to make more informed car-buying decisions, helping them to find a vehicle that works for them and their pet.”

“The initiative aims to shine a spotlight on the critical area of dog transport safety. Following the results of a survey we commissioned, it is clear that more needs to be done on education in this area, to ensure dog owners comply with the law, and keep pets safe when out on the road. Throughout the campaign, our knowledgeable retailers will be on hand to offer dog-transporting safety advice, a refresher on the relevant sections of the Highway Code, and a healthy supply of dog treats as well. We are determined to do our bit to drive awareness of how to keep all occupants safe, including dearly loved four-legged friends.”

The survey revealed that 1 in 5 dog owners are currently breaking the law by failing to secure their pet behind a guard or cage in the boot, or in a tethered harness when travelling in the cabin. The contravention of these laws can lead to a £5000 fine and can invalidate a driver’s car insurance – something that a third of dog owners surveyed were not aware of.

Additionally, a third of respondents were unaware of the existence of crash-tested dog harnesses. A similar proportion were unaware that it was best practice to secure your dog either in a crate or behind a dog guard in the boot of an estate or SUV. Worryingly, half of those surveyed did not know it was a legal requirement to deactivate airbags when dogs are travelling in the front seat of the car; the failure to do so can put pets’ safety at risk.

The test drive opportunity will address these important elements of dog safety in an environment that is casual and fun for both owners and pets alike. Participating Subaru retailers’ staff will be on hand to offer refreshers, general advice on how to transport dogs safely and comfortably, as well as pointers on which Subaru model may be most suitable for their type and size dog, from the Outback estate and Forester SUV to the slightly more compact Crosstrek.