Volvo VNL first heavy-duty truck to pass pet safety evaluation

Volvo Trucks North America has completed what it says is the industry’s first pet safety evaluation for a heavy-duty truck, with its new Volvo VNL passing an assessment conducted in partnership with the Center for Pet Safety (CPS).

The evaluation took place Dec. 12 at the Volvo Customer Center in Dublin, Virginia, and focused on how the VNL’s cab design supports the safe transport of pets, which is a growing consideration as an estimated 800,000 pets regularly travel with commercial truck drivers in the U.S.

According to Volvo, the assessment examined interior layout, strength-tested anchor points, pet restraint compatibility, and climate control performance. CPS experts also observed dogs riding in the vehicle using CPS-certified harnesses and carriers to better understand how pets behave in real-world driving conditions.

“To my knowledge, our Volvo VNL is the first heavy duty truck ever to pass a pet safety test,” said Maddie Sullivan, product manager, Volvo Trucks North America. “Safety is in our DNA at Volvo, and that commitment extends to everyone who shares the road, including the pets that so many drivers consider family.”

As part of the evaluation, CPS looked at how existing cab features could be used to secure pets safely and reduce driver distraction. This included reviewing anchor point strength, available restraint connection options, and the functionality of the Volvo Parking Cooler, which provides climate control for up to eight hours without engine idling.

“Evaluating the Volvo VNL in person allows us to examine how vehicle design, securement points, and cab layout all work together to impact pet safety,” said Lindsey Wolko, founder and chief executive officer of the Center for Pet Safety. “By working directly with Volvo’s engineers and product teams, we are able to evaluate real-world cab features, identify the safest places for pets to ride, and help drivers make choices that keep pets secure while reducing distractions, especially during busy holiday travel.”

CPS noted that the VNL’s existing anchor points are compatible with CPS-certified harnesses and carriers, and that the truck’s mesh bunk design could potentially serve as a pet rest area with minor modifications for secure travel.

Key takeaways from the evaluation include:

• Strength-tested anchor points already integrated into the VNL cab
• Compatibility with CPS-certified pet harnesses and carriers
• An auxiliary climate control system designed to maintain safe temperatures without idling
• Potential for bunk-area adaptation as a pet-safe rest space