Pet Travel Advice

Driving with your pet requires careful planning, and this is our guide to help you make the journey as pleasant and safe as possible for both you and your pet.

Never taken your pet on a journey before?

It's important to make sure your pet feels comfortable and calm travelling in a car. If your pet has never travelled in a car before then these simple steps should help: -

• Give your pet a dedicated area in the car, then
• Start with the car stationary and put your pet in their area, then
• Turn on the engine and leave it running, then
• Go on a short journey

All the time make sure you pet is comfortable and feels reassured rewarding your pet for staying calm.

Stressed Pets

Pets pick up on pheromones, which are chemicals your pet senses, and these can change their behaviour and how they feel. If your pet gets stressed travelling there are many products from trusted manufacturers who have spent years researching pet behaviour. These products range from diffusers, sprays, tablets and collars all of which have been proven to reduce stress levels and alter your pet's behaviour.

Before you travel - The Legal Bit

The Highway Code says that drivers are responsible for making sure pets are suitably restrained in a vehicle so they can't distract or injure themselves or anyone else in the car during an emergency breaking situation. It further states a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are the appropriate ways of restraining pets in cars.

Using a lead around your pets neck is not appropriate as if you break heavily you can cause severe injury to your pet and you. Also allowing small dogs or pups to roam freely or sit on your lap is not suitable for the exact same reason. If you allow your pet to travel in the seated area then make sure they have a chest harness which is connected to a seatbelt, this will keep you both safe and comfortable.

Getting your Pet Ready

Give your pet a light meal before you set off as this will reduce travel sickness. Also take your pet for a walk to ensure they have stretched their legs and do not limit the amount of water your pet has.

Getting your Pet Comfortable and Secure

Pets love to be comfortable and secure and it will make the entire journey better for you both. Start by taking a bed or blanket your pet uses with you on the journey. Additionally, using a seat belt, cage, crate or carrier which are specifically designed to provide an environment your pet will feel relaxed in will help significantly. Please make sure you familiarise your pet with the product before you set off on your journey as this will help keep them calm.

On the Road

Do not let your pet put their head out of the window, it might look cool, but it really puts your pet in danger and also causes a distraction to you.

Key pointers

• Breaks - Stop regularly (ideally every 2 hours) so your pet can get exercise and a comfort break.
• Water - Give your pet plenty of water. Maybe take a large bottle with you so you can top up their bowl while travelling.
• Exiting the car - make sure you have full control of your pet before allowing them to exit the car.
• Remember the temperature - your pet can't take their coat off to cool down so make sure your car is well ventilated. It may be warmer in the back and the sun may be shining directly into the back of the car and onto your pet so consider screens.
• Leaving your pet in the car – If you are reading this then you clearly care about your pet, so please don't leave your pet alone in the car on a warm day. Even with the window slightly open, as this doesn't cool down the car or your pet. If you spot a distressed pet in a car alone then report them!

We hope this has been helpful and have a great trip with your pet.