Transporting Your Dog in the Car (What You Need to Know)

Want to take your furry friend on holiday, on a day trip, to the vet, or to visit distant friends and family? Then you'll need to load your four-legged passenger into the car. Without the right precautions and equipment, even a short drive can end badly. Read our article to learn how to prevent that.

Here you'll learn about the legal requirements, safety options, and comfort measures for transporting your dog in the car.

Legal Requirements

In most countries, traffic regulations require that dogs be properly secured during car journeys. The driver is responsible for ensuring that their vision and hearing are not impaired by passengers, animals, or cargo, and that all occupants and loads are safely secured.

In plain terms, this means you must secure your dog in the car. There are two key points to keep in mind:

• Your dog must not distract you while driving under any circumstances.
• In the event of hard braking or an accident, your dog must not be thrown forward, injuring themselves or other passengers.

Violating these rules can result in fines. If your unsecured dog causes a traffic hazard, you may face higher penalties and points on your licence. If you cause an accident because of an unsecured dog, your insurance coverage may be voided due to gross negligence. Most pet liability insurance policies do cover this, however.

Even at a low speed of 50 km/h, a medium-sized dog can become a projectile with an impact force of half a tonne in a crash. That's why it is absolutely essential to secure your dog during every car journey.

Restraint Methods

To make sure neither you nor your loyal companion gets hurt, there are various restraint methods. Which one is best for you depends primarily on the size of your dog. Here's an overview of the different options for transporting your dog, how to use them, and their pros and cons:

Seatbelts

These belts can be attached to the car's seatbelt clips. Most often, they are secured to the ISOFIX system — the integrated child seat anchoring points in the car. This is the sturdiest and therefore safest option.

Never attach the belt to a collar, as your dog could choke or sustain injuries up to a broken neck during braking. Instead, attach the belt to a special safety harness. Some belts come with their own harness included. A regular walking harness is generally not designed to absorb the impact forces of a car crash. For car transport, there are special safety harnesses that should have the following features:

• Crash-tested: A safety harness should be crash-tested to ensure it provides adequate protection in the event of an accident.
• Good padding: The harness should be well-padded, especially in the chest area, to distribute pressure during a sudden impact and prevent injuries.
• Adjustability: A good restraint harness can be adjusted to different body sizes for an optimal fit.
• Robust material: The materials used should be tear-resistant and hold up even under heavy strain.
• Compatibility with vehicle belts: The harness should be easy and secure to attach to the car's seatbelt or to special dog safety belts.

The quality of the belt determines whether it holds in an emergency. Poorly made products can tear. To avoid this, look for safety certification marks such as ECE or equivalent standards in your region. The belt must match your dog's size and weight. The belt length should be adjusted tightly enough that your dog cannot reach the front seat backrests. Dog seatbelts are the most affordable option for securing a dog in the car. They're also the easiest to install.

Unfortunately, they are the least secure compared to other options. They often allow too much freedom of movement, meaning your dog could be injured in a collision or could distract you while driving.

Dog Transport Crate

You probably already have a dog transport crate at home. That makes it one of the most versatile and safest transport options for your dog. You can even use such a crate on aeroplanes.

Once your dog gets used to it, they'll feel very comfortable inside. The crate becomes a real den for them. There are a few things to note with this product too: fabric transport bags offer no real protection in an emergency. At the very least, invest in a plastic crate. These are safest when placed in the footwell of the back seat, where they can't fly around and break. The sturdiest dog crates are made of aluminium.

The crate size must match your dog, of course. If there's too much space, your dog can be thrown around inside and get hurt. If there's too little space, it will be cramped and uncomfortable for your dog. Your dog should have just enough room to turn around and lie down comfortably. The right size also makes it easier for your dog to settle down and not constantly move around inside the crate.

Here's how to calculate the perfect crate size: The length is your dog's body length plus half the leg length. The width should be twice your dog's body width, and for the height, add five centimetres to your dog's head height.

The transport crate is one of the safest options and also serves as a retreat for your dog. Another advantage is that in an accident, your dog is immediately contained and cannot interfere with rescue workers. Small crates are easy to handle and store. A disadvantage is that securing the crate on the back seat may not be stable enough. When in doubt, it's better to place it in the boot. Also, large dog crates are difficult to transport due to their weight and bulkiness. Additionally, it can take a while before your dog gets used to their new den.

Barrier Grid

To secure your dog in the boot, you can install a barrier grid between the boot and the passenger compartment. Never use nets or cheap universal grids, even if they seem affordable and easy to install.

Nets cannot withstand a heavy impact. There is also a risk of entanglement. Most nets or universal grids don't seal properly against the vehicle walls, and through the resulting gaps your dog can push forward. Only a sturdy grid that is designed for your specific car model provides sufficient safety. Look for a model that fits your car exactly. When properly installed, it protects both you and your dog.

When installing, make sure your dog doesn't have too much space. In an emergency, they could be thrown against the grid.

Dog Car Seats

There are now car seats specifically designed for dogs. They are secured like a child seat using the ISOFIX system and are therefore very safe. However, they are only suitable for small dogs weighing up to nine kilograms. Some brands offer dog beds that can be attached in the boot or on the back seat depending on their size. They use the stable ISOFIX system to provide sufficient security on the back seats.

Your dog is secured in the bed with a belt. This prevents them from leaving the bed, so they can't interfere with the driver or rescue workers. The belt isn't designed to protect against impact — that's what the high, padded bed walls are for. The beds are easy to remove and can also be used at home. They come in many different sizes, designs, and features such as water-repellent material or removable flooring. There are suitable sizes for all common car models.

Prices range from around 170 EUR for the smallest to over 1,000 EUR for larger beds with premium features. If you're willing to spend that much for your dog, you'll certainly find something suitable. The biggest downside is the relatively high price depending on the model. But safety and comfort are guaranteed with these beds.

How Do I Get My Dog Used to Car Rides?

Start as early as possible to get your furry friend used to the car. Let them get in and out without driving at first, giving them treats throughout. Once you've done this a few times, you can start taking your dog on short trips.

Get your dog used to car rides gradually by starting with short drives and slowly extending them. This can help reduce fear and discomfort. Always give them a treat before and after the ride and praise them, so they look forward to the journey. Take your dog in the car as often as possible so that car rides become a normal part of life.

If you've chosen a transport crate, get your dog used to that first. Do this just as slowly, with plenty of praise and treats, as with the car. It's best to start in a familiar environment like home. On longer journeys, take a break every few hours. Let your dog run around and play. Ideally, play extensively with them just before the trip so they'll be tired and sleep during the drive.

Make sure your dog has access to water during the journey, especially on hot days. Never leave your dog alone in the car, particularly in warm weather. The temperature inside a car can rise rapidly and lead to heatstroke. Protect your dog from direct sunlight — there are sun shades and films you can attach to the windows. If your dog is prone to travel sickness, don't feed them right before the trip. A light meal about 3-4 hours before departure can help prevent nausea. Good ventilation in the car can also help reduce nausea and discomfort. A slightly open window provides fresh air and can have a calming effect.

Always use an appropriate restraint, such as a safety harness, transport crate, or special dog car seat, to protect your dog during the journey. Make sure the spot where your dog sits or lies is comfortable and neither too warm nor too cold. Use blankets or cushions for additional comfort if needed.

Cars as Heat Traps: A Danger for Your Dog!

At temperatures as low as 25 degrees Celsius, the interior of a car can heat up to 40 degrees within just half an hour, turning it into a death trap. Your dog can only endure this heat for a few minutes before suffering circulatory collapse.

Open windows or a parking spot in the shade are not enough to prevent this. Even while driving, you need to ensure your dog doesn't overheat. If your dog is panting heavily with a red tongue, stretched neck, and glazed eyes, it's high time to cool them down — ideally with water, a damp cloth, and a cool, shaded spot.

Overview: How Can I Transport My Dog in the Car?

Where you should transport your dog in the car depends on various factors, such as your dog's size, the vehicle type, and the available safety equipment. Below are the most common options for safely transporting your dog in the car:

1. Back Seat For medium to large dogs, the back seat is often the safest spot. With a specially designed dog safety harness attached to the seatbelt, your dog can be transported safely. The harness should be crash-tested and padded to provide protection in an accident. For small dogs, there are special dog seats that can be attached to the back seat. These seats raise the dog so they can look out of the window and are usually equipped with an internal anchor for the dog harness.

2. Boot in Estate Cars and SUVs A well-secured transport crate or cage in the boot offers plenty of safety and comfort, especially for large dogs. The crate should be sturdy and securely anchored in the boot so it doesn't shift in an accident. When using an open boot without a crate, a barrier grid or net is recommended to prevent your dog from entering the passenger compartment. This is a good solution for very large dogs or when transporting multiple dogs.

3. Footwell Behind the Front Seats Transporting a small dog in the footwell behind the front seat can be safe under certain conditions, particularly on short trips or when no other option is available. This area offers protection from direct sunlight and can prevent your dog from being thrown through the vehicle during a sudden stop. However, this area should only be used if there is enough space for your dog to lie down comfortably without being cramped. Make sure your dog cannot crawl under the seats or get tangled in any mechanisms. We recommend a special safety harness or a transport crate that can be securely placed in the footwell.

Can a dog ride in the car?

Yes, a dog can ride in the car as long as they are properly secured. There are regulations in most countries to ensure that dogs cannot jump from their seats during a car journey and that the safety of all passengers is maintained.

What's the best way to transport my dog in the car?

Your dog is best transported in a crate or secured with a special dog seatbelt on the back seat. This ensures they travel safely and won't be injured in the event of an accident.

What transport crate is suitable for my dog in the car?

A suitable transport crate should be made of sturdy metal or plastic and provide enough space for your dog to lie down comfortably. The crate should be secured in the boot or on the back seat.

How do I train my dog to travel safely in the car?

To train your dog to travel safely in the car, start with short car rides and reward calm behaviour. Use positive reinforcement to show them that car rides are enjoyable.

Where should my dog sit in the car?

Ideally, your dog should sit on the back seat, where they can be safely secured with a belt or in a transport crate. The front passenger seat is not recommended, as the airbag can be dangerous in the event of an accident.

How can I make sure my dog stays calm during car rides?

To ensure your dog stays calm during car rides, give them plenty of exercise beforehand and practise sitting calmly. Calming music and familiar blankets can also help.

Is it safe to transport my dog in the footwell?

It's not recommended to transport your dog in the footwell, as this can be dangerous. Your dog should always be secured on the back seat or in a transport crate to ensure their safety.

How can I prevent my dog from jumping during car rides?

To prevent your dog from jumping during car rides, secure them with a dog seatbelt or in a transport crate. This ensures your dog cannot roam freely in the car and stays safe.

Conclusion

Which dog restraint you choose for your car depends largely on the space available in the car, the size of your dog, and your budget. The important thing is that you secure them. How you do it is up to you.

Now you have a good understanding of the different transport options for your dog. You also know how to get them used to car rides and what to watch out for to provide the greatest possible safety for you and your best friend.