Travel safely and within the law with family pets
Households who hope to take staycations this summer, and are planning to take their four-legged family members along with them, must keep safety in mind.
Motoring experts have given their advice for travelling with pets, with the top priority being to keep them, and you, safe and secure.
The Highway Code states that dogs or other animals must be suitably restrained in vehicles so that they cannot distract you while you are driving, or injure you or themselves if you have to stop quickly.
Failure to do this could result in the driver receiving a fine and penalty points.
Owners are urged to use suitable restraints, that include harnesses for dogs, pet guards for larger, active dogs and cages or carriers for smaller animals.
Other tips featured in the guide cover the preparation of your animal for the journey, along with advice for during the trip, and what to prioritise when you arrive at your destination.
Tim Alcock from LeaseCar.uk said: “Travelling with your pet can be stressful, especially if they become anxious or suffer from motion sickness.
“So we’ve compiled some tips to help make the journey as easy as possible for both your animal and you. Preparing them ahead of the trip with a long walk and a light meal will get you off to a good start.
“Once the journey is underway, it’s important to make sure your pet is safe, and you adhere to the guidance set out in the Highway Code. Remember to have plenty of stops, keep water in the car with your pet and make sure they don’t overheat. And when you finally reach your destination, take them on a good, long walk.”
Before you start your journey: take your pet for a long walk to burn off excess energy and make them tired. They’re more likely to spend the journey relaxing if they’re worn out.
Feed your pet two hours before they travel: pets travel better on an empty stomach
and it reduces the risk of travel sickness. Also make sure water is in the car in a spill proof bowl.
On the journey, keep your pet safe by sticking to the rules in the Highway Code and by using restraints. Harnesses are a great idea for dogs. For larger, more active dogs, try a pet guard which can turn the boot into a dedicated pet area. For smaller pets, consider investing in a carrier, crate or cage.
Remember to take plenty of breaks on the journey for toilet stops and exercise, especially if you’re travelling a long distance. And remember to keep your pet on a lead when you take them out of the car.
Invest in some window shades to help keep the car cool and block out direct sunlight. This will make the journey cooler more comfortable for your pet.
It’s important to keep
your pet relaxed. Journeys can be stressful to animals, so try and make them as calm and happy as possible. This could be as simple as giving them their favourite toy or a blanket from home.
Don’t ever let your pet hang out of the window to cool down. Not only is this illegal, they could injure themselves and get grit or other substances in their eyes. Instead turn on the air conditioning and open windows that are furthest away from your animal.
If you break down while travelling with your pet, don’t let them out unless it is completely safe to do so, and make sure you keep them on a lead.
When you arrive, and if it’s safe, give your pet a chance to stretch their legs and run around, but keep a watch on them. The latter point applies at all times as dog thefts are currently an issue.