Driving with dogs this Christmas - the rules you need to follow

The festive period is almost upon us, and it doesn’t appear to care that it only feels like five minutes since the last one. Regardless of any unwelcome reminders of our ‘advancing years’, we are perilously close to the Christmas season, and alongside the last-minute shopping trips and inevitable car park queues, that might also entail the obligatory round of visits to family and friends. And for those of us travelling with four-legged family members, that adds a few additional considerations to the list when it comes to planning these trips.

Whether you’re heading off on a winter getaway or travelling for Christmas, if your dog is going to join you, it’s important to ensure you’re driving safely and legally.

No, we’re not talking about the blindingly obvious fact that it’s illegal to let your dog drive while you take a quick nap. We’re pretty sure you already knew that bit, but there are other rules and regulations that you should be fully aware of before setting out on a festive road trip.

If you’re planning on driving home for Christmas with your four-legged friend, here’s what you need to know:

Restraint is Mandatory

Drivers are required to ensure that dogs are suitably restrained while travelling in a vehicle. This is to prevent pets from distracting the driver and to reduce the risk of injury to both the animal and passengers in the event of sudden braking. Failing to properly restrain your dog is an offence that can be treated as a lack of control or due care and attention.

According to the Highway Code, dogs should be secured using one of the following:

• A seat belt harness designed specifically for dogs
• A secured pet carrier
• A dog cage or crate
• A dog guard or boot barrier

Get this wrong and you risk an on-the-spot fine of up to £200 and three penalty points, with more serious cases carrying fines of up to £5,000, nine penalty points, or even a driving ban. In the event of an accident, you could also find your insurer refusing to pay out if a dog was not safely restrained, leaving you to cover the full cost of your mistake.

Airbags and front seat travel

Yes, your dog is allowed to travel in the front seat rather than being relegated to the boot. The same rules regarding proper restraint still apply though, so you’ll need a suitable harness or carrying crate, and the seat should also be moved as far back as possible. Much like you would when fitting a child-seat in the front of your car, you should also be sure to disable the passenger airbag to avoid serious injury to your dog if it goes off.

Leaving your dog unattended

It’s strongly advised that dogs are never left alone in a vehicle, as conditions can become dangerous very quickly. That’s a problem that isn’t just restricted to the heat of summer, but it can also cause your dog serious problems in extreme cold or in poorly ventilated spaces too. Even short periods can put a dog at risk, and owners should ensure pets always have access to water and stay comfortable during any journey.

Dogs in lease cars

Obviously, a dog can’t lease a car, but if you lease your car, it might be worth checking that your agreement allows animals in the vehicle.

It’s highly unlikely that you’ve accidentally signed an agreement that bans you from carrying animals, but it’s worth noting that an anxious dog could be quietly chewing its way through a sizable amount of damage – and guess who will have to pay to repair that damage before you hand your lease vehicle back at the end of the term.

This is another reason your dog is better off in a comfy (and purpose-built) travel crate. In addition to keeping them safe on the road, it will prevent any potential damage to your car’s interior, and it will also save you a few hours of vacuuming dog hairs out of the carpets and upholstery.

Tips for taking your dog on long road trips

Most dog owners are already aware of the best way to deal with their pets on any journey, regardless of length. For many of you, this year won’t be your first experience of canine transportation, but for others this might be the first time you are considering taking your dog any further than the vet or the local park.

If you’re one of those people who hasn’t travelled with your dog before, at least, not a long-distance journey, there are a few useful tips to bear in mind before setting off.

Make regular stops: Even if it’s just 10 minutes in a petrol station or motorway service area, those regular breaks will give your dog some time outside in the fresh air. You should plan to stop every 2-3 hours – the exact frequency will probably depend on how well-behaved a passenger your dog turns out to be - to let them out for some exercise and a bathroom break. Probably ditto for you, too.

Bring their favorite toy along: if your dog has never travelled with you before, it can be a daunting new experience for them. Bringing their favourite toys for the journey could help make the experience more enjoyable and relaxing for them. It might also make the aftermath a little easier for you to clean up as well.

Maintain a comfortable temperature: in winter, make sure your vehicle is warm enough for your pet without becoming overly stuffy. Try to maintain the cabin at a comfortable temperature and minimise any cold drafts to keep your dog cosy and safe throughout the journey.

Photo by Emerson Peters on Unsplash