Written in collaboration with vets
Most of us need to travel in the car with our dogs at some point, whether we’re going on exciting adventures or just taking them to a check-up at the vet. So, it’s important to make sure this is safe for everyone concerned. There are also lots of things you can do to ensure it’s a pleasant experience. In this article we’ll look at how to travel with a dog in a car, how to transport a puppy in a car, the current rules for dogs travelling in cars, and how to make your pet feel happy and reassured when your dog is travelling in the car for longer journeys. Bring on those road trips!
When it comes to dogs travelling in cars, it’s important that they’re restrained to keep them – and other passengers – safe. Unrestrained dogs can distract the driver, increasing the risk of accidents, and your pet may be injured or thrown in any sudden stops. Restraining your dog correctly with a harness, seatbelt, or crate keeps pets and passengers safe while travelling. Familiar harnesses may help nervous dogs to feel safe and secure on the journey, and you can reduce separation anxiety if they can still see you.
The main reason to keep dogs restrained in the car is to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of injury. If your dog is able to move around, they could interfere with the controls, or try to climb over to you and get in the way of the steering wheel or brake pedal. They can also create a distraction and increase the risk of a collision or injury to themselves or others in the vehicle. Using a harness, seatbelt, or crate keeps your dog secure and helps ensure the safety of everyone travelling.
Using a restraint helps protect the safety of dogs travelling in cars. Unrestrained dogs can be thrown forward in sudden stops or collisions, causing serious injury to themselves or those in front of them. Using a harness, seatbelt, or crate prevents this. You may also need to use some gentle reward-based dog training techniques to encourage them to sit where they are supposed to, and feel calm and reassured on short or longer journeys.
When your dog is travelling in the car, using a restraint also protects the driver’s safety. An unrestrained dog may react unpredictably to their surroundings, and can jump, climb, try to escape, lean out of the window or distract the driver, increasing the risk of accidents. Keeping dogs safely and comfortably restrained allows the driver to focus on the road and maintain control of the vehicle.
You’re probably convinced by the importance of using restraints for dogs travelling in cars by this point, but did you know it’s also the law? The Highway Code states drivers must “make sure dogs and other animals are suitably restrained”, and if you don’t adhere to this, you could be prosecuted for dangerous driving and face a fine and/or penalty points. Your car insurance could also potentially not cover you if an accident occurs and an unrestrained pet contributed to the cause.
If you’re wondering how to travel with a dog in a car, or how to transport a puppy in a car, here are the best ways to keep your four legged friend safe and secure on the journey.
When your dog is travelling in the car, some feel safer travelling in their own little ‘den’. They can then have their familiar blanket or toy with them for reassurance. Being in a crate or carrier may encourage your dog to lie down and nap on the journey. This option is usually a better solution to how to transport a puppy in a car, as they may wiggle out of a harness but can continue to use the familiar crate as they grow. However, some dogs will get anxious if they can’t see you.
A pet seat belt or harness is an effective method of restraint which allows your dog to still be ‘with’ you. A harness has to fit comfortably, and you should be able to fit two fingers between your dog’s body and the harness. If you have a puppy, bear in mind that they grow fast, so the harness will need regular adjustment and eventually replacement.
Depending on your type of car, a dog guard (or boot gate) might be another option. These create a physical barrier between the boot and the rear passenger seats and allow your dog freedom of movement. It’s worth bearing in mind that your dog jumping about could still distract you from driving though. Also, if you have an accident, your dog won’t have much protection from injury.
Some dogs travelling in cars are not anxious or concerned about it, while others may dislike it. To a certain extent, this is down to their individual personalities. That said, there are lots of things you can do to make car journeys relaxed and comfortable for them.
Dogs who get used to travelling in cars from a young age are more likely to be comfortable with the experience. Indeed, this is an important part of socialising a puppy. If you’ve recently adopted an adult dog and they’re nervous about car travel, don’t panic because, with patience and consistency, it’s possible to get them used to the idea. Just build up slowly, maybe even starting with them sitting in the car with you and not going anywhere. A few treats can help to persuade your dog that car journeys are a good idea! The PEDIGREE™ Tasty Mini range are low in fat and contain Omega 3, Vitamin E and calcium. They come in three great flavours: Beef & Cheese, Beef & Poultry and Chicken & Duck.
A solution to how to travel with a dog in a car whilst keeping them happy is to take regular breaks on longer journeys. It’s important to let your dog out of the car to stretch their legs, have a drink of water, and relieve themselves. Getting some fresh air and distracting them with a toy or game can also give them a boost before you set off again. Scheduling in regular stops helps reduce stress, and prevent your dog’s discomfort or toilet accidents as you travel.
Some dogs, and particularly puppies, can be prone to motion sickness which makes travelling in the car problematic. Although many young dogs outgrow car sickness, you can help get them used to the car by gradually building short journeys up by a few minutes each time. Making sure the car is well ventilated, and avoiding big meals before travel, can also help make journeys safer and more comfortable for your dog. Some dogs also benefit from facing forwards rather than backwards. If your dog’s car sickness continues, speak to your vet for advice.
Cars get warm quickly, especially if you’re wearing a fur coat! Make sure you crank up the air-conditioning or open the windows (not so wide your dog could jump out) to help keep your dog cool and avoid dehydration. On long journeys, owners should provide easy access to water, using travel bowls to help keep dogs hydrated throughout the journey.
However nice a cool breeze can be, it’s dangerous to let your dog poke their head out of the window. They could fall, jump, hit their head, or be injured by stones or debris kicked up by tyres. Open windows also create noises and smells which may unnecessarily fuel anxiety. Also, if your dog’s ears are flapping in the wind, it can lead to ear blood vessel damage – called aural hematoma – which is why it’s best to switch to air con instead. If your dog is properly secured in a harness, crate, carrier or dog guard, it shouldn’t have close access to a window.
Travelling with an anxious dog can be stressful, but you can help keep your pet calm by reassuring them, providing a comfortable place to sit, plus familiar items such as their favourite toys and blankets. Some owners find calming music can be soothing, and using gentle reward-based dog training can help make travel a positive experience. Be sure to give your dog plenty of praise during and after the journey, and make time for fun together at break stops to ensure a safer, more enjoyable journey.
It’s understandable that some dogs dislike the car purely because they associate it with a trip to the vet, or to kennels when you’re going away. Try to create positive associations, such as taking your dog for walks in exciting places, and visiting enjoyable destinations together. This can help to reduce their anxiety about travel and create a more relaxed and familiar environment for them.
We’ve already mentioned the importance of keeping your furry friend cool and, when the temperature rises, it’s important to be extra careful. Could you travel early or late, for example, when it’s likely to be a bit cooler? Can you use sunshades or give your dog a cooling mat to lie on? It goes without saying that you should never leave your dog unattended in a hot car which is not only uncomfortable for them but can be very dangerous.
In the UK, all dogs travelling in cars must be properly restrained, as per Rule 57 of the Highway Code. Although there’s currently no specific rule to say dogs can’t travel in the front seat, they could be injured by airbags in the event of an accident. It’s also more likely that they could distract the driver, especially if they aren’t properly restrained. Ideally, dogs are better positioned in the back of the car using a seatbelt harness, crate, or dog guard to keep both dog and driver safe.
If you’re wondering how to travel with a dog in a car if they hate going in it, you’ll first need to create positive associations for them. Start by letting them get in and out of the car when it’s stationary, using tasty dog treats and play to help encourage them. Try short, fun trips to enjoyable places, and gradually build these up in length. Treats, toys, praise, and familiar items can all help to settle them, and if they suffer from separation anxiety try a seatbelt harness in the back seat so they can sit next to a familiar family member. If their anxious behaviour in the car, or motion sickness carries on, consult your vet for advice.
Reward-based dog training is the best option here, as it taps into what dogs respond to best — encouragement, consistency and positive reinforcement. More generally, to help your dog deal with other unfamiliar or stressful situations in the future, recall training can really help to build more confidence and comfort in your presence.
Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that all animals must be ‘suitably restrained’ in vehicles, to prevent accidents. This includes the use of a seatbelt harness, cage, dog guard, or pet carrier. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 also states that owners are responsible for their pet’s health and safety.
Some dogs show fear of the car by panting and shaking, particularly if they’re not used to cars or associate them with vet trips. Try gentle training, rewards, and reassurance, gradually building up short journeys to fun destinations. Familiar items help, and distract them with play before and after.
Yes, all dogs legally need to be correctly restrained in car boots to prevent accidents and injuries. The best solution for how to transport an adult dog or puppy in a car is to use a dog boot crate, dog guard, boot harness, or pet travel crate that's securely fastened.
No, a car footwell is not a safe space for dogs to travel in, and it risks a fine, points on your license, injury to your pet or other passengers, and can invalidate your insurance in the event of an accident. Legally, dogs must be correctly restrained in moving vehicles.
