Travelling can be stressful for anyone, including your dog. Even if your canine pal is used to riding in your car or taking a trip on public transport, there is still a great deal to think about to make sure that they stay calm and safe. Fortunately, there’s quite a few things that you can do to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here’s our top tips for travelling with your dog.
Make sure your dog’s microchip is up to date
Microchipping is a legal requirement for all dogs in the UK, but when was the last time you checked what personal information your dog’s microchip provider has on record? Whenever you leave your home with your dog you run the risk of being separated. A microchip can drastically increase the likelihood of you being reunited, but only if your details are up to date. Before your journey, check with your microchip provider to ensure that they have your current address and phone number – just in case! A collar and tag is also a legal requirement in the UK, unless you have a working dog! You can read more about dog tag requirements here…
Secure your pet for the journey
It’s never a good idea to let an animal roam around a moving vehicle and your dog is no exception. In fact, the law states that dogs travelling in the front or rear passenger seat of a car must be suitably restrained. Depending on how you are travelling, you may want to use a carrier or crate to keep your pet secure. They also have the added benefit of being an additional layer of protection in the event you are involved in an accident and you can use a crate pad or blanket to make your furry pal comfortable. If your dog isn’t crate-trained already, you’ll need to crack this ahead of your journey. Alternatively, you can buy harnesses that will secure your dog in the vehicle, without the need for a crate.
