Most dogs love a car trip, whether it's five minutes to the park or a long drive away for the weekend. A bit of planning keeps them safe and comfortable, and saves you cleaning the back seat afterwards. Here's a simple checklist.
Before you go
- Restraint: a dog loose in the car can distract the driver and get badly hurt if you brake hard. Use a crate, a car harness clipped to a seatbelt attachment, or a secured carrier for small dogs. Rules on restraining pets in cars vary by country and state, so check yours.
- ID: make sure your dog wears a collar with an up-to-date tag and that the microchip details are current. A tracker like an AirTag on a reflective AirTag collar can help if a small dog or cat slips away at a stop.
- Food: give a light meal a few hours before a long drive rather than right before you leave. It helps dogs that get car sick.
- Protect the seat: a waterproof car seat hammock keeps mud, water and hair off the back seat and stops your dog sliding into the footwell.
What to pack
- Water and a bowl. The 3-in-1 Dog Walk Water Bottle holds water, treats and poo bags in one.
- A lead, poo bags and a towel.
- A blanket or bed that smells like home.
- On hot days, a cooling mat or a damp cooling bandana.
On the road
- Stop every couple of hours for a drink, a short walk and a toilet break. Always clip the lead on before you open the door.
- Keep heads inside. It looks fun, but dust, insects and passing objects can injure eyes and ears.
- Keep the car cool with air con or good airflow, and shade the windows on long, sunny drives.
Never leave your dog in a parked car
On a warm day the inside of a parked car can heat up dangerously fast, even with the windows cracked open. Dogs can suffer heatstroke within minutes. If you can't take your dog with you when you get out, leave them at home. Learn the warning signs in our guide How to keep your dog cool in summer.
Small dogs and cats
For small dogs and cats, a secure carrier is usually the safest way to travel. For days out on foot, the bus or the train, a pet carrier backpack keeps your hands free.
See everything for days out in our travel and walks range.
This guide is general information. If your dog gets very anxious or car sick, talk to your vet.