We use cookies to offer you a better experience, analyze site traffic, and serve targeted advertisements. By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Terms of use.

iafg-d
  • Individuals
  • Companies and Groups
  • Advisors and Brokers
  • Phone 1-800-463-6236
  • FR
  • Connect
    • My Client Space
    • Advisor Centre
    • Dealer Centre (UniFI)
    • Partner Centre (Rave)
iafg-d
  • Individuals homepage
  • Insurance
    • Coverage
      • Life insurance
      • Car insurance
      • RV insurance
      • Home insurance
      • Mortgage insurance
      • Health and disability insurance
      • Travel Insurance
    • Tools
      • iA Financial Compass
      • Term life insurance calculator
      • Critical illness insurance calculator
      • See all tools
      Life Events
      • Moving in together
      • Buying a home
      • Having a child
      • Starting a business
      • Planning your retirement
      • See all life events
    • I am already a client
      • Customer service
      • Make a claim
      • Find a form
      • My group insurance
      • Change my address
      • Change my beneficiary
      • Connect to My Client Space
      Advice
      • Advice zone
      • The value of an advisor
  • Savings and Retirement
    • Savings and Investments
      • RRSP, TFSA and other plans

        For my projects or my retirement

      • RRIF, LIF and annuities

        For my retirement income

      • RESP

        For my children’s education

      • Investment funds

        Segregated funds, mutual funds…

      • Private Wealth

        Stock market, stocks, bonds…

    • Tools
      • iA Financial Compass
      • Retirement calculator
      • Education savings calculator
      • RRSP loan calculator
      • RRSP calculator
      • TFSA calculator
      • See all tools
      Life Events
      • Saving for a project
      • Moving in together
      • Buying a home
      • Having a child
      • Starting a business
      • Planning your retirement
      • See all life events
    • I am already a client
      • Customer service
      • Find a form
      • My group retirement plan
      • Change my address
      • Change my beneficiary
      • Connect to My Client Space
      Invest better
      • Fund performance and overview
      • Guaranteed fund rates
      • Economic and financial publications
      • Economic news
      • Advice zone
      • The value of an advisor
  • Loans
    • Products
      • RRSP loans

        For my retirement

      • RESP loans

        For my children’s education

      • Investment loan

        For my financial prosperity

    • Tools
      • iA Financial Compass
      • RRSP loan calculator
      • See all tools
      Life Events
      • Buying a home
      • See all life events
    • I am already a client
      • Customer service
      • Change my address
      • Change my beneficiary
      • Connect to My Client Space
      Advice
      • Advice zone
      • The value of an advisor
  • Connect
    • My Client Space
    • Advisor Centre
    • Dealer Centre (UniFI)
    • Partner Centre (Rave)
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Contact us
  • Contact an advisor
FR

Advice Zone

  • Overview
  • My Vehicle
  • My House
  • My Family
  • My Projects
  • My Finances
  • My Career
  • My Involvement
  • My Security
  • My Retirement
  • Our Experts

Take your pet safely on the road!

A group enjoying their boat trip

Are you planning to go on a road trip with your cat or your dog? Follow our tips to stay safe during your car rides or long car trips.

According to a survey conducted by the Leger Marketing firm, more than half of Quebec households have a cat or a dog at home. It’s no wonder that many people want their four-legged friends to accompany them on car rides or vacations.

Whether you’re a cat lover or a dog lover, here are some tips to travel safely with your pet.

Secure your pet in the car

According to the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec, the impact of your pet or its cage is twenty times its weight during sudden braking or an accident. Your pet becomes a veritable projectile, which can be very dangerous for both the animal and the passengers.

The Automobile Insurance Act also states that no person shall operate a vehicle where an animal obstructs the driver’s view or interferes with the operation of the vehicle. In the event of a violation, a fine of $30 to $60 may be issued to the offending driver.

In order for your pet and the occupants of the vehicle to be safe, it is important for your furry companion to stay in place during transport.

We recommend that you choose one of the following three options:

  • Secure your dog with a harness, which can simply be attached to the seatbelt buckle. They come in different sizes and are available at most pet stores. Never secure your pet by their collar, which is very dangerous for their neck if you have an accident.
  • Use a safety net or barrier if you have a large dog. This will prevent them from coming to the front of the vehicle and from being thrown forward in case of an accident.
  • Put your pet in a carrier and make sure it is secured to the vehicle.

Also, avoid leaving your pet alone in the car. In the summer, they could suffer a heat stroke, which can be very dangerous for their health. In the winter, they can get too cold.

Even though our pets love to stick their heads out the car window, it is strongly recommended not to let them do so. They could get hit in the eyes with a rock, insect or other object, which could injure them. It can also be harmful to their eyes and ears by causing an ear infection or conjunctivitis.

Prepare your pet before a long trip

Are you planning to travel a long distance with your pet? Don’t forget to take the time to get them used to car rides. That way, you won’t have an unpleasant surprise discovering that your pet gets carsick.

When on the road, just like you, your pet may feel tired and need to stretch its legs. Don’t hesitate to take breaks to allow them to drink, relieve themselves and walk around a bit.

Rules for the United States

Are you wanting to share your passion for travel with your pet and allow them to discover our neighbours to the south? Here are some precautions to take in order to avoid unpleasant surprises when you go through U.S. customs:

  • Make sure you have your pet’s up-to-date health record with you, as it is mandatory for them to have their rabies shots. Vaccines must have been administered one month prior to going through customs. Note that this is not yet mandatory for cats.
  • Your pet must be at least four months old in order to travel to the United States.
  • If you are transporting food, it must be in its original container and it must be sealed.
  • Make sure your specific dog is allowed in the United States. Certain breeds of dogs, such as pit bulls, may be prohibited.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Prefer to travel by plane with your pet? Don’t forget to check with your airline to find out the rules and regulations in effect. Not all companies have the same rules regarding the transport of animals.

Inform your insurer if you have a dog at home

It is important to inform your insurer if you have a pet. Your home insurance policy usually covers some of the damage your dog may cause.

Talk to your insurance agent for more information.

We wish you lots of wonderful car trips with all your furry best friends!

Looking for advice?

Whether you own or lease your vehicle, one of our advisors can help you choose insurance coverage to fit your needs.

Get a quote

Tools and advice

  • iA Financial Compass
  • Car Insurance – Online Quote | iA Financial Group
  • A guide to storing your vehicle and getting it back on the road
  • What to do if your car is stolen
  • Avoid a collision with a wild animal on the road
  • About iA
  • Careers
  • Contact us
  • Find an advisor
  • Make a claim
  • Connect to My Client Space
  • Advice Zone
  • Sustainable development
  • COVID-19
  • Site map
  • Unsubscribe
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy and security
  • Terms of use
  • Unclaimed property

INVESTED IN YOU. © 2023 Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. – iA Financial Group. All rights reserved.