Driving with dogs – what is the law?

Driving with your dog? It’s fine, totally legal in fact. But here’s the catch: your furry friend needs to be safe, and so do you. The Highway Code, Rule 57, is pretty clear about it. Your pet can’t distract you. They also can’t get hurt, or hurt you, if you stop fast.

What does that mean for you? Well, it means keeping them restrained. Think about a seat belt harness, a pet carrier, a dog cage, or even a dog guard. These are all good ways to keep pets secure in your car. Vets actually say that not handling dogs right in a car is a big reason for crashes.

If you don’t keep your pet restrained, you could be in trouble. We’re talking more penalty points on your license, or worse. You could even lose your car insurance or get a hefty fine. So, it’s not just about what’s right for your dog. It’s also about following the rules of the road.

Driving Irresponsibly Can Hurt Your Dog

It’s not just about legal problems. Your dog can get seriously hurt if they aren’t safe in the car. Unrestrained pets are much more likely to get injured. Imagine this: a dog blocking the steering wheel or getting hit by an airbag during a sudden stop.

Even letting your dog hang their head out the window is risky. Small objects or debris can fly into their eyes. A quick stop or a collision, even a minor one, could cause severe injuries to an unrestrained pet. Their safety really comes first.

How to Drive with a Dog Safely

Never use chains around your dog’s neck or other unsafe restraint methods. Rule 57 of the Highway Code lists better ways to keep your pet secure. You can pick the best one for your dog’s size and breed.

Seat Belt Harnesses

A seat belt harness acts like a seat belt just for your dog. It wraps around their body and clips into your car’s existing seat belt. Or it can clip right to the seat. This helps keep your dog safe if there’s a sudden stop or a crash. Good quality ones cost around 10 pounds.

Carriers and Cages

For smaller dogs, carriers or crates work well. To add extra safety, put the carrier on the back seat and secure it with a seatbelt. Just like harnesses, you can find decent carriers for about 10 pounds.

Dog Guards

Dog guards give your dog more space to move around in the boot area. They separate the boot from the rear seats. This also stops your dog from distracting you while you’re driving. Some cars have these built-in. If not, a sturdy one might start around £30.

More Tips for Your Dog’s Trip

Beyond safety, you want your dog to be comfy. These tips help make car rides pleasant, especially on longer journeys.

Is Your Dog Ready for the Trip?

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs has some advice. They suggest not taking an animal if they are:

• Injured or sick
• New-born or too young
• Unable to feed without their mother
• Heavily pregnant or have just given birth

These are just guidelines. Still, it’s best to follow them if you can. It helps keep your pet healthy and calm.

Keep Them Comfy

Your dog needs a pleasant space, not just a safe one. If they’re in a cage or carrier, add a blanket and some toys. This can help them relax. Give them water often. You can even get a ‘car bowl’ that won’t spill while you’re driving.

Keep Heads Inside

Don’t let your dog stick their head out the car window. Small bits of road debris or insects can fly into their eyes. For windows near your dog, don’t open them too wide. Or keep them closed. You can open a window further away, like a front one, to let air in.

Conclusion

It’s totally fine to travel with your dog. After all, they’re part of the family. You wouldn’t leave your family behind, right?

Still, it’s smart to be careful. Dogs can’t tell you what they need like people can. You can’t just tell them to behave. But you can make the trip easier and safer for everyone. A happy journey can turn bad fast if you forget about safety.