85% of drivers don’t know the rules of the road when it comes to travelling with their dogs

A recent survey by Carwow, the online car-changing marketplace, shows that despite more than half (55%) of dog owners taking their beloved pets on car journeys, a staggering 85 per cent admitted they didn’t know the safest way to travel with them.

The survey shows that 4 in 10 (39%) aren’t aware UK drivers may be faced with a hefty £5,000 fine for those travelling with an unrestrained pet in tow.

As the Bank Holiday approaches and with many Brits head-off on staycation over the long weekend, Iain Reid, Head of Editorial at Carwow, shares his top canine care tips for travelling safely.

1) Plan ahead and make your dog comfortable

It’s important to remember your dog may find the change in routine quite unpredictable and stressful.

Dogs are often creatures of habit, so a new and unfamiliar environment can potentially stress them.

Avoid giving your dog a big meal more than two hours before setting off on your travels. You should also bring a portable water bottle to make sure they are hydrated during the journey.

You’ll also need equipment to keep your dog secure and safe – more on this next!

2) Next, know your Highway Code

It’s also important to brush up on The Highway Code before setting off and reading the laws on driving with pets. For example, drivers must secure pets safely or run the risk of an on-the-spot fine of £5,000, under rule 57.

According to a survey by Carwow, worryingly three in 10 motorists (29%) who drive with a dog in their car do not use a harness or secure cage.

The size of the restraint will depend on the size of the dog. But for any dogs travelling in the passenger seat, the airbag should be deactivated and the seat pushed back as far as it will go. The rules are in place for the safety of the passengers and other drivers on the road, as an unrestrained dog could distract the driver and potentially cause injury to themselves and others.

3) Keep your dog cool if travelling in warmer spells

Although the weather during the British summer can be unpredictable – it’s always best to take precautions and plan for a warm, hot day.

To keep your dog cool, either put the air conditioning on or lower the window slightly to generate air flow – but not low enough to risk them sticking their head out. You can buy window shades for your windscreen, side windows and rear windows to protect your dog from the sun.

If the forecast is sunny, avoid being in the car during the sunniest hours (between 11am and 3pm) and instead travel around the cooler parts of the day (early morning and late evening).

A range of accessories are available at pet stores to keep dogs cool – from cooling mats to ice chew toys – these can be a great short-term solution at the start of a longer journey.

4) Take regular breaks or pit stops

While it’s best practice for any driver to take regular breaks, it goes without saying that extra break time should be factored into your journey when travelling with dogs.

Where possible, plan pit stops with green space into your route, so your dog can stretch their legs comfortably.

Dogs should never be left unattended in cars, especially during hot weather spells. With temperatures this summer reaching up to 34 degrees, taking the risk for just a few minutes could prove fatal – so make sure you stop for regular breaks during the journey.

5. Pup owners: it might be time to upgrade your car

Whether you’re a new or an experienced dog owner, it might be worth considering if your vehicle is ideal for carrying canines.

Carwow shares its shortlist of the top three vehicles for dog owners:

Volkswagen Passat

The Volkswagen Passat is a mega-spacious estate car with a huge boot, a low load lip for your pooch to get in and plenty of cubby spaces for leads and treats.

Kia EV9

Even with all seven seats in the Kia EV9 there’s more than enough space for your dog to be comfortable, and the third row can always be folded down for larger dogs.

Mercedes E-Class Estate

The new Mercedes E-Class is one properly posh executive car and great for pampered pooches. It has a massive boot, and the estate body shell means any elderly canines won’t have far to jump up into the car too.

See also
Best cars for dogs