Travelling by car with your pet
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What the law says and best practices to follow
Going on holiday or simply taking a car journey with your dog may seem trivial. However, transporting a pet in a vehicle cannot be improvised. Between legal requirements and safety precautions, here is what you need to know to travel peacefully with your four-legged friend.
Animal welfare legislation requires that all animals be transported in conditions that ensure their safety and well-being. It is strictly forbidden to cause them unnecessary suffering. Failure to comply with these rules may result in penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.
Although the Highway Code does not explicitly mention pets, it considers all loads – including dogs – to be items that must be secured. Therefore, an unrestrained dog in a vehicle is considered to be an unsecured object, which can be dangerous in the event of sudden braking or an accident.
What devices are available to keep your dog safe?
There are several solutions for transporting your dog safely:
- Dog seat belts: Easy to use, they keep the animal in the back seat while allowing it some freedom of movement.
- Transport cages: Recommended for large dogs or long journeys. They must be suitable for the size of the animal and securely fastened in the boot.
- Separation net or grille: Installed between the boot and the rear seats, this device prevents the dog from moving to the front of the vehicle.
It is important to choose the method best suited to the size, weight and temperament of the animal. An unsecured dog can become a dangerous projectile: for example, a simple mobile phone can reach an impact weight of 15 kg during emergency braking.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
The Highway Code provides for a fine of £250 for an unsecured load, which includes an unrestrained dog. Although no points are deducted, the consequences can be serious in the event of an accident.
Travelling with your pet: essential rules to know
Travelling with a dog or cat, especially abroad, requires compliance with several strict rules to ensure the safety of the animal and avoid penalties. The European Consumer Centre Luxembourg has issued some advice and recommendations.
Conditions to be met when travelling with your dog or cat:
- Identification: by microchip (or legible tattoo applied before 3 July 2011).
- European pet passport: issued by a vet, it contains identification information and proof of rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination: compulsory from 12 weeks of age, with a waiting period of 21 days after the first injection.
- Minimum age for travel: in general, animals under 15 weeks old are not allowed to travel.
- Specific requirements depending on the country: some countries (such as Finland, Ireland, Malta and Norway) require additional parasite treatment.
- Travel outside the EU: stricter rules may apply (tests, certificates, specific points of entry).
Other animals:
Ferrets are subject to the same rules as dogs and cats. Different rules apply to birds, rodents, reptiles, etc.
Advice depending on the mode of transport:
- Air: check with the airline, as conditions vary.
- Train: there are no harmonised European regulations, so check with the railway company and the authorities in the country of destination.
Recommended preparation:
Check the requirements for each country (including transit countries) in advance. Contact your vet, embassies and transport companies to avoid any unpleasant surprises.