Taking pets in the car

UK Animal Welfare law covers pets taken on car journeys, and pet owners are responsible for ensuring that their animals are healthy and fit to make any intended journey. According to Defra, an animal shouldn't normally be transported if it is ill or injured (except for insignificant illness or injury); new-born with an unhealed navel; incapable of feeding itself and not accompanied by its mother; has given birth within 48 hours before starting the journey; is heavily pregnant and likely to give birth during the journey'.

Safety first

Unsecured dogs and cats can also be a danger to the driver and passengers in the car. Plus, if you happen to be in an accident, an animal could run out into traffic and be killed, cause another accident or prevent rescue workers from doing their jobs.

Pets are best restrained in the back seat or hatch of a car – ideally in a specially designed wire or plastic animal container – as front-seat airbags, if deployed, could cause serious injury to them.

Make your pet comfortable

Get pets used to being in their travel enclosure or container before you travel. The container should be of a suitable size, sufficient for pets to stand, sit and lie down in a natural position and to turn around easily. It should be designed so that no part of them – head, paws or tail – can protrude or become trapped.

Ventilation is key for all stages of transport, whether through a nearby window or by using a trellis type ventilator to seal off a hatchback. This is really important in hot weather or when you have the heating on. Plus you should include a means of ensuring that fresh water and feed (when necessary) is available at all times if the journey is to last more than a few hours. It's possible to buy anti-spill water bowls.

Finally make sure you have provided appropriate and absorbent bedding, and stop to give you and the pet a chance to stretch every few hours.

Prevent travel sickness

Like humans, some animals can suffer from travel sickness. Getting the pet acclimatised to its travelling container will help. Make a few short journeys to start with before taking them a long distance. Some animals also experience more sickness if they can see out of the window, so consider covering your pet up if needs be. Some vets also recommend limiting the animal's water intake just before travelling and not feeding for three to four hours prior to travel.

Check Direct Line's Summary of Pet Cover to find a list of the key benefits of our pet insurance policy, including vet's fees up to £6,000 and access to a free vet helpline at any time. If you're taking your pet abroad in the car, you can also add optional overseas travel cover.

Apply for an online pet insurance quote from Direct Line today.

Related information:

Travelling abroad with your pet – read more about Pet Passports and precautions you need to take

New laws for animal welfare – we explain what your main responsibilities are with regard to your pet

Moving house with your pet – how to take the trauma out of moving for your pets