On Wednesday, February 15, 2017, a 4-month-old boxer puppy named Lola jumped from the back of a truck after being picked up from her spay at PETS Clinic. An urgent plea was posted by PETS Clinic and was seen by more than 35,000 people. Thanks to the resulting social media response, she was safely returned on Friday, February 17, with minor injuries.
Most readers understood this was a tragic accident. A few people responded harshly toward PETS Clinic and Lola's family. Lola's family cared enough to vaccinate, spay, and microchip her. That is why she was at PETS Clinic that day. Her owner made arrangements for Lola to be picked up and gave us that information so Lola could get home safely.
When picking up Lola, the person who came for her put Lola in the back of the truck unprotected. Watching the judgments unfold on the Facebook post was painful. The goal should have been to find the puppy. There was also an opportunity to learn.
If one person did not know better than to place Lola in the back of a truck, many others may not know either. A truck bed is not safe for any pet, especially a pet who just had surgery. The fact that Lola survived is a miracle. If one person learns from this, it is worth saying clearly.
The American Humane Society has estimated that 100,000 dogs are killed each year riding in truck beds, and even more are injured. In many states, it is illegal to transport a dog in the bed of a truck or on a flatbed trailer. In Texas, transporting or confining an animal in a cruel manner that causes unjustified or unwarranted pain or suffering can break the law. Legal issues aside, keeping your pet safe is simply the right thing to do.
The Issues With a Dog in the Truck Bed
- If unsecured, a dog can be hurt during sudden stops, starts, turns, or other unexpected moments.
- An open truck bed does not protect a dog from weather. In hot Texas sun, a metal truck bed can burn paw pads. A dog left without water or shade can suffer heat stroke.
- In cold or wet weather, a dog has no protection from wind, rain, ice, or freezing temperatures.
- Never leash a dog inside a truck bed. A dog can be strangled if tossed or bumped over the side.
- If a dog must ride in a truck bed, the dog should be inside a crate secured to the truck bed so it cannot slide or be thrown.
- Dogs can also be injured by flying debris when they hang their heads out of vehicle windows.
- Never leave a pet unattended inside a vehicle. A cracked window is not enough.
How to Safely Transport Your Pet by Truck
- Ideally, a dog should never ride in the bed of a truck. If it must happen, use a secured crate.
- Look for a restraint system that secures your pet inside the cab of your truck or inside your car.
- Cats should be transported in carriers inside the cab. Secure the carrier so it does not bounce around.
- Open windows can expose pets to flying debris and cold air forced into their lungs.
- For long trips, make plenty of rest stops. Keep pets collared, identified, and leashed when outside the vehicle.