Road traffic accidents have decreased significantly in recent years. Fortunately, we are becoming more aware every day, understanding the risks we expose ourselves to, as well as the potential consequences of every distraction. We have improved greatly, although of course there is still much to be done. For example, naturally, when it comes to caring for our ARISTOPETS.
According to DGT data, 82% of pets travel in cars. The most frequent travelers are ARISTODOGS and ARISTOCATS. In 60% of vehicles, only one animal travels. In 29%, two animals. And in 11%, 3 or more. As ARISTOPARENTS, we do not consider leaving our best friends alone. A vacation without them is not a vacation. That is why there are increasingly more traveling ARISTOPETS.
However, this must be accompanied by appropriate safety and protection measures. Continuing with the DGT data, 50% of drivers who have pets are unaware of the regulations governing their transport. Paradoxically, 91% of drivers consider it dangerous for both the animal and the passengers to carry pets without protection. Yet 1 in 5 users does so. These figures are undoubtedly worrying. Even more so considering that, in the event of an accident, at a speed of 50 kilometers per hour, an animal multiplies its weight by 35. That is why we strongly encourage you to inform yourselves properly, exercise caution, and protect your pets properly when you are on the road.
However, today we want to delve into an aspect that still remains in the background: the protocol for caring for pets in the event of a traffic accident, when the vehicle’s occupants must be taken to a hospital or health center. What happens in such cases?
Pets are not allowed in ambulances. They cannot board. So imagine the suffering. Both for the ARISTOPARENT and their ARISTOPET. Separated in the most absolute adversity. One heading to the hospital or health center, and the other, away from their owner, in a hostile place… Let us hope we never have to face this situation.
However, if it happens, throughout the country we should be able to count on a pioneering and free service like the one launched in the Murcian town of Lorca. Its ambulance cooperative has developed an incredible initiative to respond to this situation.
This service is called AMAR, Care for Pets in Risk Situations, and aims to prevent unnecessary suffering for animals and people. The service consists of the ethical collection of pets left without support, either because their family has suffered a traffic accident, because the person lives alone and must be taken to hospital, or because they are temporarily unable to care for their pet.
This AMAR protocol includes various steps to ensure that the animal is collected from the scene and provided with suitable, adapted medical transport for the safety of pets. The professionals from Ambulancias de Lorca will volunteer for this service, working hand in hand with veterinarians and professionals dedicated to the care and well-being of pets, who will oversee their monitoring and accommodation. It also includes a monitoring service so that the owner can remain reassured and know how their pet is doing at all times.
For now, this service will begin operating in the municipalities covered by Health Area III: Lorca, Águilas, Puerto Lumbreras, Totana and Aledo, where residents will also be able to arrange for their pet to be collected if they have a scheduled surgical procedure or hospital admission.
It is undoubtedly a wonderful and altruistic initiative that we at ARISTOPET applaud. We hope that many other towns will follow their example and be encouraged to provide this service. We invite you to download the informational PDF and read carefully what this service involves.
Here you can listen to the interview with the emergency services technician from Lorca City Council to learn more about this wonderful initiative.