Atlanta, Georgia — Volvo Trucks North America announced the launch of a pet safety guide on National Dog Day, partnering with the Center for Pet Safety to address the growing number of animals traveling in U.S. truck cabs.

An estimated 800,000 pets ride in commercial truck cabs across the country, and Volvo reports that more than 60 percent of professional truck drivers own pets while nearly 40 percent bring them on the road. The free guide offers concrete advice for drivers traveling with dogs or cats, including how to select crash‑tested harnesses and carriers, prepare for emergencies, and manage overnight stops safely.

Key topics include pet first‑aid kits, seasonal travel considerations, hotel etiquette, and strategies for handling extreme heat and cold. One of the primary recommendations is to keep pets properly restrained whenever the truck is moving, a rule that aligns with FMCSA regulations on passenger restraint systems.

Volvo says the resource is designed for both first‑time pet travelers and drivers who regularly take animals on long‑haul trips. “For many professional drivers, a dog or cat can be more than a pet waiting at home. They are a constant companion through thousands of miles, long shifts and nights on the road,” said Maddie Sullivan, product marketing manager for Volvo Trucks North America.

Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of the Center for Pet Safety, explained that the guide was developed to answer common questions drivers have about traveling safely with pets. The recommendations build on a recent evaluation of Volvo’s all‑new VNL conducted at the Volvo Customer Center in Dublin, Virginia, where researchers examined the truck’s anchor points, restraint options and climate control systems while testing certified harnesses and carriers under real‑world driving conditions.

The study confirmed that the VNL’s strength‑tested anchor points are compatible with Center for Pet Safety Certified harnesses and carriers, giving drivers confidence that their pets are secured during hard braking or sudden stops.

Drivers can download the Safe Travels With Your Pet guide directly from Volvo Trucks North America’s website.

What This Means for Drivers

CDL‑A drivers now have a clear checklist for ensuring that pet harnesses meet FMCSA restraint standards, reducing the risk of injury during a crash. Owner‑operators can use the guide to mitigate liability and demonstrate due care when carrying animals, which may influence insurance premiums. OTR truck drivers will find the overnight stop strategies helpful for planning breaks that accommodate pet needs while staying on schedule.

Industry Reaction

The trucking community recognizes that pets are an integral part of many drivers’ lives, and safety resources like this guide help carriers and independent operators address potential risks. By adopting best practices, fleets can protect their drivers and animals, and align with evolving FMCSA guidelines on passenger safety.

Key Points

• 800,000 pets travel in U.S. truck cabs each year.
• Nearly 40 percent of professional drivers bring a pet on the road.
• The guide covers harnesses, carriers, first‑aid kits, and seasonal travel.
• VNL anchor points are proven compatible with certified pet harnesses.

Looking for a better trucking job?