Brits are known for being animal lovers and want to take them wherever they go if possible – but did you know you could be breaking the law if you don’t carry your pets properly?
If you don’t restrain animals that you’re travelling with – may that be with a lead or a carry case – you could be set to invalidate either or both of your car and pet insurance plans in the event of an accident.
But what exactly do you need to do when travelling with your animals in terms of safety, and what will they need on any given journey to ensure their comfort?
Make sure your pets are safely secured
The last thing you want is your animal friend having the ability to roam freely around the cabin of your vehicle, which can lead to distraction, the animal jumping out of the car or even causing an accident – which would in turn could invalidate both car and pet insurance policies. In fact, 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."
Although this rule in itself doesn’t lead to a fine, police could pull you over for driving without proper control of the vehicle – leading to a £1,000 fine, potentially increasing to a £2,500 fine and nine points on your license if you’re charged with driving without due care and attention.
What should you have with you?
After human safety and comfort, the well-being of your animals is incredibly important – especially if you will be undertaking a long journey. Although the official notice has been removed by Defra, the basic recommendations the government department offers work. For example, make sure animals don’t travel if:
- Is seriously ill or injured
- Is new-born with an unhealed navel
- Is incapable of feeding itself and not accompanied by its mother
- Has given birth within 48 hours before starting the journey
- Is heavily pregnant and likely to give birth during the journey
If your pet doesn’t comply with any of the above, they are safe to travel, but ensure that the animal has food and toys to help make it comfortable for the journey ahead. Also make sure you have an emergency first-aid kit in case of any injury, plenty of water, extra blankets and comfort items and contact details for a vet in the vicinity of your destination.
If you’re going abroad then you need to bring your pet’s passport and relevant documentation, as well as having a microchip, and vaccinations for rabies and tapeworms.
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Anything else?
Before you leave, make sure that the animal has been to the toilet to reduce the chance of them going whilst you’re on the move. Also make sure your pet hasn’t eaten heavily beforehand, as they may get carsick while on the move.
Keep the overall temperature of the car in line with your pet’s needs, too, as they become more distressed if the vehicle is too hot. If you’re travelling for a long time, break the journey up into two hour segments to allow pet to get some fresh air and exercise – but make sure they stay on the lead at all times in motorway service stations.
On hot days, never leave the pet in the car for longer than you have to – or at all if you can help it. If you do need to, park in a shaded space with suitable ventilation and then return to the car as quickly as you can.
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