If you’re a dog owner, you’ll probably know that, whether you’re taking your vizsla to the vet, your pug to the pub, or your husky on a hike, you’ll often end up packing more for them than you do for yourself. Having the right gear is essential, so we’ve rounded up some of the top pet essentials that you should never travel without!
For the journeyAs we discovered in our ‘busting driving myths’ article, rule 57 of the Highway Code states that if you fail to restrain your pet correctly in a vehicle, this can put both your pet and yourself at serious risk of injury – it can even invalidate your car insurance.
Don’t worry though, there are plenty of ways you can make sure your canine companion remains safe and secure throughout your journey – some will also help ensure that your vehicle remains as mess-free as possible.
Options range from just a few pounds for a simple pet seatbelt to thousands for crash-tested crates made for your car. The best method for you is down to a variety of factors, including your dog’s size and temperament, how many dogs you have, the size of your car, your budget, and whether you need to use your boot space or not.
Pet car harnessCar harnesses are a popular and ideal way of keeping your furry friend restrained in the back seat of the car. To use a dog car harness, you simply strap your dog into the harness, then put your car's seat belt through the loop on the back of the harness, keeping your dog secured in one spot, much like a human seatbelt.
With room for movement, a harness provides flexibility for your dog to sit or stand comfortably, but prevents them from moving around the cabin and potentially causing a distraction.
Pet seatbeltsPet seatbelts are essentially leads that either loop around a headrest or have a seatbelt tongue which clips directly into the seatbelt buckle. They should be adjusted to a length which is long enough to offer your dog the option to sit upright, but short enough to ensure the dog can’t move around in the back seat.
A pet seatbelt provides limited restraint, so a dog could still be thrown around or fall off the back seat if the car stops suddenly and the belt is on a too-long setting. It is advisable that pet seatbelts should always be clipped to a harness and never a collar, as this will help spread the impact across the body instead of the neck in case of severe breaking or an accident. We also recommend you choose one with an elastic bungee to help reduce shock in this scenario.
Pet carriers and cratesA pet carrier, or a crate, is ideal for puppies, smaller dogs, or other pets like cats or rabbits. We prefer fabric pet carriers, which are machine washable, easy to fold away when not in use, and have an adjustable carry handle for ultimate portability. Keeping security in mind, it features belt loops and a strap to keep the seat securely in place when on the move. It even has a number of handy side pockets, perfect for storing toys and other essentials, like poo bags or your pooch’s favourite treats!
You can also get fixed or removable crates that fit in the boot of your vehicle. Crash tested versions may be expensive, but they provide the most protection to pets travelling in a boot if your vehicle is involved in an accident.
Protecting your vehicle
Pet hammocks and seat coversUsually, hammocks conjure up images of turquoise waves lapping up golden soft sand beaches as you swing in a warm breeze and sip on a colourful cocktail topped with tropical fruit and a tiny umbrella. Pet hammocks may not be as glamorous as a trip to the Seychelles, but they do perform a very important function – protecting your back seats.
This pet hammock is simple to install, with adjustable straps that loop over your headrests, and machine washable, so it’s perfect for vehicles that often have dogs in the back seat. This hammock also has an aperture, so you can still use seatbelts to secure your pet with either a dog car harness or a pet seatbelt.
Pet hammocks are not suitable if you need to use the back seats for passengers though, as they block off the footwell, so if you routinely have a mix of two-legged and four-legged passengers, we would recommend you instead invest in a rear seat protector, or treat yourself to a full seat cover set.
Pet boot linersPet car boot liners are designed to cover the interior of your boot, including the backs of your rear seats, and protect it from scratches, tears, dirt and pet fur. Often, they just clip around the back headrests, so they’re super easy to remove and clean after a long muddy walk or a trip to the beach.
Pet boot liners are perfect for owners that often travel with their dog in the boot. Make sure that, if this is the case, you safely secure them to an anchor point or to the headrests using a car seatbelt or other appropriate restraint.
Boot coverIf you’ve got a bigger dog who likes to jump into the car themselves, you’ll be all too familiar with scratches on the lip of your car's bumper as they use your bodywork to jump in. We suggest investing in a boot cover to protect the interior of your boot from mess – plus, a clever fold-out canvas flap covers the bumper to ensure your animal gets in without marking your paint.
Dog guards
Dog guards, also known as boot gates or cargo separators, come in several styles, and are designed to restrict your pet from interfering with the driver of the vehicle or any passengers. They also provide protection from any possible collision by preventing the dog or any loose luggage in the boot from going into the cabin – and potentially through the windscreen. If your dog travels in the boot of your car, they should also be restrained, but dog guards are an ideal solution if your dog likes to try and climb over the back seats.
For the adventure
Cool matsPet cool mats are gel-filled mats which help to gradually reduce your dog's body temperature. They are a great way to help your dog keep cool in warmer weather, especially if they are prone to overheating, and their portable nature means you can take them with you wherever you go.
Suitable for use inside or outside, they are ideal for pet beds, crates, kennels, or in the car. What’s more, on warm summer days, they can be used in gardens, when out and about on adventures, or even the boot of your car.
Travel bottlesFood and water are essential, especially on long journeys. We recommend always bringing a fresh supply of drinking water for your pet, and even if your dog shouldn't need a meal on your trip, always keep some pet food handy in case of an emergency, like an unexpected breakdown. Try keeping a compact travel food and water box in your boot, as this will give you peace of mind.
A handy travel bottle is perfect for keeping in the car or taking on walks to ensure that your furry friend never goes thirsty. It’s so important to keep your pet hydrated when out and about, especially on the hot summer days that are fast approaching.
For after the journey
Restoring that new car smellWe may love going on adventures with our dogs, but there’s no denying that sometimes they can leave our vehicles smelling less than fresh. Thankfully, pet-safe odour-neutralising cleaners like Nilco antibacterial surface sanitiser are here for all hard surfaces, and they even have a version designed to neutralises odours in fabric surfaces.
If you find your car in a mess after walking the dog, a quick valet will spruce your car up again. If you don’t have time for a full valet, keeping a tin of carpet and upholstery cleaner in your car is a great idea. Simply spray on the foam, scrub using the brush attached to the can and wipe away any excess.
And to keep your car smelling fresher for longer, don’t forget an air freshener – we love these little dog air fresheners which come in a variety of colours and scents, including yellow vanilla. They can remind you of your four-legged friend, even when they’re not in the vehicle.
Using these essential items, travelling with your pet can be simple and as relaxed as possible! Check out our full travel and touring range for more products to help keep your travels stress-free this summer.
Image credit: Header image by Kampus Production via Pexels.com
