Transporting dogs in the back of a pickup truck can be very dangerous. In some cases, it is illegal. Even a short drive can put a dog at risk of serious injury.
What the Law Says
Under Alberta’s Animal Protection Act & Regulations, when transporting animals in the back of a pickup truck:
- The truck box must be high enough and strong enough to keep the animal contained and protected at all times.
- The animal must always be protected from the elements, including injurious heat or cold.
Failure to meet these requirements can result in charges.
Safe Transport Options
Dogs should be transported in a manner where they cannot jump or fall out of the vehicle. To help keep your dog as safe as possible during travel:
- Best option: Use a secure crate inside the vehicle.
- If no crate is available, consider transporting the dog in the back passenger area, where they won’t distract the driver.
- If transporting a dog in the truck bed, use a crate placed in the box and secure it firmly to the truck.
- If no crate is available and you must trust transport a dog in the truck bed, be sure to tether your dog to the vehicle.
- Important if tethering: The leash must be short enough to prevent the dog from jumping over the side of the truck bed, and protection from injurious heat or cold is still required.
What To Do If You See Unsafe Transport
If you witness an animal in immediate danger during transport, call 911 right away. In most situations, police can respond faster than peace officers.
Gather as much detail as possible:
- License plate number
- Vehicle color, make and model
- Number of occupants
- Location and direction of travel
- Description of the animal
If you witness a concern for an animal in distress outside of Edmonton or Calgary, call the Alberta SPCA at 1-800-455-9003. The Alberta SPCA will follow up, and if necessary, lay charges.