Dog, Just for Fun, North Wales, travel
How to travel with your dog in the car
If you’re taking a short trip or driving a long distance, you may have discovered that your dog dislikes travel. Whether it’s for a trip to the vet or a visit to the beach, most owners will take their dog in the car at some stage. However, travelling in a car can be dangerous for dogs if care and common sense are not used.
Your dog’s distress may lead you to place them in the front footwell or loosely in the boot. But keep in mind that the Highway Code requires motorists to keep dogs “suitably restrained” when driving.
Let’s start with why your dog needs restraining in the first place?
Even the best-behaved dogs require some constraints, which should be utilised for every trip, even if it is only a short distance.
Dogs may cause a distraction by climbing between chairs or attempting to sit on your lap. Just looking in on your dog or reaching out to pat them – a second or two of distraction can be enough to cause a crash with disastrous consequences. Restraint and placing dogs at the back of the car can significantly limit the possibility of distraction.
The impact of a collision can cause unrestrained pets to be tossed around the car, and this momentum can seriously hurt both them and anyone else in the car.
In the event of a crash, having them well restrained will make accessing them safely to help them much more accessible and reduce the risk of them running away or lashing out in a panic.
How should you travel with your dog in the car?
- Seat belts
A Sotnos Universal Seat Belt can keep your dog safe and secure on long or short car trips.
Seatbelts are a simple, fully adjustable attachment that allows you to meet legal requirements while also safely securing and restraining your dog while travelling. Importantly, the attachment helps minimise potential injury to your pet or passengers while also avoiding driver distraction. The adjustable sliders allow you to pick a comfortable length for your dog to keep him relaxed and protected.
- Travel harnesses
We stock pet-friendly harnesses in a variety of sizes. Simply slip them on your pet and clip them into place, making it safe for your pet to sit in the front, back seat or in the boot.
Read here for a step-by-step explanation of how to fit a dog harness.
- Carrier
If you’re going away, a pet carrier is a more portable and light option than a metal crate and can be easier to pack.
Want a fun alternative? You can purchase booster seats (yes, we have them!) for your furry friend!
- Your boot
Placing your dog in a crate will help keep them safe and secure while driving. You can purchase crates between sizes small and extra large, depending on the size of your car and your dog.
Legalities
According to Rule 57 of The Highway Code, it is the driver’s responsibility to;
“Make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained when in a vehicle so they cannot distract you while driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop quickly. Animals in cars can be restrained using a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage, or dog guard.”
If your dog is not secured correctly and authorities observe you driving with your dog on your lap or standing on the parcel shelf, you could face serious charges.
With these regulations in place, if you were in an accident caused by your dog distracting you while driving, you might be charged with “dangerous driving.”
According to the Mirror, “if a driver causes an accident while distracted by their dog, they may face a £5,000 fine for careless driving.”
Car insurance companies may also require you to restrict your pet, so it’s worth checking your policy.
Making car travel more comfortable for your pet – the dos and don’ts!
DOs
- Restrain your dog
Use a high-quality harness, crate, or carrier to secure your dog. We recommend brands such as Kurgo and Sotnos.
- Make plenty of stops!
During extended car rides, make frequent stops so your pet may stretch their legs, rehydrate, and relieve themselves.
- Always carry water
Bring plenty of water to keep your pet (and yourself!) cool. In the summer, the temperature of a car can quickly rise. We recommend investing in a travel water bottle or bowl to ensure you always have a drink on hand.
DON’Ts
- Allow your dog to hang its head from the window
While it may seem charming, it can actually be highly dangerous. Never leave your windows completely open, as your dog may try to jump out.
- Forget to switch off the airbag (especially if your pet is in the front seat!)
If your dog is restrained in the front seat, slide the seat as far back as possible and switch off the passenger-side airbag.
- Feed your dog before travelling
It’s best to wait a couple of hours before hitting the road. This can prevent upset stomachs in your dog and motion sickness, which is the last thing you want on a lengthy drive.
Our top travel products and brands
Here are some of our top recommendations for products for your journeys with your four-legged friends;
Products
- Travel water bottle
- Travel bowl
- Booster seat
- Bumper protector
- Hammock
- Boot Mat
- Car seat cover
- Backseat barrier
- Harness
- Crate
Brands
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