Added: 09 August 2022
Top tips for travelling with pets
With 62% of UK households having at least one pet, with most treated as members of the family, there are many instances when your pet may need to take a ride in the car. Often animals travel in conditions that we would consider dangerous to a person’s life and health. There are a few top tips you can follow to ensure even animal passengers travel in comfort and safety.
This is my spot
When living with an animal it helps to have clear and understandable rules, this should also be achieved when travelling. Your pet should have their own assigned place in the car that they can get used to. Teach them where their permanent place is and try not to change it later. Initially, it may help to arrange it with their own things, such as a favourite blanket or toy, so they know it is their space.
Buckle me up, please
Your pets can be transported in the boot but it should be separated by a guard to keep them safe. However, this doesn’t work for everyone, so they can ride in the back seat using a special harness, which attaches to the seat belt. Be careful though your pet should never be attached by their collar. If your pet is not adequately restrained you could face a fine of up to £5,000.
Too much noise
Excessive noise not only harms people but also animals. Prolonged exposure to a single type of sound that’s constantly repeated is especially detrimental to a dog or cat’s hearing. Having the radio “at full blast” while driving is definitely not good for him.
What if I need to roll around?
To keep the back seats clean, you can use protective seat covers to stop your pet’s fur, saliva and mud from damaging the original fabric. They are normally waterproof, washable and often non-slip, making your pets experience more comfortable. Now you and your travel companion can set off without the undue stress.
Let’s take a break
Long travel is difficult for everyone. Dogs should take a break every two to three hours, but each pet is different and some animals may require more frequent stops. Use the break not just for walking, but also for drinking and feeding. It’s always better to feed an animal outside instead of addressing this need while driving.
I do only what you let me
Only animals who obey basic commands or are firmly secured should be transported inside the vehicle. Driving a vehicle requires our full attention, and the shortest distraction could lead to an accident. Cats often like to do their own thing, so are much safer in a travel box than relaxing on the driver’s lap, where they would much prefer to be.
I’m not liable for damages
So, you bought a cute little piglet but it turned into a massive swine? Don’t worry, modern cars are sturdy. All the same, it’s worth investing in some special equipment. For example, you can equip your car with a durable rubber floor in the trunk, or a practical barrier for dividing the interior space. This will prevent damage and reduce the possibility of injury.
Did you forget anything?
Before every long trip, prepare a special travel package for your pet. This should include all the important information – documents and any medicines, food, pet bowl, at least a basic supply of water, one or two good toys, cleaning agents and bags for disposing of faeces and dirt, and even their own pillow, blanket, or bed. This way he won’t be missing anything and they’ll feel more like home.
I hate loneliness and saunas
On warm days, the temperature inside the vehicle can quickly double, even if it’s partly cloudy outside. Even a slightly open window has only a negligible effect on the outcome, and overheating can lead to death. The situation in the winter isn’t much better, so apply this simple rule – rather than having to leave the animal in the car, leave it at home instead.
Can I drive
It’s hard to resist your pet’s wishes when looking into his eyes. Just keep in mind that health is the most important, and safety always comes first when driving. Small pets travelling on your shoulder or freely inside the car can be injured during braking, and a pet on your lap is at risk of serious injury in an accident from the airbag. This is why you should apply more stringent standards towards animal passengers than towards people, and not vice versa.
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