Whether it is a quick hop to the groomer in Wigginton or a longer drive to the coast, most dogs travel by car at some point, and getting it right makes the whole thing calmer and safer for everyone. The essentials are simple: restrain your dog properly (it is the law), keep them comfortable, plan regular breaks, and manage travel sickness if they are prone to it. Here is how to make car journeys something your dog takes in their stride.
The law: your dog must be restrained
Under Rule 57 of the Highway Code, dogs must be suitably restrained in a vehicle so they cannot distract or injure the driver, or hurt themselves, if you stop suddenly. An unrestrained dog is a genuine safety risk: in a crash or hard brake, a loose dog becomes a projectile.
Approved options include:
- A properly fitted seatbelt harness clipped to a seatbelt point.
- A travel crate that is secured so it cannot slide.
- A dog guard with your dog in the boot area.
Choose whichever suits your dog and car, and make sure harnesses are the right size and crates are big enough to stand, turn and lie down in. Getting this right is not just about avoiding a fine, it protects your dog.
Keeping your dog comfortable
A comfortable dog is a settled dog. A few things help:
- Ventilation and temperature: Keep the car cool and well aired. Never leave your dog in a parked car, even briefly, as it can heat up dangerously fast.
- A familiar bed or blanket: Their own smell in the crate or on the seat is reassuring.
- A steady drive: Smooth braking and gentle cornering make a big difference to a nervous or queasy dog.
- Something to do: A safe chew for longer trips can help them settle.
If your dog is anxious about the car, build it up slowly with short, positive trips rather than forcing a long journey straight away. Dogs Trust has a helpful guide to training a dog to travel calmly.
Worth knowing: Never let your dog hang their head out of an open window on the move. It looks like fun, but flying grit and debris can injure eyes and ears, and a sudden stop is dangerous.
Plan regular breaks
On longer journeys, stop every couple of hours so your dog can stretch, have a drink and go to the toilet. A few pointers:
- Always clip a lead on before you open the door, motorway services and laybys are no place for a loose dog.
- Offer water at each stop, and a short leg-stretch and sniff.
- Keep food light before travelling, a full stomach makes sickness more likely.
Managing travel sickness
Travel sickness is common, especially in puppies, and many grow out of it. Signs include drooling, lip-licking, whining, restlessness and being sick. To help:
- Travel on an empty or near-empty stomach, avoiding a big meal in the couple of hours beforehand.
- Keep the car cool and well ventilated.
- Face your dog forwards if you can, and secure them so they are not sliding about.
- Build up from very short trips that end somewhere nice, like a walk, so the car predicts good things.
If sickness continues or seems severe, have a chat with your vet, as there are effective anti-sickness options they can recommend. It is worth mentioning too that some anxiety looks like sickness, and a nervous dog may benefit from a gradual training approach.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to drive with an unrestrained dog in the UK?
The Highway Code (Rule 57) requires dogs to be suitably restrained. Driving with a loose dog can invalidate your insurance and, if it causes careless driving, lead to a fine and penalty points, so use a harness, crate or dog guard.
How often should I stop when travelling with my dog?
Roughly every two hours on a long trip, so your dog can stretch, drink and toilet. Always attach the lead before opening the door.
How can I stop my dog being sick in the car?
Travel on a light stomach, keep the car cool and airy, secure your dog facing forwards and build up slowly from short journeys. If it persists, ask your vet about anti-sickness options.
Can I leave my dog in the car while I pop into a shop?
No. Cars heat up dangerously fast even on mild days, and it can be fatal. Leave your dog at home or take someone who can stay with them out of the car.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. If a car trip to us is part of your dog's routine, our calm one-to-one approach helps make grooming day a happy one. Book your dog in with Fluffs.