How to carry the dog in the car?

Traveling by car with our furry friends is common. Whether it's because we want to go on an adventure with them or for everyday needs like a simple visit to the vet. In these types of situations where we must take the car, we must comply with the regulations applicable in Spain , which will help us achieve both a high level of safety and comfort.

If you have questions about everything you need to keep in mind when transporting your dog in the car, you've come to the right place. Below, we'll review the most important points of the regulations and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

What does the traffic regulation say?

The traffic regulations can be found on the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) website. You can consult them by clicking here .

Within the regulations, the section that interests us when traveling with dogs is article 18 of chapter 3 " Obligations of the driver ", where in its point 1, it details the following:

"The driver of a vehicle is obliged to maintain his or her own freedom of movement, the necessary field of vision, and constant attention to driving, ensuring his or her own safety, that of the other occupants of the vehicle, and that of other road users. To this end, he or she must take special care to maintain an appropriate position and that of the other passengers, and to ensure the proper placement of any objects or animals being transported so that there is no interference between the driver and any of them (Article 11.2 of the consolidated text)."

Therefore, in summary, the most important thing when traveling with dogs is that the animal doesn't distract the driver and interfere with driving . To achieve this, we must take the necessary measures, such as using a net, a fence, or the use of carriers, harnesses, and leashes.

The best way to transport your dog in the car

The best way to transport your pet in a car is always one that meets safety standards , while ensuring comfort and adapting to the animal's physical condition. The DGT recommends taking the following guidelines into account when transporting animals in a vehicle:

• Always carry your pet's documentation. Your pet must have an up-to-date official health certificate stamped by a licensed veterinarian. If traveling within the European Union, you must also carry your pet's Pet Passport. As always, a microchip will be equally useful in case your pet gets lost.
• Traffic regulations dictate that animals must be securely restrained in the vehicle to prevent them from interfering with driving. A separator must be placed to prevent them from causing discomfort or causing distractions.
• In the event of an accident, an untethered dog increases the risk of injury , as it could be thrown around and potentially injure itself or other passengers. Therefore, in addition to a dog divider, it is advisable to use pet restraint systems.

Dog restraint systems

There are several dog restraint systems we could add to our vehicle when traveling with them. From trunk racks and nets to carriers or harnesses with one or more anchors .

To choose one type of system or another, we must take into account the animal's characteristics : size, temperament, and body type . For small pets, a carrier on the floor of the vehicle would be best. If our dog is large, we could place the carrier in the trunk, positioned transversely to the direction of travel. It would also be advisable to combine this element with a dividing grid or net for greater safety.

It is important to prevent the animal from being carried by people inside the vehicle , as it could move at any moment and escape, causing the driver to be distracted or even hindering traffic.

Harnesses are also a widely used restraint system. It's always recommended that they be attached to the seat belt and have short attachment systems to prevent them from moving too far around the vehicle in the event of a collision or accident.

Tips and recommendations for traveling with dogs or other pets

Below you'll find 10 tips that the DGT shares when traveling with pets:

1. Never travel with an animal loose in the passenger compartment. This poses significant risks to the animal and other occupants, and it can also pose a danger to rescue teams in the event of an accident. This can result in a fine of up to 100 euros.
2. Choose an appropriate restraint system. Available systems include restraint harnesses (with a short, stable attachment system), carriers, or compartment dividers, which must be firm and securely anchored to prevent movement.
3. Do not place objects next to the animal. They may be thrown in the event of an impact.
4. Keep an eye on your pet at rest stops. When you open the trunk or door, the pet could run away and cause an incident.
5. Never leave your pet inside a vehicle in high temperatures, not even in a shaded area or with the windows open.
6. Every two hours. This way, the animal can urinate or defecate, walk around, and hydrate.
7. Control possible motion sickness. If your pet is prone to motion sickness, it's best not to give it anything to eat or drink in the hours before the trip. Take advantage of the stops to let it drink, but not just a small amount.
8. Monitor the vehicle's temperature, ensuring adequate ventilation at all times.
9. Get your pet used to the restraint system. If you travel by car frequently, get your pet used to traveling restrained, in a carrier, or separated by a restraint system that prevents access to the passenger compartment.
10. Never restrain your pet by its leash. It is not a restraint system and poses a significant risk of injury to both the pet and other occupants.

As you can see, there are several points to keep in mind when traveling by car with an animal. Traveling with dogs over 10 kg, or even traveling with a dog in a car, can be quite a challenge. That's why at Arquivet, we have a multitude of accessories to help make this task easier. From a dog harness for the car to a carrier or travel bag.

If you travel, do it safely!