Press Release
Source: The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.

On Thursday September 22, 2011, 2:02 pm EDT

HARTFORD, Conn. & NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
When traveling with the family dog, few pet owners are sure what’s best
for man’s best friend in terms of safety and comfort, a new study finds.

The study, conducted jointly by The Hartford, sponsor of the AKC Canine
Good Citizen (CGC®) and S.T.A.R. Puppy programs and the American Kennel
Club (AKC), found that two in three pet owners don’t know the safest
place for Rover when traveling in the car. And three in five people say
they’re unsure about how often to stop driving to give the dog a break
from a long road trip.

“We love to hit the road with our canine companions because it’s fun to
live vicariously through our dog’s sense of discovery, especially on
long road trips,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “But the next
time you tell your dog ‘Want to go for a ride?’ remember to plan for the
dog’s safety and comfort too.”

A majority of dog owners surveyed (66 percent) take to the road with
Rover whether it’s on a family vacation, dropping the kids off at school
or heading home for the holidays. Not surprisingly, the survey revealed
that 85 percent of respondents exhibit responsible dog ownership by
knowing their dog needs to be secured in the vehicle while driving. And
67 percent say they know how to incorporate the seatbelt to do it.

“As a provider of auto and home insurance for owners of AKC registered
dogs, we understand that pet safety and well-being while traveling are
very important to dog owners,” says Lisa Lobo, consumer insurance expert
for The Hartford. “The Hartford is teaming up with the AKC in support of
Responsible Dog Ownership Days to remind people that there are simple
steps you can take to help keep your dog happy and healthy when riding
in the car.”

With the AKC’s Responsible Dog Ownership Days in full swing this
September, The Hartford and the AKC recommend dog owners follow these
important tips before getting into the car with man’s best friend:

Traveling with Rover: Canine Car Safety Tips

On the Road:

• Secure your dog: A crate is the safest place for your dog to be
  while traveling in the car. During an accident a loose dog can become
  a projectile and not only injure himself, but injure human occupants.
  Secure the crate in the middle or rear of the vehicle.

  A
  carrier or harness that attaches to the seat belt in the back
  passenger seat is a safe option. Pet supply stores sell harnesses, and
  carry a range of sizes that will fit most dogs. No animal should ever
  ride loose in the bed of a pick-up truck, which can lead to serious
  injuries or death in the event of an accident.

• Take a break: On long road trips dogs need a potty break more
  often than when left home alone. Ideally stopping every 3 hours for a
  30 minute break gives Fido time to do his business, stretch his legs,
  get some water and take in some fresh air and scenery.
• Close the window: To prevent ear and eye injuries do not allow
  your pet to stick his head out the car window.
• On hot days, never leave your pet unattended: Hot cars can kill
  dogs so never leave your pet unattended in the car on hot days.
  Temperatures can rise quickly, causing heat stroke or death even with
  windows open.

After an Accident: