By Lindsey Wolko, Founder & CEO, Center for Pet Safety
Nearly 40 percent of professional truck drivers who have a pet bring them on the road.1 These companions offer a source of comfort through long, demanding miles.
Recognizing this, Volvo Trucks North America and Center for Pet Safety (CPS) joined forces to elevate safety, education, and wellbeing for drivers and their four-legged co-pilots.
Engineering Meets Advocacy: Putting the Volvo VNL to the “Pet Test”
At the Volvo Customer Center in Dublin, Virginia, Dr. Jim Funk, a biomechanical engineer, and I conducted a comprehensive review of the all-new Volvo VNL, Volvo’s long-haul flagship, through the lens of pet travel safety.
The assessment examined:
- Interior design and secure restraint options
- Climate control systems, including the Volvo Parking Cooler
- Connected app technology that allows drivers to monitor and adjust cab temperature remotely
- Safe placement zones for crates, carriers, and harnesses
These features matter. Extreme temperatures, sudden braking, and unsecured gear can put pets at risk. The partnership spotlights Volvo’s engineering, paired with CPS’s rigorous safety protocols to save lives.
A Digital Guide That Reaches Millions of Drivers and Families
Together, Volvo Trucks and CPS launched a co-branded “Safe Travels with Pets” digital guide, a resource designed for both commercial drivers and everyday pet-owning families.
The guide offers:
- Recommendations for restraint systems and in-cab setups
- Tips for planning wellness breaks
- Guidance on pet-friendly rest stops
- Insights on heat safety and environmental risks
Driving Safety Forward
Volvo Trucks and the Center for Pet Safety are proving that when engineering excellence meets science-based advocacy, the result is safer roads, better-informed drivers, and stronger community trust.
To learn more about advancing consumer and pet safety while strengthening your visibility in a growing, high-value market, contact us at Info@CenterForPetSafety.org or 800-324-2659.
Source:
1. FleetOwner pet ownership survey results
