Preparing for staycations: pet safety in the car

Plans of foreign holidays will once again be shelved for millions of Brits in favour of 'staycations', both due to Coronavirus and the increased difficulty of taking one's dog abroad after Brexit.
Anyone planning staycations should make sure to keep their four-legged family members safe on road trips - and here's how.

The Highway Code states that dogs or other animals must be suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you or themselves if you stop quickly. Failure to do this could result in a fine and penalty points.

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 your staycations 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. Also 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!

Go for a walk

Take your pet for a long walk before you head off on your travels to burn off excess energy. They’re more likely to spend the journey relaxing if they’re worn out.

Feeding

Feed your pet two hours before travel – they travel better on an empty stomach and it reduces the risk of travel sickness. Also make sure there’s water in the car in a spill proof bowl.

Keeping your pet safe

Make sure you stick to the rules in the Highway Code and keep your pet safe by using restraints. Harnesses are great 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.

Breaks

Remember to take plenty of breaks on the journey for toilet stops and exercise, especially if you’re travelling a long way. And remember to keep your pet on a lead when you take them out of the car.

Window Shades

Invest in some window shades to help keep the car cool and block out direct sunlight. This will make the journey more comfortable for your pet.

Keep your pet relaxed

Journeys can be stressful to pet, so try and make them as happy and relaxed as possible. This could be as simple as their favourite toy or a blanket from home.

Cooling down

Don’t let your pet hang out of the window to cool down. Not only is this illegal, they could injure themselves. Instead turn on the air conditioning and open windows furthest from your animal.

Breakdown

If you breakdown while travelling with your pet, don’t let them out unless it safe to do so and make sure you keep them on a lead.

Let them free

As soon as you arrive and it’s safe, give your pet a chance to stretch their legs and run around!

This is a guest post by Tim Alcock.