Protecting what you love, keep your pet safe when travelling in the car
Car journeys are a fact of life for most dogs and, as with any other family member, their safety should be a top priority. There are many options to help ensure that your dog is safe and content while travelling.
Why do pets need to be restrained in the car?
Keeping your pet happy and relaxed when travelling in the car benefits everyone! But, as outlined in law, you must ensure that your pet is also safe and secure to avoid any distractions while driving to keep all parties safe.
Crash-tested cages for the car boot
4pets of Switzerland is right at the forefront of innovation in crash-tested dog cages and crates.
Its PRO cage range has a patented high-tech rear panel that flexes when it’s hit; it absorbs and then releases the kinetic energy in a controlled way which gives the dog every possible chance of surviving a crash, whether the impact is from the front or the back of the vehicle. All parts of 4pets PRO cages are designed to be both user-friendly and dog-friendly. They are based around an aluminium frame that has fibreglass-reinforced plastic corners, and the sides and roof are made from laminated fibreboard that won’t get too cold in winter or too hot in summer.
Crash-tested carriers for car seats
If you don’t have a hatchback or an estate car, your dog will need to travel on the back seat
4pets also has a crash-tested system for carrying smaller dogs on car seats. The Caree is designed for small dogs up to 15kg and is fixed in place with a seatbelt or into the car’s ISOFIX hooks – the system designed for child car seats. There’s an access door on each side, so it can be used on any seat, and it’s cleverly designed to include fabric parts where possible, making it lighter to carry, and gentler on the seats.
Harnesses
Most standard walking harnesses will fail in the event of a crash, but they’re better than nothing, and it’s safer to tether a dog by a harness than to a neck collar. However, it is much better to use a specialist crash-tested harness in the car. These are much heavier duty than walking harnesses and usually include a solid area of fabric in the chest area, to distribute the force more evenly than straps could do.
Sherpa crash-tested safety harnesses have a step-in design that makes them easy to fit and remove; they work with the existing seatbelts so the dog can sit, stand or lie down. They also double as a walking harness – just attach a lead – and are comfortable enough for all-day use. Be sure to turn off the passenger airbag if the dog is travelling on the passenger seat.
Other innovative and top quality products
You’ll find all these products on the Travelling with Pets website alongside many others. Look out for the 4pets telescopic ramp (which help dogs walk in and out of cars with minimal strain on their joints), car seat covers and hammocks designed with dogs in mind, shoulder carriers for small dogs and wheeled carriers for dogs of all sizes. Finally, Dog Bag, the award-winning popup kennel that has a UV-protected layer - the perfect tool to help keep your pets cool whether in or out of the car this summer.
To learn more about keeping your pet safe and comfortable in the car, visit www.travellingwithpets.co.uk or call 01539 621884