Tips on how to keep pets safe in the car on long journeys
We all love travelling with our furry friends and taking them everywhere we go. However, it's not idyllic when they're mucking up the car or shedding fur far and wide. Whether it's a weekend away, or a day out at crufts, there are a number of pet accessories and tips that are practical for your trip and also safe for travelling. Cats and dogs come in all different sizes and you can modify your car to meet the requirements. There's no reason not to take your kitten or your pooch when you've taken every precaution.
Pet harness and seatbelt
Travelling with a dog or cat could be made easier with accessories that keep your pet in one place whilst in the car. Pet harnesses or seat belts are great for strapping your little treasures in, more so for keeping your dog restrained. These are the ideal accessories for short journeys. Ensure that harnesses are crash tested, and just make sure they can’t chew through it!
Car crates
Car crates are a generic pet accessory, especially for long journeys. They keep both cats and dogs calm and collected on those lengthy trips. Make sure your crate is big enough for your pet to lay comfortably, and crash tested too. Even if your pet is relaxed, place a blanket over the top of the crate so they feel secure.
Pet guard
If your pets are too big for a crate, or you have more than one, then a pet guard would be the ideal accessory for your car. Pets can move around freely whilst staring out the window at the passing cars. Pet guards bolt onto the roof of your car and to the rear seats. This accessory is safe from distracting your driving and provides your pets with more room than a crate.
Hammocks
For those who have pets a little on the older side and prefer to lay down, then a seat hammock is more than ideal. Hammocks lay in the central area of your car, and attach round the head rests of all chairs. This stops muddy paws and loose hairs from covering your seats. Perfect if you’re a little OCD with your car.
Best cars for travelling with pets
Dacia Sandero
A car which offers the basics of motoring, with the added bonus of some surprising characteristics.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Practical and well-equipped - a premium family car
Mercedes-Benz GLC
A fine choice in the premium, medium-sized SUV market.
Ford S-Max
A spacious and stylish MPV that goes against the typically dull, run of the mill MPV mantra, and is successful in doing so.
Vauxhall Meriva
A highly spacious MPV which is well designed inside and out making it ideal for the family.
Peugeot 308
The perfect all-rounder, making it a proper alternative to the Focus and Golf.
Volkswagen Passat
A spacious executive car delivering comfort and a premium feel
Vauxhall Adam
A surprisingly practical city car with absolutely loads of configuration.
SEAT ibiza
A sporty and practical compact hatchback, it is no surprise why it is so popular.
Volvo V40
One of the safest, most comfortable and best-equipped hatchbacks around.
Peugeot 208
A stylish and highly practical hatchback with quality, spacious interior.
Ford Mondeo
A textbook family car with solid build quality and multi award-winning engines.
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