Keeping your pet safe on car journeys

Keeping your pets safe and happy in the car

From a quick drive to the vets to a longer journey to a holiday cottage or to visit family, pets don’t always make the best travelling companions. Keeping them safe and relaxed will reduce the risk of accidents and ensure everyone has a much more pleasant time in the car.

As well as a better journey, it’s a legal requirement to keep your pet safe in the car. Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that drivers must make sure that dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you’re driving, or injure you or themselves if you stop quickly. Break the rules and you could face a fine of up to £5,000 and points on your licence.

Keeping your pet safe in the car

There are various ways to keep your pet safe in the car, with your choice usually dependent on your pet’s size. Carriers are the best option for smaller animals including cats, rabbits and small dogs. These should be secured, ideally using the seat belts in the back of the car, or in the passenger footwells. This prevents them being jostled on the journey and gives them protection if you are involved in an accident.

Seat belt harnesses can work well for dogs. These clip onto the rear seatbelts in your car and enable you to adjust them to fit your dog, so they’re comfortable and have plenty of protection. You can even get a booster car seat for smaller breeds.

You can also use your boot space, removing the parcel shelf if necessary and fitting a dog guard or using a crate so they can’t get into the main part of the car. They’ll have a bit more freedom but the downside is they won’t have as much protection if there is an accident.

How to help your pet relax on car journeys

As well as considering your pet’s safety, it’s important to make sure they’re as relaxed as possible in the car. If you’re driving your dog out into the countryside for a long walk every day, they’ll soon become very happy passengers. But for many pets, a car journey can be stressful.

Getting them used to the car and their carrier, if you’re using one, ahead of a first trip will help. You can also try pheromone sprays for cats, as these can help to keep them calm. And don’t forget to take water and some food for them, as well as lots of paper towels and wet wipes if they are sick or have a little accident in the car.

The way you drive can help too. You may have seen your pet scoot off at what looks like 100mph, but seeing the world whizz past can be unnerving for them. Driving smoothly and keeping your speed down can help to keep them comfortable and make it a much more relaxed experience.

Be prepared to experiment too, trying different ways to keep your pet secure in the car, different pheromone sprays, or different food for them. Even if it’s just one car journey a year, making it as relaxed as possible will benefit you and your pet.

Co-op Insurance can also help you look after your pets. Find out more about our inclusive pet insurance and get a quote for cover.