Drivers urged to get a dog carrier to stay legal and keep pets safe on car journeys

While your four-legged friend may like the wind in their ears with their head out of the window as you drive down that country road, its actually been illegal to do so for some time in the UK.

You could be fined up to £5,000 for ‘careless driving’.

The Highway Code says dogs or other animals should be suitably restrained when in a vehicle, so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop quickly.

If you have a dog, having a quality, comfortable carrier for them is smart. It doesn’t matter if your pup is your travel companion or if you just need a carrier for trips to the vet, finding the right one matters. The right carrier will help ensure your dog stays safe while traveling in your vehicle and will ensure you can take them on your travels.

When you start searching for the right carrier for your pup, you will find many options to choose from. At first, the selection may be a bit overwhelming. You can find a quality and safe carrier for your dog with a few tips and criteria to look for – here, we share some starting points.

1. Choose the Right Size Carrier

Finding a carrier that’s the right size for your dog is important. To figure out what size you need, start by measuring your pup. You need to purchase one that’s big enough for your dog to turn around in, curl up, and stretch out.

To get the right size, measure your dog’s back from their neck to the base of their tail, and then add a few inches for comfort. You also need to measure the dog’s shoulder height to the ground. If you are buying a soft-sided carrier, add two to three inches to this measurement. For a hard-sided carrier, add three to five inches.

2. Safety Features

Another important consideration is the safety features the carrier offers. For example, does it offer a way for you to secure your dog inside the carrier? You also need to see if there are connections to secure the carrier in your car. You want to ensure that your dog isn’t shaken and jostled while you are in the car – it makes the experience nicer for them, and could be crucial if you have an accident.

3. Easy to Assemble and Clean

Unfortunately, not all dogs are good travelers. Some may get car sick, while others may have an accident in their carrier. Because of this, you need to find a carrier that is easy to put together, take apart, and clean. If you get a hard carrier, make sure you can remove the parts and components and clean them with a dog-safe product.

For soft carriers, it’s best to find machine washable ones. This will ensure if your pup does have an accident or gets sick, you can easily clean the carrier.

Finding the Right Dog Carrier for Your Pup

As you can see, there are several factors to consider when choosing a dog carrier. You must consider your dog and what you need to keep them comfortable and safe.

While there are many options to choose from, it’s a good idea to keep the criteria mentioned above in mind to ensure you find and purchase the right carrier. Your dog is your best friend, so ensure you get them the gear and supplies needed to stay safe no matter where your adventures take you.