From taking a short drive to your favourite walking spot, to long day trips, there are a few essential things to remember whenever you’re travelling with a dog in the car. In this guide we go over the basics of how to keep your dog happy, ensure everyone’s safety, and the legal requirements of the Highway Code you should be aware of.
Restraining options
There are four main options for securing your dog in the car:
Seat belt harness
Seat belt harness adapters securely lock into your car’s seat belt socket and clip onto a harness. These are a popular option as it means the dog can be comfortable on the car seat while also wearing something they are familiar with.
It is recommended that dogs should be secured on a backseat and not on the front passenger seat. This keeps the dog safe if the safety bag deploys. It also reduces distractions.
Pet carriers
Pet carriers range in functionality and style. Although you may want to buy one that looks the most comfortable, it’s important to check if the carrier has the appropriate built in safety features.
The carrier should be securable, either by seat belt adapters or other straps that can be securely and firmly tied to headrests or grab handles. If it’s an open carrier, one where the dog can’t be completely shut in, be sure that the dog can also be directly secured to the carrier.
Dog cages
Dog cages are normally for larger cars and are added to the boot. Cages are best for long journeys and are more of an investment then simpler solutions like belt adapters or carriers.
Important factors to consider before buying include:
- Size: the cage should be big enough for your dog to stand, sit, and lie down comfortably.
- Material: it should be made from good quality, sturdy metal. There are high quality plastic cages available, however these are far less crash resistant then aluminium or steel.
- Security: sturdy door latches and locking mechanisms are important to ensure your dog doesn’t break loose. Over a long car journey, vibrations on the road can jostle catches loose. Also, in an event of an accident, you need to be sure the doors can take a sturdy impact.
- Strapping: it’s not wise to leave the cage loose in the boot. The cage should have functionality enabling it to be secured down. This not only helps prevent adding stress to the dog if they are constantly sliding around, but also adds to the cages overall security.
- Crash tested: look for cage brands that are independently crash tested and ones with good warranty cover.
Dog guards
Dog guards are designed to block off the boot area from the passenger compartment. They come in a different styles and materials, with the most common ones being metal bars or wire meshing.
You should buy one that is specific to your car make and model to ensure it’s the right size and shape. Good dog guard websites should make it easy to find the right guard for your exact model.
The UK Highway Code
Making sure your dog is safely secure and doesn’t become a distraction isn’t just responsible ownership, but it’s also a legal requirement. In the Highway Code, Rule 57 states:
When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.
The wording “suitably restrained” means there isn’t a specific action you need to take to secure your dog in the eyes of the law. But if you are in an accident and you cannot prove your dog was suitably restrained, you could face a number of consequences, including:
- Invalidated insurance with your insurance company not having to pay out.
- Fines and points on your licence for reckless driving.
- Paying for any damages to any vehicles involved.
- Paying for any medical costs of anyone involved.
- Being liable for the accident.
Short car journeys
Most car accidents happen close to home, so even on short trips to your local park you shouldn’t travel with your dog unrestrained. Sudden breaking, even at slower speeds, is enough to jolt your dog forwards, potentially injuring them or you.
This is why seat belt adapters are a popular option, as the dog is already wearing the harness and it can be easily and securely fastened on the backseat. People with larger vehicles often prefer the dog guard option as they can quickly let their dog hop in the cargo area, but it is still recommended that the dog is secured back there.
General tips and advice
- Do not restrain your dog via a collar. In an accident, even at very low speeds, the dog’s neck will take the full force of the impact. This can lead to serious injury or worse. Always secure your dog to a well fitted harness.
- Keep your dog hydrated. Bring enough water for your trip and make sure you give them plenty of opportunities to drink. You can buy non-spill water bowls, so they have access when they need it.
- Temperature checks. Your air conditioning might be keeping you cool in the front, but make sure it’s not getting too hot for your dog in the backseat or boot.
- Regular stops. On longer journeys, plan stops so you can take your dog out for loo breaks and walks. Try to keep to their regular walking time.
