Like millions of other pets and peoples, I'll be hitting the road this weekend for some summer fun. With summer now in full swing, it's good time for a little reminder about properly restraining your pooches when traveling. Because as much as we don't like to think about it, accidents can happen.
Bark Buckle UP has teamed up with first responders nationwide to launch the FREE Bark Buckle UP First Responder Approved Pet Safety Kit, created to protect both pets and rescuers in the event of an accident.
According to national statistics, 63% of U.S. households, or 71.1 million homes, have a pet. With summer travel well underway, millions of those pet owners will go on vacation - bringing along their furry members of the family. Since 2005, the number of pets traveling in vehicles has reached an all-time high - having increased by approximately 300%. As most animals travel unrestrained, the corresponding risk to vehicle occupants, pets and first responders called to an accident site is of growing concern. (some statistics from APPMA, some from Bark Buckle UP)
“When responding to a collision, our primary concern is coordinating the required medical needs of any of the injured victims and traffic control,” said California Highway Patrol Commissioner, Joe Farrow. “Any delays in the caring of victims because of the need to deal with a frightened or injured animal can and should be avoided.”
The FREE Bark Buckle UP First Responder Approved Pet Safety Kit includes a customized pet identification card and first responder vehicle decal. The decal is affixed on the driver side window (by the lock) on your car, truck, RV, boat and/or motorcycle - indicating that there may be an injured or scared family pet inside. In the event of an emergency, first responders will identify the decal alerting them to the pet identification card located in the glove box, allowing them to call your emergency contacts to come get your pet and informing them you have been in an accident.
For more information, or to receive the FREE Bark Buckle UP First Responder Approved Pet Safety Kit including first responder decal, visit www.barkbuckleup.com.
Be Smart Ride Safe
