Dog Travel Car Safety - Travel your Pet Safely

Car Safety

Laura Meudell

EHow safe are you and your dog when traveling? Are you breaking the law and risking a fine?

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states:

"When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop quickly. "A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars."

There is good reason for this. A 32kg dog, such as a Labrador, will be thrown forward in a 30mph crash with such sheer force that it would weigh the equivalent of 100kg – a phenomenon safety experts call ‘canine cannonball’

Although disobeying the highway doesn't necessarily mean you will receive a penalty, the police could pull you over and charge you with driving without due care and attention which carries a maximum fine of £2,500 and nine penalty points and some insurance companies are now warning customers that their car insurance could be invalid if they are involved in an accident with an unrestrained pet in your vehicle.

How can I comply and keep myself and my dog safe?

1. Dog harnesses for Cars

2. Pet Carrier

3. Dog Cage

4. Dog Guard

 

SAFETY TESTED VEHICLE HARNESS


I recommend 2 harnesses for travel both these harnesses have been safety tested.

1. EzyDog Drive car Harness

DOG HARNESS FOR CAR TRAVEL
Simply feed the seat belt through both webbing handles on the top of the harness, click the buckle into the seatbelt of your car and you're ready for the Drive.

This Dog Travel Harness is also equipped with double stainless steel D-rings to escort your dog to and from the vehicle.

The Chest Plate section is padded and contoured to mould to the shape of your dog for a comfortable and custom fit.

FEATURES

  • Crash tested, passed and certified
  • Quick, one-time fit
  • Double D-Rings for lead attachment
  • Mag-Lok™ Instant Fit closure system
  • Ergonomic, moulded chest plate 

ALWAYS REPLACE HARNESS IF SHOWING SIGNS OF DAMAGE

Visit LeadingDog to find out more

2. Ruffwear Loadup Harness

 

Travel safely harness designed to fit all seatbelts.

Features and Benefits

  • Dynamically tested at MGA Research Corp (a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration contracted test facility) under the conditions outlined in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213
  • All-metal, strength-rated hardware
  • Universal seatbelt attachment
  • Secures dogs during sudden vehicle movements
  • Comfortable for extended wear
  • Can be used for short walks during rest stops

 

Visit LeadingDog to find out more