Road-trip ready! How to travel in the car with your dog | Antinol^® UK

Travelling with your dog this summer? Make the car ride stress-free & safe. Learn the rules & prepare for the journey, for a comfortable trip for your furry friend.

Are you road-trip ready? Prepared for travelling in the car with your dog? Maybe you’re planning a staycation, heading for a beach, wandering the woods, or visiting family - how do you make long car journeys easy with your dog? 

Travelling in the car with your dog on long trips can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including legal requirements, restraint options, and how to prepare you and your dog for the journey ahead.

The law on travelling in a car with your dog

When it comes to travelling with dogs in the car, it's essential to be aware of the legal requirements. These have changed fairly recently, so you may be unfamiliar with the new rules.

The Highway Code and dogs

Point 57 of the UK 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. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

This means that if your dog is loose in the car, you could easily be distracted, leading to an accident. If an animal isn't restrained correctly, you could face points on your licence and a £5000 fine. Not only that, but it could invalidate your pet and car insurance. So it’s worth following the rules.

Can dogs travel in the front seat of a car?

This may be possible with the correct harness and seatbelt, but the recommendation is that dogs travel in the rear seats or the boot. If your dog travels in the front seats, it could be deemed a distraction, resulting in fines. There are also greater risks to your dog in the front seat. If the airbags are deployed, they can cause serious injury or even death to your dog.

And the classic, head out of the window, tongue out movie moment… although many dogs love it, it could also be deemed a safety risk and distraction. So keep your pooches safely inside, and follow the highway code.

How to restrain your dog in the car

The Highway Code says that your dog must be restrained when travelling in a car, but what are your options for travelling safely?

Dog crates for cars

Using a travel crate or carrier is an excellent way to secure your dog during car journeys. Make sure the crate is appropriately sized and securely fastened to prevent it from moving around. You can also have these custom-made to fit your car’s make and model. Although they are a little more expensive, you know they fit and won't move about, plus they make the best use of space for your dog. 

Dog car guards and barriers

Installing a dog guard or barrier between the back seat and the boot of your car creates a safe and confined space for your dog. It stops them from roaming freely through the car, potentially causing accidents or injuries. These can also be custom-made for your car. If you have a large boot and a smaller dog, you can have them fitted to ensure you also have storage space left in the boot-safely separating your dog from your luggage.

Seatbelt and harness for dogs in cars

Specialised seatbelt fastenings allow your dog to be securely fastened to the car's seatbelt system. These may be attached through the seatbelt or plugged directly into your car’s seatbelt connector. This option provides some freedom of movement while still keeping your dog restrained. Always use these with a harness rather than attaching them to your dog’s collar. Connecting to a collar is more likely to cause harm to your dog during an accident or under heavy braking.

Pet carriers

For smaller dogs, a pet carrier can be a suitable option. Ensure the carrier is well-ventilated and securely positioned in the car to prevent it from sliding or toppling over during the journey. A fabric one may be a better option than a plastic-based carrier—these will give your pet more grip and prevent them from sliding around inside.

Crashing testing for dogs travelling in cars

Unlike children’s car seats and seatbelts, there is no legal requirement to crash test car restraints for dogs. However, lots of reputable manufactures of dog travel gear do their own testing, or have their products independently tested. 

If you are looking to buy crash tested equipment for your dog, check the speed of the tests, and the weight it was tested for, as that will help you to assess if it is suitable for your dog. 

Car sickness in dogs

Dogs can suffer from car sickness or travel sickness, just like we can. And your dog is more likely to experience motion sickness if they haven’t travelled in a car very often. It is recommended that you start car-training your dog from a young age, where possible. Start them off with short journeys and slowly increase their time in the car. 

Why do dogs get car sick when travelling?

It is often caused by a combination of things - the movement of the car affecting your dog’s balance centres in their ear and brain, as well as the stress and anxiety they might be feeling when they travel. 

Sign of travel sickness in dogs

The obvious symptom of travel sickness in dogs is vomiting, but before they vomit there are other things they might do that will give you a clue that they’re feeling a little rough.

• Lip licking
• Drooling
• Panting
• Whining 
• Shaking
• Repeatedly swallowing. 

When should your speak to your vet about travel sickness in your dog?

If you don’t work to improve it, travel sickness in your dog is likely to get worse over time. So ideally, working on gradually reducing their travel anxiety and improving their ability to travel is going to be the best solution and may need support from a behaviourist. However, your vet may be able to prescribe some anti-sickness medication as a short-term solution. 

What can you do to help your dog with car sickness?

• Work on their travel-training to build up the time they can spend comfortably in the car.

• Don’t feed them for a few hours before you travel.

• Use a compression shirt or anti-anxiety shirt during the journey

• Use dog-safe travel remedies and anti-anxiety support such as calming pheromone sprays, or dog-safe aromatherapy products.

What should you pack when you travel with your dog in the car?

• Dog Food - Can you get their food easily at your destination, or should you take it with you. Does their food need refrigeration? If so, how will your do that during your journey?

• Comfort items - Something that smells like home and is familiar

• Bed - Either something for them to be comfortable on in the car, or their normal bed that you will be using at your destination

• Harness and seatbelt clip - Never connect anything to your dog’s collar while traveling in the car. If you are using a sealtbely clip, always connect it to a harness to prevent damage to their neck.

• ID Tags - Check that your cotact details are up to date on their collar tag, and consider another tag on their harness too. Also, remember to update their microchip contact details if they have changed.

• Medication and dog joint supplements - Ensure this is packed somewhere easy to access if they will need it during the journey

• Documents - Take their insurance information if you don’t have a digital copy.

What to do before you travel with your dog in the car

Don’t just hit the road on an epic journey; here are some things to consider before driving long distances with your dog.

Do short car trips with your dog first

If your dog is new to car travel, build the distance up. Take them on shorter trips to get them used to the feelings and sounds of car travel. That way, they'll feel less stressed and anxious when it’s time for the long journey.

Check your dog’s identification

Dogs in the UK legally need to be wearing some form of ID, but this is doubly important on long journeys in case you were to get separated. Check that your contact details are up to date so rescuers can get in touch.

Prepare for travel sickness in your dog

If your vet had prescribed travel sickness medication, make sure you give this to your dog at the right time, before you leave. You can also prepare the car with a calming pheromone product or a specially formulated pet aromatherapy spray to help your dog relax.

Make the car comfortable for your dog

The more comfortable your dog is, the more pleasant their travelling experience will be. So have their favourite blankets available. If there are likely to be lots of stops and getting in and out of the car, consider using steps or a car ramp. This is particularly important for dogs with mobility concerns, as jumping in and out of the car can be more difficult for them.

Tire your dog out before travelling in the car

A tired dog is more likely to relax and settle into a car journey, so take them out before you hit the road. Let them run off some energy (and go to the toilet).

What to do during a car journey with your dog

Keep it cool for your dog

If the sun is shining, remember that the air conditioning may not be too effective right back in the boot of your car. Put a sunshade on the back windscreen to prevent the boot from heating up in warm weather.

Keep your dog hydrated in the car

Keep your dog hydrated throughout the journey. Non-spill water bowls are available, and some designs are very effective. If that isn’t an option, offer your dog plenty of water to drink throughout your journey.
Learn the signs of dehydration in dogs.

Keep your dog safe when travelling

Get a passenger to regularly check on your dog throughout the journey (or stop somewhere safe if you’re alone). Are they relaxed and happy? Do they need a drink? Are their restraints still correctly connected, and they haven’t become entangled?

Take toilet breaks for you and your dog on your car journey

It’s not just you that needs a wee-stop! Get them out for regular breaks in a safe location for a toilet stop. If you’re near a road, make sure you keep them on their lead. Many service stations are now dog friendly - please don’t leave your dog in the car as the temperature can rise dangerously high, very fast.

Give your dog distractions in the car

If your dog does get worried on car journeys, give them something to distract them. A favourite toy, a lick mat with a small amount of food, or even a snuffle mat will help prevent restlessness and keep them calm.

When you arrive at your destination with your dog

Yey! You made it!  

When you arrive, make sure your dog has a chance to stretch their legs, burn off some energy and go to the toilet.

It’s been a loooong journey, but now it's time to have some summer fun. Go adventuring!

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