When you take a break…
1) Dog safety when travelling in the car boot extends to anytime you decide to take a break from the road – so when you do make a stop to let your dog stretch their legs, ensure that they are secured using a harness before opening the door. Dogs that have been stuck in a car for a while are likely to launch themselves at the opportunity for a walk and fresh air, and if you are near active traffic, the risk of an accident increases dramatically.
2) Allow the car to air out by opening the doors to prevent the air from becoming stale during the next leg of the journey and potentially leaving your pooch feel unwell.
3) NEVER leave your dog unattended in the car – even for a minute. Your car acts as a greenhouse, and even in moderate temperatures the air can quickly become too warm for your furry friend to cope with – and a cracked window does very little to negate this.
The law on travelling in the car with your dog
According to The Highway Code with regards to Rules about Animals, it is the driver’s responsibility to:
“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.”
With these regulations in place, if you were in an accident caused by your dog distracting you while driving, this could be considered as ‘dangerous driving’. Car insurance providers may also require you to restrain your pet, so it’s best to check your policy.
Can dogs travel in boot of car?
Dogs should be secured in to the car with a harness attached to the seat belt, they can also travel in the boot with a secure dog in place, make sure you remember to remove the parcel shelf.
