Whether it’s a routine visit to the vet, a weekend getaway, or even a trip to the shops, there are countless reasons why we may need to transport our pets by car. When doing so, it’s crucial to prioritise their safety and security.

International automotive retailer Group 1 Automotive has detailed five tips to safely and securely transport your pets in vehicles and issued a warning that not complying with the rules of the road could be costly. From sudden stops and sharp turns to unforeseen accidents, the road can present a number of potential hazards for our four-legged friends, so it’s essential to make sure they are well-secured and safe in vehicles.

Group 1 Automotive has worked with Sara Ochoa, veterinarian at The Animal Hospital of West Munroe and co-founder of How To Pets, who discussed common injuries from unsafe journeys and how drivers can prepare.

Strap your pet in

Just as we would use a seatbelt, your pet needs to be strapped into the vehicle. It’s recommended to use a harness, crate, pet carrier or guard for this, and you can purchase these from many different retailers.

Rule 57 of The Highway Code states: “When in a vehicle 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. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

As important as this is on its own, it also ensures that you don’t receive any potential fines for getting distracted by a loose animal in the car. If you do, you could land a hefty £1,000 fine and points on your licence. This can increase to £5,000 if you are taken to court.

Always carry water

For quick car journeys this may not always be necessary, but if you are planning a longer trip it’s essential to carry water in the car for your pet. Even if the car isn’t hot, dogs can become dehydrated for other reasons, so ensuring they have water is a necessity. Window shades are also a good addition here if the weather is hot, as this can block out sunlight, and cool the car

Help them de-stress

For some pets, travelling in a car can be an anxiety-inducing time and we don’t want our pets to be uncomfortable – especially if the journey is going to take a while. To help with anxious pets, bring their favourite toy or accessory, such as a blanket, to help them feel safe and cosy.

Make regular stops

It’s so important to take regular breaks when travelling on longer journeys, especially with a pet. While humans can voice their needs, our furry friends can’t, so stopping every one to two hours ensures your pet can go to the toilet, stretch and get some fresh air

Prepare for sickness

Just like us, many animals can suffer from travel sickness – especially in cars. While most dogs can grow out of this and adjust as they get older, for some, it can stick with them.

To help your pet with travel sickness, avoid feeding them a few hours before setting off, as well as setting down a waterproof sheet or tarp underneath them. It’s also important to ensure you have a steady flow of cool air from your air conditioning to avoid making the sickness worse.

Sara Ochoa said: “I’ve come across my fair share of furry patients who have suffered injuries due to improper safety in cars and it’s heartbreaking to witness our beloved pets go through unnecessary pain. Sudden braking or a collision can cause them to collide with hard surfaces, leading to concussions, fractures and lacerations to their delicate faces and, unfortunately, these injuries can result in long-term health issues.

“The risk of pets being ejected from a vehicle during an accident or sudden stop is greatly increased if they are not safely restrained. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip or simply taking a short drive to the veterinarian’s office, your furry friend’s safety should always be a top priority.

“Always be prepared for unexpected events by having a pet-friendly first aid kit readily available in your vehicle. The kit should include essential items such as bandages, antiseptic and any necessary medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Familiarise yourself with basic pet first aid procedures, so you can react quickly in case of emergencies during your travels.”