How To Travel Safely With Your Dog On Board

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts gives you advice on how to travel in your vehicle with your dog on board 

There are not many better feelings in the world than looking in your rear-view mirror and seeing your dog full to the brim with excitement as you head towards one of their favourite places.

However, you still need to ensure your dog's safety and comfort when on board. This will benefit your furry friend and prevent the driver from getting distracted.

To help ensure your dog's safety, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts gives you expert advice on preparing your car for a journey.

1. Before you leave 

Before you hit the road, these are a few things you should consider:

• Try and take your dog for a walk before you set off; this will encourage them to rest for the duration of the journey
• Don't feed your dog for at least two hours before you travel, as many dogs suffer from motion sickness
• Bring along a sufficient supply of dog food, as well as plenty of water too
• If this is your dog's first trip in the car, you may want to discuss your plans with your vet
• Bring blankets for bedding, and don't forget waste disposal bags for rest stops
• Consider putting plastic seat covers or old sheets on your seats to protect your car from stains and fur.
• Keep plenty of paper towels and cleaning supplies to hand to wipe away muddy paw prints and clean up after any accidents.
• Don't forget the lead and collar; it's your responsibility to keep your dog on a lead in public areas and ensure their collar, and ID tag is on at all times

2. Follow the law  

Research by the RAC found that more than one in four (27%) dog-owning motorists may be unwittingly breaking the law when transporting their pets by not keeping them restrained when their vehicles are on the road.

Rule 58 of the Highway Code states drivers need to ensure 'dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so that they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop too quickly.'

Whilst breaching the Highway Code is not an offence, several offences could arise due to driving with an unrestrained pet.

A motorist could be considered to be driving 'without due care and attention' if their pet is allowed to move around the car freely.

There are many ways to restrain your dog comfortably and safely while driving – including a seat belt harness, dog cage or dog guard. These inexpensive and faff-free devices will keep you and your furry friend safe in the event of an accident. 

Dog Cage  

Dog cages are a great way to transport your pet safely while in the car. When choosing a cage for your dog, make sure it's large enough to allow the dog to stand up and turn around, but there is not too much room that the dog could slide around when the car is moving.

• For small dogs such as a Boston Terrier, Dachshund or Pug, the minimum height required for a crate needs to be around 14/16in or 36-41cm.
• For medium-sized dogs such as a Border Collie, Dalmatian or Whippet, the minimum height requirement for a crate needs to be around 23/24in or 58-61cm.
• For larger dogs such as a Great Dane, Bullmastiff or Bernese Mountain Dog, the minimum height required for a crate needs to be around 30/32in or 76-82cm.

Dog Car Seatbelts and Harness  

A dog car seatbelt is simple to use; all you have to do is insert the seat belt clip into the seatbelt holder and attach the other end with the clasp to the dog's collar.

Similarly, with the harness, you insert the end with the seat belt clip into the seatbelt holder and put the harness on your dog. The belts work by providing the dog with enough freedom to remain comfortable, but also restraining the dog's body without damaging its neck.

We'd also recommend getting your dog used to the harness if they aren't already. You can do this by putting the harness on your dog while at home and giving them lots of praise when wearing it.

Dog car harnesses vary in size and are generally based on weight and girth (the widest part of your dog's chest). A rough size guide is below:

• XX SMALL – For dogs up to 5 lbs, such as a Chihuahua or Teacup Yorkshire Terrier
• X SMALL – For dogs between 5-10 lbs such as a Dachshund (miniature), Maltese, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle or Yorkshire Terrier
• SMALL – For dogs between 10-25 lbs such as a Cavalier King Charles, Pekingese, Miniature Schnauzer, Pug or Scottish Terrier
• MEDIUM – For dogs up to 55 lbs, such as a Beagle, Border Collie, Boston Terrier, English Bulldog or French Bulldog
• LARGE – For dogs up to 75 lbs, such as a Boxer, Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever or Weimaraner
• X-LARGE – For dogs 75+ lbs such as Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Dane, Mastiff, Rottweiler or St. Bernard

Dog Guard  

If putting your dog in the boot of your car is your preferred transportation choice, a dog guard is perfect for you. A dog guard works by providing a wire mesh or tubular partition between your car seats and the boot of your car.

This ensures your dog cannot climb into the passenger area of your car, and in the case of a head-on collision, a dog guard will protect both the occupants in the vehicle and the dog from hitting one another.

When shopping for a dog guard, be sure to check that the guard can be securely attached to your vehicle's interior framework and can support your dog's weight in the event of an accident.

Take Regular Breaks   

Just as you would with small children, taking regular breaks is important when travelling with your dog. Frequent toilet breaks and opportunities to burn off pent-up energy will ensure your dog is a happy traveller.

When you stop for a break, never leave your dog in the car, as this could lead to dehydration. Also, ensure you keep the car cool by using sun blinds, air conditioning, or by opening a window to ensure your dog doesn't overheat.

Taking regular breaks doesn't just relate to dogs but to all pets. From cats and dogs to hamsters and guinea pigs, we should give out pets some airtime to break up the drive. We've discussed this in more detail in our National Pet Day blog.

Got a question we've not covered? Have a look at our FAQs below: 

Should I lease a car if I own a pet?   

Being a pet owner doesn't mean you shouldn't lease a vehicle. It's perfectly fine for a four-legged friend to be a passenger in a lease vehicle. Just remember to take care of the interior, keeping it clean and damage-free.

The vehicle will be checked at the end of your lease term for any damage that isn't covered under the BVRLA Fair Wear & Tear guide, so it's essential to take good care of your lease vehicle while it's in your possession, especially if you're travelling with pets.

Can you have dogs in a lease car?   

We as a nation love dogs, and many people think that owning one rules out car leasing. However, it's perfectly fine to have dogs in a lease car. The only issue is keeping the inside of the vehicle clean and damage-free to avoid any end-of-lease charges.

What features should I look for when choosing a car?   

The main consideration when shopping for a dog-friendly car should be:

• Interior space should be on the top of your list when looking for a car suitable for carrying your dog. Look for cars with 60/40 split rear seats or a large interior with plenty of room to easily place a dog cage in the back of the vehicle so your dog can travel safely
• Big boot. If you're thinking of fitting a dog guard in your new vehicle, it's best to pick a car with a sizeable boot that's easily accessible and spacious enough to allow your dog to turn around and get comfy
• Low loading sills. Cars with a low loading sill in the boot area will make it easier for pets to jump in and out of the car unaided; this will be especially important as your dog gets older and less agile
• Easy clean materials. While plastic seat covers will help protect your car from stains and pet fur, vehicles with easy-clean materials will make your interior more manageable
• Comfortable ride. A smooth drive will benefit the driver and help keep your pet calm and relaxed throughout the journey. When choosing your vehicle, look out for models with soft suspension, light steering and a raised driving position

How can I avoid end-of-lease damage damage charges when travelling with a pet? 

The interior is most affected by carrying a pet in your lease vehicle. However, you can avoid causing any damage to the inside of your vehicle by getting a few items to help keep it in the best condition possible.

If your dog travels in the back, you can get seat protectors designed to cover the entire back row. This will keep the seat scratch-free and clean and keep any dog hairs in one place so they can be swept out of the car quickly after each trip.

If your dog travels in the boot of the car, such as in an estate car with plenty of space, you can also purchase car boot covers to protect the area from dirt, dust, and scratches.

It's also a good idea to place dog crates/cages in the boot of your vehicle. This keeps your dog protected within a confined area and ensures no damage can be caused to your lease vehicle.

For more information, read our Leasing Wear and Tear guide, which explains the fair wear and tear process for lease vehicles and ways to prevent any end-of-lease penalty charges.

How can I set up the car to accommodate my pet? 

Numerous safety measures and products can help you safely accommodate your dog in the car. You must select an appropriate and comfortable solution for your pet and ensure that any products installed are fitted correctly.

The rear seats are the safest for young children and your pets while driving, so setting up a pet-friendly rear is vital:

• Fitting a travel harness - Harnesses for pets are available in different sizes and can be found in most pet stores. Simply place them on your pet and clip them in place; your pet will be safe to ride in the front, back, or boot.
• Placing a crate in your leased vehicle - A crate will help keep your dog safe and secure while travelling in the car.
• Setting up a boot gate - If your dog prefers to sit in the boot, a boot gate should be installed to keep them from jumping to the front of the vehicle.

Like our advice about how to travel with your furry friend? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has done a range of blogs focusing on our pets, including National Pet Day and Top Cars for Dog Owners.