A new survey reveals that nearly one in five dogs in Denmark are not safely restrained during car travel, posing serious risks to both pets and human passengers. Although more Danish pet owners are concerned about safety compared to their counterparts in other European countries, improper transportation remains common.
Unrestrained Pets Pose Hidden Dangers on the Road
A newly released survey conducted by the research firm Xtreme on behalf of Agria Dyreforsikring, an animal insurance company, highlights a significant safety issue in Denmark: 18% of the country’s approximately 850,000 dogs travel completely unrestrained in vehicles. While Danish pet owners are more cautious than those in countries like France—where 38% of dogs go unprotected—the risk of driving with unrestrained animals remains alarmingly high. Thousands of dogs in Denmark travel in cars without protection every single day.
Allowing dogs to roam freely in a vehicle can lead to devastating consequences. In a crash at 90 km/h (about 56 mph), even a small dog like a 4.4-pound chihuahua can be thrown with a force exceeding 550 pounds. A larger dog, such as the popular Labrador retriever weighing approximately 75 pounds, could exert a force up to 8,465 pounds, comparable to the weight of a large SUV. These forces can severely injure not only the animal but also passengers in the car. A small detail like letting a dog sit loose can turn deadly in seconds.
Safety Measures Remain Inconsistent
Despite the dangers, Denmark currently has no legal requirement mandating the use of pet restraints during car travel. The only rule states that animals must not obstruct or distract the driver, meaning having a dog on your lap while driving is prohibited. Still, many Danish motorists do not follow best practices when transporting pets.
Among those who do try to protect their pets, 29% use a safety harness, 28% rely on transport crates, and 18% place pets behind a safety divider in the cargo area. These methods can dramatically reduce the risk of injury or escape during an accident.
Unfortunately, lack of proper restraint can lead to further complications during emergencies. In crashes, emergency responders may unknowingly release a frightened or injured animal upon opening a door. This can result in pets running away or, worse, being hit by oncoming traffic. Unsecured pets can also leap out of windows or doors during stops, especially when distracted drivers or curious animals get too close to an opening.
Cats Get Better Treatment—But Travel Less
In contrast to dogs in Denmark, cats appear to be treated more cautiously during travel. Only 4% of cat owners report letting their felines move around freely in a vehicle. The typical domestic cat weighs around 9 pounds, which means it also poses a safety risk when unrestrained, though it is lower than that of most dogs.
However, many cat owners simply avoid bringing their pets along for the ride: 41% said their cat never travels in a car. When cats do travel, 46% of owners use a crate, while just 5% use harnesses or install safety gates. These trends suggest that while cats are generally transported more securely, they are also less exposed to the risks associated with vehicle travel.
Calls for Increased Awareness and Precaution
The results of the survey have sparked renewed calls for better public awareness surrounding pet safety in cars. Though Denmark lacks specific regulations requiring pet restraints, the evidence suggests urgent change is needed—not necessarily through stricter laws, but through improved education and responsible ownership.
Experts recommend that pets be secured using crash-tested seatbelt harnesses, approved transportation crates, or safety barriers that prevent movement during transit. These options not only improve safety for the animals but also reduce the likelihood of driver distraction, which remains a key factor in many traffic accidents involving pets.
A Growing Industry Focused on Animal Welfare
Agria Dyreforsikring, the company behind the survey, has specialized in animal insurance for over 130 years and currently operates in several European countries including Denmark, Sweden, and Germany. The insurer continues to work alongside veterinarians and pet advocacy groups to improve education surrounding both preventative care and emergency preparedness.
With Denmark’s pet population continuing to grow, the need for responsible transportation practices has never been more important. By taking simple, proactive steps to secure dogs in Denmark during car rides, owners can reduce the risk of injuries and ensure safer travel for all passengers on the road.
