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Taking your pet on a road trip is a great idea. But it’s not always easy to hit the road with your dog or cat. Car trips can be stressful and potentially dangerous for our furballs. That’s why it’s important to take certain precautions.
First of all, it is important to remember that pets are passengers like any other. Their owners must take the necessary steps to ensure that they travel in the car in the best possible conditions. So, there is no question of letting them wander around as they please in a moving vehicle.
To ensure their safety, it is best to put them in a transport box, or to attach them to one of the seat belts in the rear shelf using a harness. For large dogs, it is possible to install a safety net on the back of the front seats. Estate car drivers can also install a separation grid in the trunk. But be careful, with this device, the dog can be injured in the event of braking.
Generally, Article R 412-6 of the Highway Code stipulate that “the driver must constantly be in a condition and position to carry out conveniently and without delay all the manoeuvres incumbent upon him“. He must therefore not be bothered or distracted by any of his passengers in his vehicle, including his pet. If this happens, he is liable to a fine.
Apart from not letting your little companion wander around the passenger compartment of the vehicle, you must ensure their comfort by adopting a few reflexes. For example, avoid feeding your furball just before setting off. This risks accentuating their discomfort if they get car sickness. Car journeys can be stressful for animals. This is why it is advisable to adopt a smooth and gentle driving style to avoid jolts as much as possible.
Also keep an eye on the temperature inside the car, as animals are much more sensitive to heat than we are. It can be tempting to let your dog or cat stick their head out of an open window to cool down. But this is a false good idea that can be very dangerous. To avoid heatstroke, it is best to take regular breaks. This will allow your pet to get some air and stretch its legs. Encourage it to drink during these downtimes to keep it well hydrated.
Finally, if you have to leave your vehicle temporarily without your pet, be careful. In summer, the mercury can quickly rise in a car, even if parked in the shade. So don’t hesitate to use sunshades to protect your pet from excessive heat, and make sure he has access to fresh water.
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