Road Safety for Pets

In Collaboration with Woodgreen Animal Charity

Cat outside, looking alarmed

"Here at Woodgreen we strive to keep pets safe and happy. We want to focus on how we can help pets and their people!"

It’s estimated that 80,000 dogs and 200,000 cats are killed on our roads every year. Pets near roads can be dangerous but there are lots of things we can do to protect our pets from harm.

What should I do if I am in a road traffic accident involving a pet?

  • Stop your vehicle
  • Inform the police immediately
  • Stay on the scene
  • Exchange your name and address with the owners of vehicles and pet/s.
  • Have pet insurance to protect your pet, your pocket and any third-party damages.

Cats

Cats can be hard to keep away from road traffic accidents but there are some things we can do to keep our cats closer to home and easier to spot.

  • Create the perfect home for your cat, if they have everything they need at home they are less likely to stray. Access to fresh food and water, scratching posts, litter trays and lots of comfy spots and hiding places.
  • Make sure your cat is microchipped and it is up to date.
  • Pet insurance is an easy way to protect your cat and yourself.
  • To keep your cat as safe as possible try to call them indoors at night and a reflective collar will help in the darker days during the year.
  • Cats love to explore but hormones can send them wild and makes them venture much further than they normally would do to find a mate. Roaming far can mean cats get lost or injured. To prevent them wandering off, neutering is something that’s worth considering! Contact us if you need support or advice on making the neutering decision.

Dogs

There's lots of different ways to help keep your dogs safe around roads, for example:

We would always recommend a well-fitting, Y fronted harness with a strong and sensible length lead.

  • Try to avoid walking equipment that tightens around the neck or body
  • Headcollars are also ok, but never with a flexi or long line!
  • In the dark make your dog clearly visible with put something reflective or a flashing light

4 in every 1000 dogs were involved in a road traffic accident last year

The first step to having a safe experience around roads with your dog is training!

Recall is essential, so practice away from roads with a loose lead, saying their name clearly and rewarding with yummy treats.

We recommend a qualified dog trainer to guide you if you’re struggling. Check a trainer is registered with an organisation like the Institute of Modern Dog Training, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers or IntoDogs and using safe, kind and science backed training methods.

If you or your dog are struggling - we can help. Join our Behaviour and Training Specialists for a range of free workshops that will give you a deeper understanding of your dog! https://woodgreen.org.uk/events/

The Highway Code states "When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.”

We recommend car harnesses, crates or dog guards. A loose dog in the car isn’t just a risk to the dog but drivers, passengers and road users too. Just like you would with a child, provide the correct safety equipment and some entertainment; A Kong chew or toy can help keep dogs distracted and happy on long journeys.

If you’d like some free advice about keeping your pet safe or chat to our training and behaviour specialists contact us:

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© 2024
Vision Zero Partnership
Email
road.safety@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
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