Traveling with your dog by car: The 3 ways to secure them

Voyager avec son chien en voiture Les 3 manières de le sécuriser

There are several ways to transport your dog by car. Some are perfectly suitable and secure, others are strongly discouraged.

Let's look at 3 solutions for transporting your dog safely, as well as the mistakes to avoid during your trips.

How to secure your dog in the car?

To ensure your dog travels safely, we recommend one of the following three solutions.

1. On the back seat

Your dog is seated on the back seat, attached to their harness using a dog seat belt.

This solution is ideal for medium and large-sized dogs.

2. In a transport crate

Your dog travels in a crate suitable for their size, placed in the trunk and securely fastened to the vehicle.

This is the most secure solution in the event of sudden braking or an accident.

However, it is generally more expensive and not suitable for all vehicles.

3. In the trunk with a seat belt

Your dog is placed in the trunk and attached to their harness using a seat belt connected to an anchor point in the vehicle.

Alternatively, it can be attached to the back seat headrests if your vehicle does not have a suitable anchor point.

For even more security

We recommend installing a separation grille between the trunk and the passenger compartment to prevent your dog from moving to the front of the vehicle.

Is it mandatory to fasten your dog during car travel?

No.

The law does not require you to fasten your dog when traveling in a car.

However, your pet must neither hinder your driving nor obstruct your field of vision.

Even if not mandatory, we strongly recommend that you always fasten your dog in order to protect both your companion and the vehicle's occupants.

How should a dog be fastened in a car?

Always fasten your dog to a harness, never to their collar.

Traveling with your dog by car:

In the event of sudden braking or an accident, a collar could cause serious neck injuries.

Ideally, the seat belt should be connected:

  • to an Isofix anchor point when a compatible system is available;
  • or to a solid anchor point designed for this purpose.

Where should the dog be in the car?

Your dog can travel:

  • on the back seat
  • in the trunk.

However, we strongly advise against having them travel in the front of the vehicle.

They could:

  • hinder your driving
  • reduce your visibility
  • be seriously injured by airbag deployment in the event of an accident.

Are dogs required to be in a crate in a car?

No, whether on the back seat or in the trunk, a crate is not mandatory.

You can choose classic car protectors or car covers.

Back seat or trunk: what to choose?

Both solutions are suitable.

The choice mainly depends on:

  • the size of your dog
  • your vehicle
  • your preferences.

The most important thing is that your dog is properly secured throughout the journey.

Discover the best dog accessories for cars based on your vehicle and where your dog will be located.

Thank you for reading.

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