At the heart of every pet lover is the desire to keep their fur baby safe and happy, whether at home or on the road. Tavo Pets, a forward-thinking pet protection brand created by the makers of premium child car seats Nuna Baby, shares this passion and believes life is better when shared safely between people and their pets.

Tavo Pets is on a mission to reshape how Aussies think about pet safety while travelling. A recent global study, commissioned with data experts Statista, reveals some surprising and concerning insights: many pet parents are still hitting the road without properly restraining their pets.

“People don’t think they’ll be involved in a collision until it happens,” says Caitlin Taylor, Road Safety Manager at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in Edinburgh, Scotland. “Most drivers don’t fully appreciate how dangerous it can be if your dog isn’t restrained, or how much distraction pets can cause while driving.”

The study, which surveyed 5,000 pet owners across 10 countries, highlighted some eye-opening statistics from Australia:

• Over half (51%) of Aussie pet owners reported being distracted by their pet while driving in the last 12 months.
• A staggering 64% travel with their pets unrestrained, often because they believe it’s unnecessary if their pet stays calm or if the trip is short.
• Nearly one in three owners avoid restraints due to concerns that it might make their pet uncomfortable.

But the reality is far more serious. In a crash, an unrestrained pet can become a dangerous projectile, with a force 30 to 60 times its body weight. For a 15 kg dog, that could mean an impact of at least 450 kg, enough to seriously injure your pet and others in the vehicle.

Even more telling, 82% of Aussie pet owners said they travel with at least one other person in the car when their pet comes along, showing this isn’t just about pet safety, it’s a family safety issue.

“We all know the catastrophic injuries that can happen in a car accident, especially if you’re not wearing a seatbelt,” says Dr Scott Miller, Veterinary Surgeon, Tavo Pets Global Ambassador and Australian expat. “Now, imagine the same for your dog or cat. That’s why proper restraint is essential.”

Tavo Pets is dedicated to changing the way Aussies travel with their pets. Their new campaign, “Imagine the Impact: Shaping the Road Ahead for Pet Safety,” aims to raise awareness and encourage safer travel habits for pets across the country. 

“With Imagine the Impact, we want to ignite a conversation and highlight the dangers of travelling with unrestrained pets,” says Helen Johnson, Marketing Director at Tavo Pets and Nuna Baby. “Our research and expert advice make one thing clear, the risk is very real, yet many people remain unaware. At Nuna, we’re experts in child car seat safety, and with Tavo, we’re bringing that same high standard of care to pets. This campaign isn’t just about pets. It’s about recognising that pet safety is family safety.”

How to Keep Your Pet Safe on the Road

Understanding the risks is the first step, putting safety into practice is next. Here are some essential tips to ensure every trip with your pet is a safe one:

1. Use crash-tested car seats
Just as you wouldn’t get in the car without a seatbelt, your pet needs reliable restraint too. Tavo Pets offers crash-tested car seats with ISOFIX connectors that securely anchor your pet and provide peace of mind.

2. Don’t let your pet roam freely inside the car
An unrestrained pet isn’t just at risk; they can cause dangerous distractions that put everyone on the road in jeopardy. Keeping your pet contained helps you focus and protects all passengers.

3. Choose travel gear that’s both safe and comfortable
Pets are more likely to stay calm when they feel comfortable. Investing in well-designed travel carriers or seats encourages your pet to relax and stay secure.

4. Always restrain your pet, no matter how short the trip
Many pet owners think short drives are safe enough to skip restraints, but accidents can happen anytime. Buckling up your pet every time ensures consistent protection.

5. Take regular breaks during long trips
Frequent stops give your pet a chance to stretch, hydrate, and relieve themselves safely, making the journey more comfortable and less stressful.

6. Let your pet get familiar with their car seat before you hit the road
Introduce the car seat at home first—let your pet sniff it, sit in it, and get used to it in a calm environment. Gradually build positive associations so that when travel time comes, they feel safe and secure.

Whether you’re heading to the Dog Lovers Festival or just out for a quick drive, keeping your pet safely restrained isn’t just good sense; it’s essential for everyone’s wellbeing.

Visit Tavo Pets at Stand D41 in Sydney and Stand E163 in Melbourne.

For more information about pet safety and to explore Tavo Pets’ range, visit www.tavopets.com/au