Travelling safely with your dog in your car

One of the great things about LeShuttle is that dogs can travel with you the whole way, wherever you are going in France or further afield. We make dogs feel welcome, and have won awards for our pet travel services.

If you are taking your pet across the Channel in a car for the first time, there are a few things you need to know before you leave.

What are the rules for driving with a dog?

There are two main rules and pieces of legislation you should be aware of when travelling with a dog in the car:

•    Rule 57 of The Highway Code - Dogs and other animals should be suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while driving or injure you or themselves if you stop suddenly. Suitable restraints include a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard.

•    Animal Welfare Act 2006 – While there isn't a specific law against leaving your dog in a hot car, you have a legal duty to protect your pet from pain, injury and unnecessary suffering.

Failing to keep your dog safe in the car could have serious consequences. If an unrestrained dog distracts you or affects your control of the vehicle, you could face a fine, penalty points or prosecution for a driving offence. A conviction could also increase your car insurance premiums or affect an insurance claim. In serious cases where a dog is caused unnecessary suffering, you could face prosecution and an unlimited fine.

Take your dogs with you on your next adventure

Dog car travel safety checklist

Unsure what should you pack for a road trip with your dog? We’ve got you covered.

A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to driving with dogs. Use this checklist to make sure you and your four-legged passenger are ready for the journey ahead:

Before travelling with a dog in the car

Whether you’re going to France, Belgium or Switzerland, a successful road trip with your dog starts long before you leave the driveway.  From checking they’re ready for car travel to planning stops and packing the essentials, a little preparation can make all the difference.

Check your dog is ready for travel

If you are going on a long road trip, make sure your dog is used to travelling in a car. If this is their first time it could be a difficult experience. Your dog might find it hard to be restrained for so long in a confined space and an unfamiliar environment. They should be in good health too, and able to cope with the potential disorientation of being in a car.

Don’t be tempted to take puppies, as they are too young to be comfortable in a vehicle for a long time. If your dog finds being in a car stressful, we do not recommend sedating a dog for travel. Sedation could have long term effects on your dog’s health. A holiday isn’t worth that, is it?

Plan your route and dog-friendly rest stops

Is there plenty of opportunity for your dog to stretch their legs during the journey? Most service stations will have some green space for walkies, and our terminals at Folkestone and Calais have pet exercise areas where your furry friend can burn off some energy while you wait to board. Why not break up your journey with an overnight stop in a city like Rouen or Amiens?

Pack the essentials for a long car journey with your dog

Your dog will need their favourite blanket or bed, leads, spare collar, harness, treats, toys, any medication they take and of course their food and water bowls. Pack enough food and water for the journey. Don’t forget poo bags! 

Reward them with a treat if they are being well behaved.

Securing your dog safely in the car

Keeping your dog properly secured during a car journey helps protect both them and everyone else in the vehicle. 

Harnesses should keep your dog restrained but comfortable 

Choose a dog seat belt, harness or crate

The right restraint will depend on your dog’s size, temperament and where they travel in the car:

• Dog seat belt – A dog seat belt attaches to your car’s existing seat belt system and is a simple way to help keep your dog secure on the back seat. It should allow your dog enough freedom to sit, stand and move comfortably while preventing them from moving around the vehicle.
• Dog harness – Harnesses offer a more secure and comfortable way of restraining your dog in the back seat, and can easily be attached to leads so can stay on for your entire journey. 
• Dog crate or carrier – Smaller dogs might prefer to travel in their carry cases or a cage – it can feel like a safe space. This still needs securing with a seat belt. Some dog car carriers incorporate a bed with an integrated restraint – the ultimate in luxury!
• Dog guard – For larger dogs travelling in the boot, a dog guard can help keep them safely separated from the passenger area and prevent them from distracting the driver.

Decide where your dog should travel in the car

Deciding where your dog should travel in the car is an important part of keeping them safe and comfortable on the road. The best option may depend on the make and model of your car, the size of your dog and how they usually cope with car travel.

• Back seat – The back seat is often one of the safest options for small to medium-sized dogs. It keeps them away from the driver's controls, reduces the risk of distraction and provides more protection from impact compared with the front passenger seat. It also allows them to benefit from the car's air conditioning!
• Boot – The boot can be a practical choice for larger dogs, provided your car has a spacious, well-ventilated boot area. Use a suitable crate or dog guard and make sure your dog has enough room to sit, stand and lie down comfortably.
• Front seat – While the front seat isn't strictly forbidden, it is heavily discouraged. If your dog must travel in the front, take extra precautions to keep everyone safe. Follow your vehicle manufacturer's guidance on the passenger airbag, move the seat back where appropriate and always use a suitable restraint.

Keeping your dog safe and comfortable during car travel

It is important dogs are as calm as possible while they’re travelling.

Keep them topped up with water on the way! 

Check on your dog during breaks

When you stop for a break from driving, take your dog for a walk and a toilet break. Use this time to check they’re coping well with the journey and look out for any signs of stress, anxiety or travel sickness.

Signs your dog may be struggling with car travel can include:

•    Excessive panting or drooling

•    Whining, shaking or restlessness 

•    Lethargy or unusual behaviour 

•    Vomiting or signs of nausea 

•    Refusing food or water

If your dog seems uncomfortable, give them time to settle before continuing your journey and consider whether you need to adjust your plans.

Keep your dog cool in the car

If you have air con, put it on! If you haven’t, winding down the back seat windows a little will give your dog some much needed fresh air if it’s a hot day. Adjust the fans so the back seats get more cool air. Take a cooling mat if you have one. We do not recommend leaving your dog in a car on its own for any period in the summer months. Even if it’s only a moderately warm day outside, cars can quickly heat up and have potentially fatal consequences for your dog.  

Keep your dog hydrated and fed

Don’t let your dog go too long without having a drink. Obviously you can’t have a bowl sloshing about in the back seat, but some carriers have water bottles attached to the door. Non-spill water bowls are also a great idea. If someone is in the back seat, they should be able to give your dog regular drinks. Not too much though – dogs need to hold it in like everyone else sometimes!

Manage dog travel anxiety and motion sickness

Dogs get motion sickness like children do. The sudden braking, twists and turns and general motion of a car can be disorientating and induce nausea, especially in younger dogs. If your dog is panting heavily, drooling or swallowing excessively, whining or licking its lips, it could mean a car sick dog.

Stop the car and let your dog out of the vehicle for a while. Give them some water and go for a short walk. It is best not to feed your dog immediately before a long car journey, especially if you are concerned about their potential for getting car sick.

Find the best way for your dog to travel

Dog car travel mistakes to avoid

Avoid these common mistakes when travelling with your dog by car:

• Letting your dog hang their head out of the window – While your furry friend may enjoy the feel of the breeze in their ears, it’s best not to let them hang their heads out of the window. Other vehicles and sudden movements can cause serious injuries.
• Opening windows too wide – Open your windows enough to allow fresh air into the car, but avoid leaving them wide open. This may prove tempting for curious dogs. 
• Feeding them just before the journey – A full stomach can increase the likelihood of nausea or vomiting. Feed your dog a good few hours before you set off, especially if they suffer with motion sickness.
• Letting your dog off the lead in unfamiliar places – Even normally calm dogs can become unsettled in new surroundings, so it’s best to keep them on a lead to keep them safe.
• Not securing loose items in the car – Bags, luggage and loose items can become dangerous if you have to stop suddenly, so keep the area around your dog clear.

The benefits of pet travel with LeShuttle

Dog car travel can be a fun experience for the whole family, and LeShuttle is the paw-fect way to go. Here’s why:

• You can stay together for the entire length of your trip
• We have dedicated pet exercise areas at both our Folkestone and Calais terminals
• Crossings are only 35 minutes long

Book your next trip with LeShuttle

From dog-friendly villas to secluded beaches, France is a great doggy destination. Check in at the pet reception and enjoy your holiday!  

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