Safe on Holiday with Your Dog in the Car

European Regulations & Safe Transport Options

Those going on holiday with their dog often travel by car. But how do you transport your dog safely and in accordance with the rules? In many European countries, there are no detailed legal regulations for transporting pets. However, the universal rule applies everywhere: an animal must not obstruct the driver or pose a danger in an emergency.

In some countries, including Germany, Spain, and Portugal, the rules are more specific. There, a dog on the backseat must be buckled up. In the boot (trunk), the dog may be transported loose, provided it is behind a dog guard or safety net. Another permitted option is transport in a dog crate.

Regardless of the precise regulations per country, it is wise not to take any risks. Not only for your own safety and that of your dog, but also to avoid issues with your insurance or liability in the event of an accident.

Three Safe Ways to Transport Your Dog in the Car

In practice, there are three common and safe ways to transport your dog:

Transporting your dog on the backseat with a dog seat belt
Transporting your dog in the boot with a dog guard
Transporting your dog in the boot in a dog crate

Which option is most suitable depends on your car, your dog, and your travel plans. Below, we briefly explain these methods.

1. Safely Transporting Your Dog on the Backseat

Never transport your dog on the passenger seat, but always on the backseat. This prevents your dog from distracting you while driving or getting in the way during an emergency.

It is important that you do not use a regular collar in the car. In the event of sudden braking or a collision, this can cause severe neck injuries. Therefore, always choose a well-fitting dog harness that distributes the forces better across your dog's body. The harness is attached to the seat belt using a special dog seat belt tether.

For extra safety, you can prevent your dog from moving forward between the front seats, for example, by blocking the space with a safety net.

2. Transporting Your Dog in the Boot with a Dog Guard

For many cars, transport in the luggage compartment is the safest solution. The dog is then separated from the passenger cabin and cannot obstruct the driver. However, it is essential that the boot area is properly partitioned off.

A metal dog guard forms a sturdy barrier between the boot and the backseat. It protects the occupants not only from a loose dog but also from other loose luggage during an emergency stop. That is why a dog guard is also referred to as a luggage barrier.

There are both universal and car-specific dog guards available, each with its own pros and cons. Which variant fits best depends, among other things, on your car model and whether you want to use the guard permanently.

3. Transporting Your Dog in the Boot with a Dog Crate

A third way to safely transport your dog is in a dog crate in the boot. In Europe, there are no specific legal requirements for car crates. In principle, any crate may be used, provided it stands securely and the dog is safely contained.

It is crucial that the car crate cannot slide around and that your dog has enough room to lie down and stand up. Especially for larger dogs, the boot is often the only logical place for a crate.

In a separate blog post, we will delve deeper into what a good car crate must comply with and what you should look out for when choosing one.

Safe Travels with Your Dog

Whichever transport method you choose: safety always comes first. A properly secured dog reduces the risk of injury, prevents dangerous situations on the road, and helps avoid insurance issues.

In our webshop, you will find various products that contribute to the safe and responsible transport of your dog in the car. This way, you can hit the road with peace of mind.

We wish you and your dog a pleasant and, above all, safe car journey!

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