Volvo touts its pet safety features

(February 9, 2018) ROCKLEIGH, N.J. —  Volvo Car USA is partnering with The Petfinder Foundation at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show to raise awareness of pet safety in cars and prevent the euthanasia of adoptable pets. Pet adoptions will take place tonight at the Charity Preview Gala, and Saturday when the show opens to the public.

A loose dog in a car is a danger to the dog, human occupants and other road users. In a collision at just 25 mph an unrestrained dog can be projected forward at a force equal to 40 times its weight. A 75-pound dog, for example, can achieve an impact force of 3,000 pounds in a collision, which could be lethal blow for passengers and pet.

That is why Volvo Cars has developed a line of accessories to reduce the risk of injury and fatalities in its cars.

The Volvo Load Compartment Divider, Protective Steel Grille, and Dog Gate together keep dogs safe and secure in the cargo areas of Volvo wagons and SUVs. The gate is easy to open, close and remove and has a locking handle to prevent the dog from jumping out into traffic.

While a dog cage in the cargo area provides the most protection, Volvo’s comfortable Dog Harness is a good alternative for use in the rear seat. It keeps the dog from moving between seats, reduces the risk of the dog being propelled forward, and prevents pressure and chafing. It even has reflectors.

“Protecting what’s important is one of Volvo’s core values,” said Anders Gustafsson, President and CEO of Volvo Car USA. “We know from our long safety history that animals are subject to the same collision forces as people. We believe they deserve the same care as anyone. Being able to support The Petfinder Foundation at the same time is icing on the cake.”

Both the dog cage and harness are available at one of the more 300 Volvo retailers in the U.S. and Canada.