How to travel safely with your dog in the car
Transporting your dog correctly in the car
If you want to transport your dog in the car, you should not only think about comfort, but above all about safety. An unsecured dog in the car can pose a considerable risk to the driver, passengers and the animal in the event of sudden braking. At the same time, a suitable dog restraint in the car not only protects against accidents, but also ensures that car journeys are more relaxed for your four-legged friend.
Whether it's a short trip to the vet or a long holiday - there are various ways to transport a dog safely in the car. It is particularly important to choose the right transport box, safety harness, seat belt or other accessories for dog transport.
There are also legal regulations: In many countries, a dog in a car is considered cargo and must be secured accordingly. If you transport your dog unsecured, you not only risk penalties, but also dangerous situations on the road.
Why dogs need to be secured in the car
A dog should never travel freely in a car. Even a small dog develops enormous forces when braking at low speed, which can be dangerous for both the animal and all passengers.
An unsecured dog can:
- distract the driver
- be thrown through the vehicle in the event of an accident
- injure other occupants
- suffer serious injuries themselves
Especially on longer journeys, good dog restraint in the car also ensures that your dog remains calmer and feels less stress. Safe dog transport in the car therefore protects:
- the dog, driver and passenger
- other road users
Anyone who regularly transports their dog in the car should therefore always make sure they have suitable restraint systems.
Legal regulations for dogs in the car
When transporting a dog in a car, the dog is legally regarded as cargo. This means that it must be secured in such a way that it cannot slip or fly around during sudden driving manoeuvres.
If a dog is not properly secured in the car, this can lead to penalties. It can also cause insurance problems in the event of a claim. Important:
- A dog must not sit freely on the front passenger seat.
- The dog also needs to be secured in the rear seat.
- The boot must be secured accordingly.
If you want to transport a dog in the car without a crate, you should at least use an approved safety harness with a seatbelt. The boot is often particularly suitable for larger dogs in combination with a stable transport solution.
Transport boxes & boot lattice
- Dog transport box
- hygienic
- suitable for air transport
- comfortable
- lockable
- simple assembly
- with castor set (optional)
- Transport box
- for small animals with safety lock.
- with a water bowl
- with carrying strap
- hygienic
- washable
- safe
- Dog transport box
- stable
- easy to assemble
- ideal car box
- robust plastic
- with metal door
- lockable closure
- Transport box
- manufactured according to IATA regulations
- for medium sized dogs
- has an upper shell made of plastic.
- easy to clean
- compact
- XXL transport box
- simple assembly
- complies with IATA guidelines
- comfortable
- lockable
- Shipping with bulky goods surcharge only to AT & DE
- Transport box for small to medium-sized animals
- with safety lock
- Double opening at the front and top
- comfortable
- Aluminium dog transport box.
- good ventilation
- wide mesh inserts
- Sizes S to XL
- Utilisation of the boot space
- Buy a transport box for your car.
- Transport cage
- galvanised metal
- hygienic plastic tray
- 2 doors with safety lock
- easy to assemble and disassemble
- space-saving storage
- high-quality transport box
- ideal travelling companion
- foldable
- easy to transport
- easy-care material
- 3 openings
- easy assembly and disassembly
- Transport box
- sturdy & lightweight
- made of plastic
- with safety lock
- functional & safe
- easy to clean.
Ways to secure a dog in the car
There are various solutions for transporting dogs safely in the car. Which option is suitable depends on the size, weight and behaviour of the dog.
- Transport box in the car
- Safety harness with seat belt for the back seat
- Car boot grille
Transport box in the car
A sturdy transport box is a particularly safe solution when transporting a dog in the car. A sturdy dog crate offers optimum protection, especially in the boot.
Advantages of a transport box:
- high level of protection in the event of accidents
- clearly demarcated place of retreat
- less distraction while travelling
A foldable dog crate for the car is also practical, but care must be taken to ensure that it is properly attached and secured so that the crate and dog cannot slip out of place.
A dog crate for the rear seat can also be useful for smaller vehicles, but care must be taken to secure the crate correctly. Simply placing the box in the back seat would be far too dangerous and must not be done for load securing reasons.
Safety harness with seat belt
A safety harness is a good solution if the dog is being transported in the back seat. The harness is attached to the seat belt and prevents the dog from moving freely in the vehicle. Particularly suitable for
- small dogs
- medium-sized dogs
- short journeys
Advantages of safety harnesses with seat belt:
- small space requirement
- flexible use
- can be put on quickly
Important: A normal chest harness is not sufficient. A safety harness specially developed for car journeys is essential. Crash tests are carried out with these safety harnesses and they are designed specifically for safe car journeys with your dog.
Comparison of security options
| Criterion | Transport box | Safety harness |
| Safety | very high | high |
| Comfort | high | high |
| Space requirement | high | low |
| suitable for | all dogs | rather small/medium sized dogs |
In addition, a dog guard in the car can be useful if larger dogs are transported in the boot.
Other accessories for the car
In addition to the actual safety device, suitable accessories significantly increase comfort for dogs and vehicles. Protective car blankets for dogs Protective car blankets protect seats from hair, dirt and moisture. At the same time, they create a more comfortable lying surface. Car protection blankets thus provide
- Seat protection
- more comfort
- Cleanliness & hygiene in the car
Blankets for the car
- non-slip underlay
- high pile
- moisture and air permeable
- heat insulating
- cosy
- machine washable
- padded dog mat
- ideal for car boxes
- with dimensionally stable foam
- machine washable
- light & fluffy
- ideal for car, home or on the road
- absorbs water perfectly
- Size: 70 x 100 cm
- Cooling pad
- reusable & ready to use
- easy to clean & washable
- activated by cooling gel
- Self-cooling non-flow gel - activated by body pressure, without freezing
- Long-lasting cooling - pleasantly cool for up to 4 hours and regenerates quickly
- High lying comfort - even pressure distribution thanks to sophisticated gel compartments
- Robust premium quality - extra thick outer layer for greater durability
- Non-slip underside - stays securely in place even in damp conditions
- With insect repellent - treated with citronella and eucalyptus for additional protection
- high quality animal blanket
- high-quality, soft blanket
- christmassy design
- Imitation suede and fluffy fabric
- machine washable
- various sizes
- light, warm and washable
- non-slip, tear and abrasion resistant
- for on the road and at home
- multifunctional dog blanket
- Dog mat
- Dirt trap & resting place
- non-slip floor
- special microfibres
- quick-drying
- available in 2 sizes
- machine washable
- Warming wool mix - gives your dog cosy warmth and security
- FIR material - can promote blood circulation and aid recovery
- Compact 70 x 100 cm size - ideal for travelling, outdoor trips or at home
- Practical bag - easy to store and take with you wherever you go
- Versatile - can also be used for yourself or to share with your dog
- Easy to care for - simply hand wash with wool detergent for long-lasting durability
- Cosy retreat - round cut for a natural sleeping position
- Warming & protective - down-like filling + reflective foil
- Particularly suitable for dogs with joint or muscle problems
- Practical side zip - makes getting in & out easier
- Waterproof, hard-wearing & low-noise thanks to
Houndtex® material - Sustainably produced - made from 80-100% recycled material
Getting your dog used to car journeys
Not every dog is relaxed from the start. The best thing to do is:
- start with short journeys
- use positive rewards
- create a calm environment
Helpful accessories:
- Chew toy
- Blankets
- Rewards
Puppies in particular should be accustomed to car journeys at an early age.
Tips for longer car journeys with dogs
On longer journeys, the dog should be given regular breaks. We recommend:
- breaks every 2 hours
- Offer water
- short exercise
Also important:
- do not feed immediately before starting the journey
- keep a calm speed in the vehicle & ensure a cool room temperature
Practical accessories:
- Drinking bottles
- Travel bowls
This keeps dog transport in the car stress-free.
Dogs in the car in hot weather
A car heats up very quickly. Just a few minutes can be dangerous or even life-threatening. The following points should be noted on hot days:
- Never leave your dog alone in the car
- Use shady areas or e.g. use awnings for the car (but don't leave the dog in the car)
- Windows only help to a limited extent in the heat
In our guide"Tips for cooling down your dog!" we show you helpful measures you can take to support your dog on hot days.
Checklist for car journeys with your dog
Check before every journey:
- Transport box or safety harness
- Water and bowl
- Lead
- Poo bag
- Blanket
- Toys
So the dog is transported safely in the car.
