How to legally travel with a dog in the car?

Mikayla Streich
2025-07-31 05:49:52
Count answers
: 21
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. Do not let a dog out on the road on its own. Keep it on a short lead when walking on the pavement, road or path shared with cyclists or horse riders.

Maurice Hettinger
2025-07-31 03:21:32
Count answers
: 11
Restrain your dog. Use a good quality harness, or a crate or guard, to keep your dog safe. Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that dogs should be suitably restrained while in a vehicle so they can't distract the driver or cause injury to themselves or others in the event of an accident. Although there is no specific law stating that dogs must wear seat belts or harnesses while in a vehicle, it is advised to use a proper harness or dog seat belt attachment to secure your animal and prevent it from moving around the car. Make regular stops on long rides, your dog will appreciate being able to stretch their legs, enjoy a drink and some fresh air and go to the toilet. Always carry water, cars can get hot even when they’re moving, and dogs may become dehydrated on long trips. Try to help your dog relax, do whatever it takes to ensure your dog is happy, content and comfortable sitting in your car.

Khalid Welch
2025-07-31 01:43:07
Count answers
: 11
Keep your dog secured in the car – it’s the law. In the UK, the Highway Code stipulates that your dog should be suitably restrained when travelling in a car. Your dog or puppy should either be secured within the boot with a guard blocking access to the car passenger interior, or they should be in a securely-positioned. Start with short, slow and gentle journeys that will allow your dog to get used to car travel in a positive way. Having a friend, who your dog knows well and is comfortable with, accompanying you can be helpful so there is someone to be beside your dog if necessary while you. It’s important to introduce car travel to your puppy or dog carefully. For some dogs, the sensation might feel very unusual to begin with, especially if they’ve never been in a car before.

Emmalee Willms
2025-07-31 01:39:59
Count answers
: 14
Your dog must be suitably restrained. This is to ensure the dog doesn’t distract the driver and is less likely to cause injury to themselves or others if the car stops quickly. The Highway Code states that a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars. A pet carrier such as the 3-in-1 Tavo Maeve Pet Protection System is a fantastic option if you regularly travel with your pet as it gives you the ultimate peace of mind that you are adhering to the Highway Code, and that your dog is comfortable, protected and safely restrained every time you travel with them. Make sure your dog is comfortable When choosing a restraint for your dog, such as a cage or crate, make sure it’s big enough for your furry friend to rest comfortably. Invest in a pet carrier, the carrier should be big enough for them to stand up fully and turn position. Avoid long journeys if your dog is not used to travelling in the car, doing more short trips regularly will help your pet get used to being in the car and will allow you to build up to the longer journeys.
Read also
- What is the safest way for a dog to travel?
- How to prepare a dog for a 12 hour flight?
- What is the safest way to have a dog ride in the car?
- Are dogs safer in boot or back seat?
- How traumatic is it for a dog to fly in cargo?
- Should you buckle your dog in the car?
- How long before a flight should a dog stop eating?
- How to prepare a dog for a long car ride?