What is the safest option for a dog in a car?

The Highway Code from the UK Government states that “a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars”. These are the safest and most appropriate ways to restrain your dog in the car, and it's important to choose the restraint-type that suits you and your dog the best.

What is the safest way to travel with a dog in the car?

The best way to do this is by using a harness that plugs into a seatbelt port, a suitable travel crate (whether tethered on the back seat or fitted to the boot of the car), or a dog guard between the boot and the last passenger row.

What is the safest way to drive with a dog in the car?

Instead, he says, put your pet in the passenger seat and use a harness designed to safely restrain them in the car. That way, "if you get into an accident, they don't fly forward," he says. "A lot of times, you can turn off the airbag on the passenger side.

What is the safest way to have a dog ride in the car?

Crash tested car crate in the trunk or back seat is the safest. Then a crash tested harness in the back seat.

Is it a legal requirement to strap a dog in a car?

It's legal to take your pet in the car with you, so long as you properly restrain them. Rule 57 of the highway code 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.

Car Safety Gear for Dogs

What are the new rules for dogs in cars in the UK?

In short, you must suitably restrain your pet when you're driving and not have them in the passenger seat; this is not only for your and your pet's safety, it is also for the safety of other vehicles and road users around you.

Are dogs safer in boot or back seat?

Well, the general advice is that the backseat is the safest, since this is away from the crumple zones (front and back) of the car, which absorb most of the impact in an accident. Of course, while this is feasible for small to medium dogs, it's not very convenient for larger dogs – especially if you have a smaller car.

How to legally drive with a dog in the car?

Where is the safest place to put your dog in a car?

In most cases, (with a hatchback or an estate (or larger), the safest place is in the back of the car, behind the seats, in a purpose built, secured crate, or behind a well-fitted dog guard.

How to secure a dog in a car without a seat belt?

Dog Crates and carriers

If you have a larger dog breed, the crate/carrier should be placed in the boot of your car. If you have a smaller breed and you want them to travel in the main section of the car, they should be placed in the passenger footwell. This is more secure and will avoid harm if the airbag is deployed.

Can a dog sit in the footwell of a car?

You shouldn't put your dog in a car footwell because the dog won't be properly restrained.

How to transport a dog in a car without a crate?

Suitable bedding should be placed on the floor to prevent the dog from slipping around during the journey. You could also consider a car harness that secures your dog by linking in with the seat belt system.

How long can a dog safely stay in a car?

It's generally safe to leave your dog in the car for a maximum of five minutes, if you must, and only when the outside temperature is above freezing and below 70 degrees fahrenheit. During daylight hours, crack a window and park in a shady spot.

What is the safest way to secure a dog in a car?

Buckle up your pup

Kennels are the best way to keep your pooch safe and ensure they aren't distracting you while you navigate and drive. However, if you'd prefer to keep an eye on your buddy during your trip, you can purchase a harness or car seat that buckles into your vehicle's seatbelt system.

How long can you drive with a dog in the car?

“And when driving I would say two to three hours is the limit, depending on your dog. If you see that your dog's getting uncomfortable, and moving around more, it's time to stop and let them stretch their legs.” If a dog crate is not for you, or you can't fit one in the boot, a dog guard is the obvious alternative.

Can a dog sit in the front seat of a car in the UK?

Dogs are allowed to travel in the front seat of the car in the UK, provided that you properly restrain them with a harness. While driving, your pet should not be able to climb on the dashboard or onto your lap.

What is the best way to travel with a dog in a car?

Hard-sided carriers with ventilation holes that are secured to the vehicle are the safest option. The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand or sit without touching the top, lie down and turn around. Secure your pet's crate so it won't slide or shift in the event of an abrupt stop.

Is it illegal to have an unrestrained dog in a car in the UK?

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that dogs (or any other animal) 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. This can lead to a fine up to £5,000 and even an appearance in court.

Can you keep a dog in the car with the windows down?

Temperature fluctuations can make it dangerous to leave your pet unattended in your car. Your vehicle can quickly reach a temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness or death—even on a day that doesn't seem that hot, and even if the car is left in the shade. And cracking the windows makes no difference.

Do dogs need seat belts in cars?

“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 Halfords fit dog guards?

At Halfords, we sell dog guards and many other items to ensure your pet can travel in safety and comfort. We can also fit these for a fee of £7, you can add this to your cart when you purchase your dog guard or simply pop into your local store to get this booked in.

What is the safest way for a dog to travel in the car UK?

The Highway Code from the UK Government states that “a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars”. These are the safest and most appropriate ways to restrain your dog in the car, and it's important to choose the restraint-type that suits you and your dog the best.

What's the safest dog car seat?

PupSaver is, in fact, the only canine travel safety product to ever pass a 35 mph sled test with a seat made for dogs up to 45 pounds. The quality of these seats is of utmost importance to us, because it is the structural integrity of PupSaver seats that separate them from all other canine vehicle restraint systems.

Do dogs have to be restrained in the boot of a car?

Ways to ensure your dog's safety in the car boot

Dogs either need to be secured in the boot and a guard in place to block access to the passenger interior or in a secured crate or cage within the boot. If you use a harness, ensure it is the right size and fitted correctly.

How to stop a dog from jumping out of a car boot?

The Car Boot Dog Lead was specifically designed to address the common issue of dogs jumping out when car doors or boots are opened. It can be attached to the car boot floor via an anchor point or headrest. You can easily adjust the lead's length to suit your dog's size and prevent them from jumping out of the car.