Volvo Trucks North America and the Center for Pet Safety announced Thursday the VNL passed a pet safety test.
"To my knowledge, our Volvo VNL is the first heavy duty truck ever to pass a pet safety test," says Maddie Sullivan, product manager for 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."
During the testing, dogs took a ride on the Volvo Customer Center track.
During the test, the Center for Pet Safety looked at the VNL's interior layouts, tested anchor points and available connection points for pet restraint systems, and examined climate control functionality. Dogs also took a ride around the Volvo test track in CPS-approved harnesses and carriers.
"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," says Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO 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."
[RELATED: Volvo Trucks' VNL wins a second design award]
Volvo is working on a co-branded resource on safe travel with pets for professional drivers that is expected in 2026.
"The Volvo VNL was designed to support life on the road," Sullivan says. "Working directly with the Center for Pet Safety helps us better understand how our design choices can support safer, more comfortable travel for drivers and their furry co-pilots."
