Paws for Safety
In the world of pet safety, one name stands out above the rest: Lindsey Wolko. Recognized globally for her tireless advocacy work, Lindsey is the founder of the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the safety of our furry companions during travel. But how did it all begin? Let’s delve into the journey of Lindsey Wolko and the CPS to understand the pivotal role they play in protecting our beloved pets.
The genesis of Lindsey’s mission can be traced back to a heartbreaking incident involving her own dog, Maggie, in 2004. When Maggie was injured by a safety harness, Lindsey’s focus shifted towards consumer and companion animal safety, igniting a passion that would drive her to create lasting change.
In 2011, prompted by concerned pet owners, Lindsey conducted the groundbreaking Crashworthiness Analysis of Canine Automotive Restraints, a pilot study that exposed shocking results: 100% of the safety harnesses tested failed to protect the dogs. This alarming revelation spurred Lindsey to found the Center for Pet Safety, marking the beginning of a new era in pet travel safety.
Through subsequent studies, sponsored by Subaru of America and directed by Lindsey Wolko, the CPS set out to establish comprehensive safety standards for pet travel products. The data collected from these studies paved the way for the Center for Pet Safety Certified program, enabling pet owners to identify products that meet rigorous safety requirements.
One of Lindsey’s most notable achievements is the development of the first instrumented and weighted Canine Test Device, also known as the Crash Test Dog. This innovative tool revolutionized the way pet safety is evaluated, ensuring that products undergo thorough and realistic testing before reaching the market.
What sets the CPS apart from standard laboratory testing? Lindsey explains that the CPS process goes beyond traditional methods, focusing on real-world scenarios and the specific needs of pets during travel.
With the rise of pet travel products advertised on social media, Lindsey highlights the dangers posed by untested and unreliable products. Educating the public about these risks and empowering them to report dangerous products to the CPS is crucial in safeguarding our furry friends. As Lindsey Wolko and the Center for Pet Safety continue to advocate for pet passenger safety, their mission remains clear: to protect pets and provide peace of mind for pet owners worldwide.
In a world where pets are cherished members of the family, ensuring their safety during travel is paramount. Thanks to the dedication and innovation of Lindsey Wolko and the Center for Pet Safety, pet owners can rest assured knowing that their furry companions are in good hands.
To learn more about the Center for Pet Safety and their invaluable work, visit their website at [centerforpetsafety.org](https://www.centerforpetsafety.org/). Don’t forget to tune in to the podcast featuring Lindsey Wolko at [inflowradio.com](https://inflowradio.com/179-paws-for-safety-the-center-for-pet-safety-special-guest-lindsey-walco-founder/) for an in-depth discussion on pet safety and advocacy.
