How to Safely Transport a Dog in a Car
As a dog owner, it’s important to understand how to safely travel with a dog in the car.
By not taking the proper precautions whilst travelling with your dog, you risk causing harm to your dog, yourself, any passengers in the car, and other drivers on the road.
According to the rules 56-57 of the Highway Code, a dog which is not properly cared for whilst in a vehicle can cause driver distractions and accidents. This can have serious consequences, alongside breaking the law and potentially even the terms of your pet and car insurance.
So, how do you safely travel with a dog in the car and what is the law on dogs travelling in cars? It all starts with preparing your car for the journey.
Car Safety for Dogs: How to Prepare Your Vehicle
There are several ways in which you can prepare your car for travelling with your four-legged companion. This includes suitably restraining your pet according to the Highway Code, which names travel harnesses, boot gates, dog guards, and carriers as suitable methods of achieving this.
When deciding the best method of restraint for your dog and car, consider: the size of your dog; the boot capacity of the car; how often you will use the restraint; and how comfortable your dog will be in the chosen method.
Dog Guard
Dog safety in the car boot is easily handled by a dog guard. Dog guards are similar to a boot gate but often refers to a plastic guard with perforation for ventilation. With a dog guard, the space between the back seats and the roof of the car is closed off to prevent your dog from jumping into the main vehicle. Alongside this, the guard can be fitted with a liner or mat to further protect the whole boot area from scratches, dog hair, or dirt. This system should be properly fitted to your car so that it is secure. The dog guard again is perfect for larger dogs or multiple dogs.
Boot Gate
A boot gate typically refers to a mesh metal gate which can be fitted into your boot between the back seats and the roof of the car; this prevents your dog from jumping through into the main vehicle if they are travelling in the boot. The boot gate is another great method of restraint for all size dogs, especially large dogs, since it does not impose on your boot space. It is also a suitable method if you’re travelling with more than one dog.
Travel Harness for Dogs
A travel harness is worn by your dog in order to clip them in place whilst on a seat or in the boot. Travel harnesses offer a comfortable method of restraint, similarly to a seatbelt, which allows your dog to sit and lie as they please. This method is suitable for all sized dogs, with a range of harness sizes available. It’s important to note, however, that if you’re using a travel harness on your dog in the front passenger seat, you must disable the passenger airbag.
Dog Carrier
A dog carrier is a small and portable crate which can be placed in the boot of the car to secure your dog. Carriers are suited to smaller dogs, offering a comfortable and practical method of restraint which means smaller dogs don’t have to struggle jumping in and out of the car or be thrown around the boot space whilst travelling. Carriers are designed to be lifted into the boot by the dog owner with your dog inside and can be fitted with a dog bed or blanket to keep your pet comfortable whilst travelling.
The Main Considerations During a Car Ride with Your Dog
When researching how to safely transport a dog in a car, there are, of course, some other considerations. Some of these additional considerations include…
It is Illegal and Dangerous to Let Your Dog Hang Out the Window
Whilst your dog may enjoy sticking his head out of the car window whilst travelling, this is illegal and dangerous. Not only does this break the Highway Code, but your dog could knock their heads on something, fall or jump out of the window, and become injured due to debris being kicked up off the road – even the cold air being forced into your dog’s lungs can be harmful to them. Not to mention, your dog hanging out the window could potentially distract other drivers on the road.
Can My Dog Sit in the Front Seat?
If your dog is suitably restrained, such as with a travel harness, then your dog can sit in the front passenger seat of the car. However, the front seat is not a recommended space for your dog to sit – the boot, followed by the backseats, are the safest spaces. If your dog is placed on the front passenger seat, it is important that you disable the passenger side airbag which, if triggered, could prove fatal to your dog. You should also slide the seat back as far as possible.
Give Your Pet Plenty of Rest Stops
It is essential to provide your pet with opportunities to get out of the car on long journeys. This gives your dog the chance to stretch its legs, have a drink, and relieve itself. The chance for mental and physical stimulation whilst breaking up a long journey is important for a happy and healthy dog!
Check the Temperature, Dogs Die in Hot Cars!
Cars can heat up pretty quickly, especially in the summer months. To help keep your dog at a suitable temperature, open a window or put on the air conditioning. Be aware that dogs in the boot of the car may not be getting the same ventilation and airflow as the main vehicle, so keep an eye on the temperature in there as well.
Don’t Leave Your Pet Alone in the Car
Your dog should never be left alone in a car, regardless of the amount of time you’re planning on leaving them. Delays or unplanned situations could mean your dog is left for longer than expected, which can be distressing and dangerous for your dog.
Now you know how to safely travel with a dog in a car, both you and your pooch are all set to enjoy adventures near and far!
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