AP-Petside Poll: How Safe are America's Pets?

A new AP-Petside.com poll reveals some surprising insights into just how safe America's pets are today. Pet owners nationwide were asked about the pet safety routines in their homes, and the results are alarming.

41 percent of pet owners reported that they have experienced at least one pet safety emergency that required an emergency trip to a vet. These emergencies included their pet being bit or attacked by another animal (17%), having an allergic reaction (16%) or eating something poisonous (7%).

(See a list of the most common household pet poisons)

11 percent of owners reported that their pet has been hit by a car, which is the most common way pets break bones. 9 percent admit their pet has attacked or bit another animal, and 5 percent say their pet has attacked or bit a person.

With the Holiday season quickly approaching, 59 percent of owners say pets are only a minor consideration when picking out Holiday decorations. Even though 14 percent reported that their pets have gotten into the decorations before.

(Learn how to pet-proof your Holiday decorations)

The survey revealed that pet owners have some dangerous habits that can lead to pet accidents and injuries. A quarter of pet owners give their pets bones from table scraps, which can lead to choking or the bones splintering in pets' throats or stomachs. 62 percent of dog owners and 33 percent of cat owners let their pets ride in their cars unrestrained, rather than placing them in a pet carrier. And 15 percent of dog owners and 7 percent of cat owners say they've left their pets alone in a car or truck.

Though safety emergencies appear to be common, the majority of pet owners are not prepared. 54 percent do not have a fire evacuation plan that includes their pets and only 20 percent have a pet first aid kit. And even after Hurricane Katrina, when we saw pets stranded in the floor waters, 53 percent of owners do not have a natural disaster evacuation plan for their pets.

(Guides for pets in natural disasters and fire plans with pets in mind)

However, most pet owners (63% of dog owners and 53% of cat owners) say they would be at least somewhat likely to perform pet CPR to save their pet's life. Women were more likely to say they would than men (65% vs. 50%).

How would you have answered these poll questions? If you want to learn more about how to keep your pet safe, check out the Pet Net Safety Event happening now!