Riding Shotgun With Your Dog
- Erica Higgins
- Nov 3, 2024
- 2 min read
We call our 5 year old Labrador ‘Travel Dog’ as she literally loves being in the car - some days we leave the boot of the car open and she will be in there all day - just happy in her den. When the dog leads come out alongside a few bags and the walking boots and wellies are put on the back seat the excitement is palpable! She knows we are off on a trip, especially as our little Labrador Hera has by this point joined the party and is equally as excited.
Before we had Hera I loved to drive with ‘Travel Dog ‘ riding shotgun on the front passenger seat. That was until I read about the safety issues associated- I felt so stupid - not to mention irresponsible. So I just wanted to highlight the safety issues and give some tips on travelling responsibly and safely with your dogs in a car .
The Highway Code
Rule 57 of the Highway Code states: When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars
The Law
Whilst there is no direct fine for not having your dog restrained in a moving vehicle drivers could face up to 9 points on their licence and fines of up to £5000 and a court appearance for careless driving. If the worst should happen and you have an accident and an unrestrained dog there is a very real possibility your insurance could be voided.
Pet Travel Products
There are SO many products on the market- here are a few of my favourites;
For Small Dogs
The Pawsie collapsible and portable pet car booster seat carrier basket
I really like the Pets Villa website www.petsvilla.co.uk Labradors are Life followers are entitled to a 5% discount using the code PETSVILLA5
For Larger Dogs
Lintran - https://lintran.co.uk
A really reputable company with high quality products- these are my go to products if you want the ultimate solution to safe dog travel
Guardsman
Another of my favourite brands - lots of choice and solutions and super high quality products.
Further Information
There are lots of sites with all sorts of information about this subject- I have put a few below if you would like to read up further
The PDSA
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/safe-car-travel-for-pets
Halfords
The RAC
Thank you for reading my blog! Please do get in touch if you would like any more information or to suggest a topic for me to explore and blog about ! Safe travels .
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