Taking pets in the car

Pet owners are responsible for ensuring that they comply with regulations of UK Animal Welfare, which can be found on the Defra website:  www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare.

There are certain conditions under which pets should not travel.  Pets should not be transported if they are ill or injured (unless it’s deemed to be an insignificant condition), new-born with an unhealed navel, unable to feed by itself and not accompanied by the mother, heavily pregnant or given birth within 48 hours. 

If your pet is an older animal, it’s a good idea to have pet insurance for travelling purposes. 

Safety and security

While the car is in motion, pets should be restrained in the back seat or the hatch of the car, ideally in an animal container.  If the pet is sitting in the front seat during an accident it can be injured by the airbag deploying or by hitting the windscreen. 

Unsecured pets can also be a danger to the driver and passengers during an accident.  A traumatised animal can cause havoc in the traffic or get in the way of emergency medical personnel. 

Comfort

Pet containers should be of an appropriate size for your pet, and no part of the animal should protrude from the container.  They should be able to stand up, to turn around easily and to lie down comfortably.  Let your pet get to know the container before it’s placed in the car, put a treat into the container to entice them in but don’t force them. 

Proper ventilation is vital during car journeys as pets can easily overheat.  Use a trellis type ventilator to seal off a hatchback.  Also ensure that your pet has access to fresh water and feed during the journey, especially if it is of a significant distance. 

Stop regularly to allow your pet the opportunity to stretch and ensure that its bedding is comfortable and absorbent. 

Travel sickness

If you’re worried about travel sickness on a long journey, help your pet acclimatise to travelling conditions by taking it on a few short journeys beforehand.  Try covering up the windows as travel sickness can be worse for your pet if it can see passing objects.  Some experts also advise limiting your pet’s water consumption and not feeding for three to four hours before the journey begins. 

Consider pet insurance for long journeys, especially if you are taking your pet abroad with you, in which case overseas travel cover is recommended.  Key benefits can include vet’s fees and access to a vet helpline at all times.