Always

• Consider the weather and your journey in advance, especially if you don’t have air conditioning in your car. Think about whether the journey for your dog is absolutely necessary.
• Make sure your dog has plenty of space in the car and isn’t squashed or forced to sit in direct sunlight.
• Always make sure there is shade provided, even in an air conditioned car a dog can become too hot if in full sun.
• Make sure plenty of stops are taken with lots of water available to drink. Take cold water in a thermos rather than a plastic bottle so it stays cold rather than being luke warm. Ice cubes are helpful in a thermos for cooling too.
• Always remember to clean up after your dog in a public place.
• Ensure your dog is kept on a lead in all public places.

Never

• Leave a dog unattended in a car, even with the window open and water available. Take them out of the car and leave them in a secure, cool place with access to shade and water.
• Let you dog take part in unnecessary exertion or stand in exposed sunlight for extended lengths of time.

 Recommendations

• Gradually accustom your dog to car travel by first taking your dog on short journeys.
• Make sure your dog wears an identification collar tag with your current contact details written on it. The Control of Dogs Order 1992 advises that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address (including postcode) of the owner engraved or written on it, or an indentification tag. Your telephone number is optional. The Kennel Club can provide these tags - visit the Online Shop.
• It is highly recommended that your dog is microchipped and registered with Petlog, the largest pet reunification scheme in the UK, as this can prove extremely effective in locating a lost pet. The Petlog Premium service can also alert local vets and dog wardens when an owner reports where their pet was lost. This can be done by telephone, SMS text message or via the Petlog website. However, it is vital to the effectiveness of this service that people keep their records up to date, including holiday and emergency contact information. Contact Petlog on 0870 606 6751 or visit www.petlog.org.uk to find out more.
• Take a photograph of your dog so that you can accurately describe it should it go missing, as well as giving you an up to date image you could use on lost pet posters.
• Train your dog not to bark or move around excessively whilst your vehicle is moving, as this can be very distracting to the driver.
•  Transport your dog safely, preferably by using a special dog guard, dog cage or canine harness.
• Ensure your dog is in good health before travelling. With pet insurance, you can provide your dog with the best possible treatment if an accident or illness occurs. The Kennel Club Healthcare Plan ensures peace of mind for you and the best possible care and protection for your dog. For more information visit: www.kennelclub-petinsurance.co.uk
• Ensure your dog is sociable and obedient. Thiscan be done through the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme, which is a fun and enjoyable way of training your dog and provides essential advice on responsible dog ownership.
• Check your breakdown cover to ensure that dogscan be carried by the relay service in the event of a breakdown.

Travelling by road can be a stressful experience for dogs and it is important that they feel safe in this environment. There are many hazards on the road that you should take into account before starting your journey.

Travelling across to France? Don’t leave your pet at home! With Eurotunnel, you & your pet can sit back and relax together.Your pet stays with you in your car throughout the journey: Folkestone to Calais in only 35 minutes! For more details visit www.eurotunnel.com.

Last updated - February 2008

More Information Guides are available on lots of dog related subjects.

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