Travelling with dogs in the car: recommendations for those first trips

What are the legal ramifications of driving with my dog in the car?

In Spain, there are certain legal requirements set out by the Directorate-General for Traffic (Art. 11.2), although the law is not very clear about how dogs should travel. Dogs can travel in cars as long as they do not hamper the driver’s movement, obstruct their field of vision or distract their attention from the road, and the only way of guaranteeing these conditions are met is by restraining the dog. 

Therefore, provided that the dog does not cause any of these problems and is properly restrained, the owner can take their pet with them at all times.

How can you transport your dog safely?

In order to meet the aforementioned legal requirements, first and foremost, dogs must be properly secured when travelling in a car.

The Spanish Royal Automobile Club (RACE) has conducted a range of crash tests in order to draft the best recommendations for travelling safely with pets in the car.

Different options are better suited to different sized dogs. The best retention systems for dogs are:

• Grill:

Putting the dog in the boot and separating it with a grill will allow it to move around freely. However, there is a very high probability of serious injury in the event of an accident.

• Harnesses:

There are two types: single and two-point harnesses. The first type is not 100% reliable because they can break in a collision and the dog could be thrown forwards. The second is safer, as the two points of attachment would prevent the dog from moving in the event of an accident.

• Transport cage:

Probably the safest way of travelling with a dog in the car is a transport cage.

For large dogs, and when there is enough space in the boot, the best option is to place the cage perpendicular to the length of the car pushed up against the back seats.

For small dogs, the best option would be to place the transport cage on the floor of the car, behind the driver’s or passenger’s seat.

Tests have shown that placing the cage on the rear seats and attaching it with a seatbelt is ineffective. If the car brakes suddenly or there is an accident, the cage could break throwing the dog forwards.

It is a good idea to get the dog used to spending time in the cage while in the home with the rest of the family. If it gets used to it at home, it will feel protected and comfortable when travelling in the car.

• Unrestrained animals:

Although it may seem obvious, this is the most frequently used method when travelling with dogs in the car. Which is why we want to warn you about the dangers of travelling with an unrestrained dog in the boot, on the back seats or the passenger seat. Dogs moving freely across the seats is not only dangerous in case of a collision, but also if the dog decides to approach its owner, as the slightest distraction could have disastrous consequences. 

Even when using a harness, it is important to check the length of the harness, since if it is too long, the dog could crash into the front seats.

Owners can place their dogs in a harness, then attach it to the seatbelt anchor points with the appropriate accessories.

Travelling with dogs in the car is not as complicated as some owners think, and what is more, dogs can make excellent travel companions. However, without be patronising, remember it is essential to train your dog from a very young age. In some cases, you can give your dog a sedative or tranquilliser before getting into the car but, of course, always weigh up the safest option for your faithful companion’s safety and well-being.