Nothing is better than travelling with our best friends, so here is how to do it safely.
If you are lucky to travel with your four-legged furry friend, whether it be to work or walkies, making sure they are comfortable and safe is extremely important. The accessories that you choose will all depend on the size of your dog and where you like to put them in the car. Whilst we would all love them to be on our lap, we have to remember that this is not the safest option, should the worst ever happen.
So, there first thing on our list is:
- A Dog Seat Belt. We wouldn't travel without our seat belt, so why should our dog? These are extremely affordable, with Amazon selling them for £2.19 with free postage. These are designed to fit nearly all makes of car, and go directly into your cars seat belt clip. With a short adjustable tether, they then attached directly onto your dogs collar/harness. There is enough tether to give them some movement and mobility, and keep them safe, but not enough to give your dog the run of the car. Whilst a harness is not compulsory with these, we do recommend attaching the seat belt to harness instead of a collar, as attaching them to a collar may cause serious neck injuries to your dog in the event of an accident.
- Car Seat/Boot Protector. These are almost as important as the seat belt, just for our benefit! After a long day of walks and swimming in the lake, your car will thank you for having your seats/boot covered. These range in price from £20 to over £100! The average we found online was £25-£30. These can be removed and washed down, which is definitely cheaper than having your car cleaned. These are highly recommended to those who take their dogs in a car that is leased, as damage to the interior caused by pets is not covered by Fair Wear and Tear.
- Travel Water Bottle. Vitally important for hot weather, some water for your dog on any journey is essential. And for only a £1, it really is a must. Coming in a handy bottle with an attached drinking tray, it is simple and easy to use and keep your dog hydrated. Remember, never leave your dog in a hot car for any period of time!
- Emergency Treats and Calming Aids. If your dog is a nervous traveler, then having some treats to hand to put their mind at rest is a great idea. There is no right or wrong thing here, just as long as it is something that your dog loves. This can also come in handy should you find yourself stuck at the side of the road and need your dog to follow orders. Should treats not be enough, then giving your dogs some Calming Aids can help reduce stress and anxiety. The benefit with these are that they are not exclusive to car travel, so can be used for other things, such as fireworks.
- Dog Boot Guard. This is ideal for someone who has a larger breed of dog, where the dog travels in the boot. Not only do they prevent your dog from climbing over the inside of the car, but they also keep both passengers and the dog safe in the case of an accident; this is because they prevent the dog from flying through the car at speed.
- Pet First Aid Kit. Although many of us are not fully trained vets, it is not uncommon for our dog to hurt themselves when off on their ventures. As such, having a small first aid kit with some cleaning wipes and bandages are very handy to have before taking your dog to proper medical attention.
So, there you have it! Pendle Lease's top recommended travel accessories. Now this list is by no means complete, but is a great starting point if you are a new dog owner, or even just looking for some advice. If you have the dog but not the car to put it in, or want a new car to travel with your friend in, be sure to check out our latest Business and Personal Lease Deals available Right Now!!
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