Travelling With Your Dog in the Car: UK Rules and a Comfortable Set-Up
Partager
Whether it's the school run, a trip to the beach or a long drive to see family, most dogs spend a lot of time in the car. Here's what UK rules say, and how to set things up so your dog is secure, comfortable and calm.
What the Highway Code Says
Rule 57 of the Highway Code says that when you're in a vehicle, dogs and other animals should be suitably restrained so they can't distract you while you're driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. It suggests a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard.
An unrestrained dog that distracts you could lead to a careless driving charge, and it could affect an insurance claim if you're in an accident. Most importantly, a loose dog can be badly hurt if you brake hard.
A Simple, Comfortable Back Seat Set-Up
1. A well-fitting harness
Clip your dog in by a harness, never a collar - in a sudden stop a collar puts all the force on the neck. A Y-shape harness spreads the load across the chest. Our waterproof harnesses come in sizes AA to CC and are easy to wipe clean after muddy walks. See our guide to measuring your dog for a harness.
2. A seatbelt to attach the harness
Our Adjustable Dog Car Headrest Seatbelt wraps around the headrest and clips to your dog's harness. Adjust it so your dog can sit and lie down comfortably, but can't reach the front seats or the footwell.
3. A car seat bed for comfort
A car seat bed gives your dog a familiar, snuggly spot of their own, which many dogs find calming, and keeps hair and mud off your seats. Our Waterproof Dog Car Seat Bed comes in Middle Seat, One Seat and Dual Seat sizes, attaches with a headrest strap and seatbelt plugs, and has a machine washable cover. Prefer something cosier? Try the Teddy Fleece Car Seat Bed.
Important: a car seat bed is not a restraint on its own. Always attach your dog by their harness to a seatbelt as well.
4. Protect the boot
If your dog travels in the boot behind a dog guard, a waterproof boot liner keeps the boot clean and is easy to wipe down after wet walks.
Tips for Calmer Car Journeys
- Start short: if your dog is new to the car, build up with short, positive trips that end somewhere they enjoy.
- Keep it familiar: their own bed or blanket smells like home and helps them settle.
- Plan breaks: on longer journeys stop regularly for a drink, a stretch and a toilet break.
- Never leave them in a hot car: cars heat up very quickly, even on mild days with the windows open.
- Keep heads inside: however much they love it, a dog with its head out of the window can be hurt by debris.
Which Car Seat Bed Size Do I Need?
- Middle Seat - sits on the middle seat, leaving both outer seats free for passengers.
- One Seat - takes up one full outer seat.
- Dual Seat - spans two seats, for bigger dogs or two small dogs.
Full measurements are in the size guide on the car seat bed page, or browse everything in our Car Beds and Travel Essentials collection.
Car Travel FAQs
Is it illegal to have a dog loose in the car in the UK?
The Highway Code says dogs should be suitably restrained. An unrestrained dog that distracts you could lead to a careless driving charge and may affect your insurance.
Can my dog sit in the front seat?
The back seat or boot is safer. Airbags in the front can seriously injure a dog, and a dog in the front is more likely to distract you.
Is a dog car seat bed a restraint?
No. It's for comfort and to protect your seats. Your dog should still be clipped in by a harness and seatbelt.
Hugo and Ted: handcrafted for dogs and their people, made in Britain.