Vacation on four paws - safely with dog on vacation
Holidays are the most wonderful time of the year - and in many cases the planned destination is even luxuriously close by. So what could be more natural than spontaneously taking the car to the sea or the mountains? Of course, the four-legged family members should also have something from the holiday, but how do dogs actually travel safely in the car?
Legal first - how the legislator sees the dog in the car
The simplest and safest method for the dog in the car is the dog box. This more or less spacious box is simply installed in the boot and you don't have to worry about anything else. This is good for station wagons and larger vehicles, but at the latest with additional luggage it can then become tight on holiday trips.
Should you just strap your dog in the car and drive off? The situation is not quite so simple (also legally), because in the case of a police control then a fine threatens. Dogs are legally regarded as cargo and must be secured accordingly to prevent them from slipping and falling. But up to 75, - euro fine and further 60, - euro plus a point in Flensburg with acute endangerment you accept surely still, in the foreground stands however the security of your dog. How can you ensure that even without a dog box
Should you just strap your dog in the car and drive off? The situation is not quite so simple (also legally), because in the case of a police control then a fine threatens. Dogs are legally regarded as cargo and must be secured accordingly to prevent them from slipping and falling. But up to 75, - euro fine and further 60, - euro plus a point in Flensburg with acute endangerment you accept surely still, in the foreground stands however the security of your dog. How can you ensure that even without a dog box
Buckle your dog in the car - the safety belt for the dog
First of all, you need a suitable car harness for your four-legged friend so that you can hook it into the system of your choice. In addition to a good fit, you should also pay attention to robust hooks and fully sewn eyelets, so that your dog is well secured even in the event of emergency braking.
Using the seat beltto securedog or bitch also requires a harness. This way, your four-legged friend is stabilized by a triangle of forces in all directions. However, you should supplement such systems with protective mats and dividers.
A passenger car safety buckle, a harness and a belt system are ideal, especially for medium-sized dogs. You can tell whether the harnesses and buckles are safe by the GS seal for tested safety.
For larger dog breeds, there is hardly any way around a dog crate for the boot. With small dogs, on the other hand, you have many transport options, even in a small car.
Using the seat beltto securedog or bitch also requires a harness. This way, your four-legged friend is stabilized by a triangle of forces in all directions. However, you should supplement such systems with protective mats and dividers.
A passenger car safety buckle, a harness and a belt system are ideal, especially for medium-sized dogs. You can tell whether the harnesses and buckles are safe by the GS seal for tested safety.
For larger dog breeds, there is hardly any way around a dog crate for the boot. With small dogs, on the other hand, you have many transport options, even in a small car.
The simplest solution here is the dog transport box or a softer safety tube. A transport box made of metal is basically more resistant to accidents than a lighter, cheaper version made of plastic. These can be stowed in the trunk (with additional belts) or foot space, on long journeys it can become for the dog then however somewhat beklommen.
A dog basket is quasi a dog car seat, comparable with the child seat for the back seat. This is the most comfortable option for small dog breeds. Of course, here you still need a suitable harness and must fix your dog with belt or passenger car safety buckle .
The same applies to soft bags, which also need to be secured with straps.
However, there are also special dog seats for the car that are secured with a floor and four side panels in all directions. In the dog seat, dogs must still be strapped in and the seat must also be strapped in the vehicle. For this you do not need a special dog blanket to keep the upholstery fur-free and you can use the dog seat as a carrier and basket for the holiday home.
At most, you should use rear seat barriers or and partition grids as additional security. These create a spatial separation and many barriers are even padded, but never in all directions. In the event of an evasive manoeuvre, an unbuckled four-legged friend would therefore be flung into the door panel.
The same applies to soft bags, which also need to be secured with straps.
However, there are also special dog seats for the car that are secured with a floor and four side panels in all directions. In the dog seat, dogs must still be strapped in and the seat must also be strapped in the vehicle. For this you do not need a special dog blanket to keep the upholstery fur-free and you can use the dog seat as a carrier and basket for the holiday home.
At most, you should use rear seat barriers or and partition grids as additional security. These create a spatial separation and many barriers are even padded, but never in all directions. In the event of an evasive manoeuvre, an unbuckled four-legged friend would therefore be flung into the door panel.
With the dog as a passenger
Basically, there are many solutions for driving safely and comfortably on holiday with a dog, without worrying about the well-being and safety of your four-legged friend. Which solution is best for you depends above all on the size and breed of your dog and, of course, the space available in your car.
However, the equipment is not enough, because you should also allow for some acclimatisation time. Accustom your dog at home slowly to harness and boxes and provide during the journey for a dog-friendly climate. Then nothing will stand in the way of a relaxed holiday.
However, the equipment is not enough, because you should also allow for some acclimatisation time. Accustom your dog at home slowly to harness and boxes and provide during the journey for a dog-friendly climate. Then nothing will stand in the way of a relaxed holiday.
