Pets and road trips: tips for safe and fun car journeys

To mark National Pet Month, we summarise some useful safety tips for taking your pet with you when you drive.

Taking a road trip is fun – but not nearly as fun as when you bring along your four-legged friend.

As wonderful as taking your pet on a driving holiday sounds, however, it usually demands a little preparation. Prudent planning can make for a safe, pleasant journey – whether you have two legs or four.

The right vehicle and equipment for pets

If you're planning to head off on a road trip tomorrow and you only have a three-wheeled Robin Reliant at your disposal, then tips on choosing a pet-friendly vehicle may not be of immediate use. But in the long-term, investing in a well-equipped car, SUV, or space wagon can make pet road trips a lot easier and safer.

Consider a vehicle with plenty of space and a low load level – especially important for older pets.

Tie downs in the cargo area are a good idea for securing crates, while a pet barrier and plastic coverings can help keep upholstery clean. Some car brands such as Subaru and Volvo offer official optional extras for pets, but these items can be bought easily in pet stores or on the Internet.

What are good car accessories for pets?

Keeps your pet safely behind the seating area, away from the upholstery.

In the event of an accident or an emergency stop, your pet can become a very dangerous projectile. A pet harness or restraint can keep you, your passengers and your furry friend safe, while allowing them enough freedom to move.

If you're transporting your pet in a crate, choose a crash-tested version.

Your household pet bed may be more than adequate for use in your vehicle. However, specialised vehicle pet beds and travel mats are available.

While a resealable plastic tub may well suffice as a water bowl, even this simple item is now available in a range of specialised forms, including in collapsible and spill proof versions.

Once again, a section of plywood or board may be fine for loading smaller or elderly dogs into your vehicle, but there are also a range of custom-made pet ramps, including telescopic and foldable options.

Additional items to consider

A zippered tote bag is ideal for carrying your pet's food, toys and medication. For multiple pets, a separate tote bag for each animal may be in order – especially if one or more pets have specific medication.

If a pet wanders off while away from home they can get lost very easily. A collar ID tag with your name, address and number can help to resolve any AWOL animal situation. An even better failsafe is a permanent microchip tag, which will make your pet detectable with GPS.

Save money by taking food you have bulk-bought at the supermarket or pet store. Buying food as you go will soon add up, especially on longer journeys.

Some pets find travelling stressful, so help them relax with their favourite biscuits, treats and toys.

If your four-legged friend is fond of a dip, invest in a dog towel to dry them off afterwards.

An obvious item – but it can be a real pain if you forget it. Consider bringing a spare, just in case.

The must-have item when taking a dog out for its 'business'

For unexpected in-car 'mishaps'

Luckily in the UK a great many hotels and guest houses accept dogs, but do make sure your intended accommodation allows furry visitors when booking. Smaller animals are usually more welcome and a pet surcharge is sometimes levied.

Tips for a smooth road trip with pets

• Always put your dog on its lead before getting out of the car
• Take a break every hour or so to let your pet drink, exercise or go to the toilet.
• Consider limiting food intake beforehand if you want to minimise toilet stops.
• Never let your pet lean with its head out of the window – it could get injured.
• Switch off power windows, as they can be triggered by your pet, who in a worst case scenario might leap or fall out – or be choked by the glass.
• If you leave your pet alone in your vehicle, be sure to open the windows a few inches and open the sunroof if you have one.
• Don't leave your pet in any vehicle on a hot day.
• Take your dog out for a long run prior to any road trip. This should tire it out and reduce any anxiety.
• A toilet stop walk or run is a good idea as soon as you arrive – before you check into your accommodation.