Travelling by Car with Your Dog: Safe and Sickness-Free

A dog travelling loose on a seat is a risk to both themselves and everyone else in the car. In a collision at 50 km/h, a 20-kilogram dog can be thrown with a force equivalent to hundreds of kilograms.

Safe restraint The safest option is a securely anchored travel crate in the boot. The second is a safety harness attached to the seat belt. A dog guard behind the rear seats protects passengers, but not the dog.

A stable surface A firm mat in the crate or boot absorbs vibrations and helps your dog keep their balance. A blanket that slips around will only make matters worse.

Travel sickness Feed your dog three to four hours before the journey. Ensure good airflow and let them look forwards rather than sideways. Short practice journeys ending with something enjoyable often help more than medication.

Breaks Stop for ten minutes every two hours. Your dog needs an opportunity to relieve themselves, drink and stretch their legs.

Never leave them in a parked car Even when it is only 22 °C outside, the temperature inside a car can become critical within half an hour. There is no safe length of time to leave a dog in a parked car.