Tips for driving with pets 

If you have to make a journey with your four-legged friend, here’s how to do it safely:

• Use a crate or carrier. Buy a crate or carrier that keeps your pet safely contained. It needs to be well-ventilated and big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in. The carrier must also be strapped in to ensure it doesn’t move around as you drive.
• Buy comfortable restraints. While ‘restraints’ don’t sound very pleasant, they can actually be quite comfy if you use specialised harnesses and seat belts. These allow dogs to partially move around and even sit upright.
• Get your pet used to travel. If your pet is an anxious traveller and you have a big journey coming up, start getting your four-legged friend used to being in the car with some shorter journeys.
• Check on your pet regularly. Ask a passenger to keep an eye on them, or if you’re alone in the car, take regular breaks to make sure they’re doing okay. Be on the lookout for signs of overheating or motion sickness, such as panting.
• Never leave your pet alone in the vehicle. Cars can heat up quickly, even on days that don’t seem particularly hot, and heatstroke can be deadly. It’s not enough to park in the shade, leave the window open (which is also unsafe) and give them water, as animals don’t have the same ability to regulate their body temperature as we do.
• Bring food and necessities. When you’re packing your travel bag, don’t forget your pet’s supplies – that means food, bowl, lead, poo bags and any medication. Think about packing more than you need in case of an emergency or if you’re stuck out for longer than you expected.
• Keep them hydrated. Make sure water is easily accessible for your pet. If you’re worried about spills, you can buy specialist bowls that are designed to be used in cars.
• Don’t let your pet hang their head out of the window. They could get stones, dust or other debris in their eyes, and they’re more likely to get seriously hurt if you have an accident. It’s fine to have the windows in the car slightly open to help with airflow but make sure there’s no chance of your pet jumping out.
• Microchip your pet. It’s a legal requirement for a dog to be microchipped and wear an ID tag. That way if they do get lost, you maximise your chances of being reunited. Having your cat microchipped is a good idea for the same reason, especially if you’re going to be away for a while. If you’re taking your pet abroad, find out what you need to know about travelling in Europe with your pet after Brexit.
• Let them exercise. Don’t forget to make regular stops so your pet can stretch their legs. Motorway service stations often have grassy areas where you can do this. Just make sure to clean up after them if they make a mess.

Pet owner checklist for travel

One of the best ways to make sure your pets stays safe in the car is to be prepared. This means having all the right gear to guarantee they’re safely secured throughout your journey. Here are some of the items to check off before you begin your journey:

• Pre-travel pet care. Make sure your pet is as prepared for the journey as possible:

o If your pet is energetic, do your best to tire them out before you go, so they’ll hopefully go to sleep or at least rest while you’re driving.

o Give your pet a big meal a couple of hours before you go, so they’re less likely to get travel sick from being jolted about with a full tummy.

o Before you set off, give them time to go to the toilet and make sure they’ve had plenty to drink.

• Create a safe place for your pet. If you’re using a carrier, make sure it’s clean and try to create as comfortable and comforting a spot as possible using their favourite blanket and toys. If you’re using a harness, make a cosy space for your pet to sit or lie down.
• Strap them in securely. While it may feel restrictive, strapping your pet in is no different to how you’d travel with a young child. They need to be tightly secured to avoid getting hurt in the unlikely event of an accident. Being strapped in, whether they’re inside a carrier or not, means they’ll be stable and safe throughout your journey.

When to avoid travelling with pets

Sometimes bringing your pet along just isn’t practical, no matter how badly you want their companionship. Remember that you have a duty of care to your pet, and this means making sure your pet is safe and isn’t suffering unnecessarily. Keep these instances in mind, and consider whether bringing your pet with you is actually going to do more harm than good: 

• If your pet is sick 
• If your pet is a newborn 
• If your pet gave birth 48 hours or less before the trip
• If your pet is heavily pregnant. 

If you notice that your pet is unwell, it’s best to avoid travelling for anything other than an absolute necessity. If you have no alternative but to travel with a sick pet, follow this advice:

• Take all medication with you and make sure it’s up to date
• Take a copy of your pet’s medical records with you
• Regularly monitor how comfortable they seem
• Have a readily accessible list of emergency numbers ready to call if they take a turn
• Keep a pet first aid kit to hand.

Source: OVRS 

Travelling with pets in the car in hot weather

External weather conditions play a big part in the safety of travelling with a pet. If you’re planning a long journey on a hot day, it’s best not to bring them along with you. If it’s a short journey, which they ideally need to make (such as a trip to the vet), be sure to do what you can to keep them comfortable.

While it might feel relatively mild out, research shows that the temperature in a car can reach as high as 47°C internally when the external conditions are just 22°C. This can cause heatstroke for most pets, which could be fatal.

Some of the best steps to take in hotter conditions are:  

• Air conditioning. If you’re fortunate enough to have an in-built air conditioning system, be sure to use it to keep the car as cool as possible. It’s a handy tool for preventing the vehicle from becoming humid and stuffy. If you’d prefer, you could also open the windows a small amount – but not enough for your pet to stick their head out.
• Pet sunscreen. Largely used for dogs, sunscreen is an important and often overlooked tool in the fight against heatstroke and dehydration. It’s best to find products that have been specifically created for safe use on pets. These kinds of items will often be:
  • Free from the harmful zinc oxide 
  • Waterproof for longer protection  
  • UVA and UVB protection  
  • Fragrance-free so as to avoid any irritation  

Source: Animal Friends 

The sunscreen itself can be applied in much the same way you would to yourself. Gently rub it over the danger areas, such as the ears, nose, belly, tail and back. This level of protection is particularly important in hot weather for dogs with finer fur, such as greyhounds and bulldogs.   

Take breaks. Taking regular breaks gives everyone the chance to step out of a hot car and get some much-needed fresh air. This is also a good opportunity to give your pet some fresh water. Both of these factors could help to lower their body temperature and make them feel more comfortable. 

Shade them. If possible, try to create shade in your car to keep the concentrated heat of the sun off your pet. You may need to think about creating a makeshift shady area (using blankets, for example) to block out light.  

If you’re transporting a dog and notice any of the following tell-tale signs of heatstroke, be sure to pull over safely as soon as you can and let them out for fresh air:

• Heavy panting  
• Difficulty remaining balanced  
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Unusual levels of drowsiness and lethargy  
• Collapse 
• High levels of drooling of foaming at the mouth  
• Sticky, dry or bright red gums   
• Muscle spasms, tremors or shaking  
• Any odd or uncharacteristic behaviour. 

Try to cool your pet down in any way you can, using cool water and fans to cool their body, and giving them lots of cold water to drink. Act quickly: heatstroke could cause serious and lasting damage – or worse – if left untreated. 

Source: PDSA and the Goddard Vet Group