Most dogs transported to a veterinary teaching hospital are unrestrained during vehicular travel

To evaluate the frequency and type of vehicular restraint use in dogs transported to a veterinary teaching hospital and to identify factors associated with restraint use.

This prospective, survey-based study was conducted at a veterinary teaching hospital from May 28 to August 2, 2024. Dog owners presenting their dog for emergency, sick, or wellness visits completed a questionnaire regarding transportation practices, including restraint use, type of restraint, travel duration, anxiety level, and administration of previsit pharmaceuticals. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess associations between patient and transport variables and restraint use.

A total of 195 of 533 (36.6%) dogs were transported using a restraint system, whereas 338 of 533 (63.4%) were unrestrained. The most common restraint type was a seat belt-based device. Each 1-kg increase in body weight was associated with a 3.3% decrease in the odds of restraint use (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95 to 0.98). Administration of previsit pharmaceuticals (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.02 to 3.01) and having pet insurance (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.34) were associated with restraint use. Age, reason for visit, travel duration, anxiety level, and mode of transportation were not associated with restraint use.

Most dogs in this population traveled unrestrained during vehicular transport. Restraint use was not associated with visit type, travel duration, anxiety level, or transportation mode.

Increased veterinary client education may improve safe transport practices and reduce the risk of injury during vehicular travel.