Top tips for driving with pets
Stephen Wright, 5 years ago
5 min read
- Advice
- tips
WhoCanFixMyCar offers pet owners advice on how to keep their furry friends safe and well while driving
Travelling with pets can be a stressful affair (as well as a hot and occasionally smelly one sometimes). However, the journey could be a whole lot easier for all concerned, especially your furry friends, if you try and follow our top tips for driving with pets.
Make sure your pet's carrier/crate is well-ventilated and secure. You can do this by removing all leashes and loose collars, and anything else that could be a strangling hazard. Don't forget that The Highway Code says pets must be properly restrained in vehicles otherwise you could face a fine of up to £5,000 if your pet isn’t restrained properly.
If you are planning on going on a long journey in your car give your pet a light meal three to four hours before departure. Plus, don’t feed them whilst in a moving vehicle, but it's important to keep them hydrated. Take water with you in case you can’t find any at your stop off locations.
Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle, even leaving windows open cars can be too hot. In cold weather it can literally become a fridge.
Pets should always be micro-chipped. If they have a collar ensure that it has an address and/or contact number inscribed on it in the event that you do get separated for whatever reason.
Do not allow pets to travel with their head sticking out the window as they may be injured by flying objects or debris.
In the event of a breakdown keep your pet in the car if at all possible to prevent them running out into traffic.
Take regular breaks every 2-3 hours and let your pet have a good stretch and a walk. Oh, and let them go to the toilet too!
Animals can suffer from travel sickness. Restricting their vision can help with this issue, such as not letting them see out of a window.
Using window shades will not only reduce the risk of sickness, they also keeps the car cool and out of direct sunlight.
Do not travel with pets, if:
Your pet is ill or injured (trust us it's not worth the possible clean up job).
If they are a newborn with an unhealed navel.
They have given birth within 48 hours before the beginning your car journey.
Pet is heavily pregnant and there’s a chance they could give birth during the trip.
If you see a distressed animal inside a car and you’re concerned about its welfare, alert the owner first. If this isn’t possible, contact the police or RSPCA.
