Riding in cars with dogs!

We’re now at that time of year when everyone is either having the family over, or packing the car up and heading off. For some of us it isn’t an option for us to take our pets, but for those that can here are some important things to remember when traveling with Fido in the car.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your pet is transported correctly and safely and is provided with the essential needs, this includes food, water and protection from the elements whilst still in a safe position in the vehicle.
It is against the law for a dog to travel in the boot of a sedan type vehicle, regardless of how short the trip is. The only way for a dog to travel in this sort of car is in the cabin, this is allowed also in an SUV or wagon type vehicle. Dogs are also allowed to travel in wagon and SUV cars in the back behind a cargo barrier. If traveling in the back of a ute or trailer the dog must be correctly and safely tethered or cage. If tethering a dog, make sure you are aware of their behavior whilst traveling, if they are an anxious or nervous dog this isn’t the safest option for them. Your dog must secured with a lead or chain and have enough length sit and lay down but be short enough that they cannot reach the sides of the car. Long tethers can be more dangerous than nothing at all, with the risk of the dog jumping out and strangling themselves or being dragged beside the car. It is ideal to use a swivel hook when attaching the tether to the vehicle, this will minimize the risk of tangling. The most common injuries caused to dogs whilst traveling in the back of utes are: falling off the back of a moving vehicle, hanging over the side of the vehicle and being struck by passing cars, dogs being dragged along beside a car and attempting to jump from the moving vehicle.  
Regardless of what section of the car your dog is traveling in they must be provided with adequate ventilation, if traveling in a container it must have multiple ventilation holes, with a minimum in at least 3 sides of the container.

Be aware of the temperatures and weather expected for your days of travel, even if open in the back of the vehicle dogs can still suffer heat stroke, if temperatures are expected to be high its best that your dog travels inside the cabin with you with the air conditioner on. If the weather is going to be at the other extreme, wet and rainy be considerate of your pet both inside and outside of the car. If traveling in the cabin and you have the heater on, remember most dogs have a thick coat designed to keep them warm so you want to avoid overheating. Even if your dog enjoys the water, if traveling in the rear tub of a vehicle in the rain be mindful of how your pet may cope. With dogs sensitive hearing rain can actually be uncomforting for them and traveling at high speeds doesn’t help with this. If this is the only option for your dog possibly look at crating them and protecting the crate from the elements.

When your dog is traveling inside the car with you, the safest mode of transport is to have them in the back seat restrained or in the boot of a wagon type vehicle behind a cargo barrier. It is in the safety of both humans and the pets traveling in the car that the dog is correctly restrained. An unrestrained dog can cause distraction and in the case of an accident can become a projectile and have some severe damage caused to themselves. It is not safe for a dog to travel with their head hanging out the car window, small particles in the car enter the dog’s eyes, ears and nose and cause injury or infection.

If you are planning on your traveling with your pets in the car and have any questions, check out the DPI Website.

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