Dogs are rightly called man’s best friend. We love to take them everywhere with us: on holiday, on a visit, to the beach or to the forest. Fortunately, dogs are easy to train, so transporting them in the car is generally not a problem. Some dogs even enjoy being in the car! However, it is important that you transport your friend in the right way.
What could go wrong?
Many dog owners still choose to transport their four-legged friend loose under the guise of: ‘ but he doesn’t do anything’ and ‘my dog is well trained’ . However, unforeseen events can turn the fun ride into a disaster. Your dog may see a fellow dog in another car and enthusiastically squeeze himself onto the passenger seat, wagging his tail happily hitting you in the face. It could even happen that your dog steps on the gas pedal or the brake, which can create an even more dangerous situation. Now you may have a very old dog with limited vision who is not very adventurous and constantly looks out of the window. Nevertheless, it is important to transport your friend properly. In the event of a collision, your dog will not fly through the windshield. You can choose to secure your dog with a harness or transport him in a travel kennel. There are also special racks and nets on the market that make safe transport possible.
The harness
A harness or dog belt is attached to the buckle of the car seat belt. This way your dog sits safely in the back seat just like your human fellow passengers. This way he can no longer climb onto your lap during the ride. Moreover, nasty consequences can be prevented when you suddenly have to slam on the brakes. For this reason, never attach the dog to his collar. This will do the dog more harm than good in the event of an accident.
The travel kennel
More and more people are choosing to transport their dog in a travel kennel. Place a transport box for small dog breeds crosswise behind the driver’s seat on the floor and large kennels in the trunk with the wide side against the back seat. Most car insurance providers also recommend this option because of the safety benefits. Did you know that transporting your four-legged friend incorrectly can even affect your compensation for damage to your car? Comparing your car insurance with other providers will help you take out insurance that works well for you, but also for your dog.
A rack or net
A rack or car net gives your dog just that little bit more freedom of movement in the car. Place the net between the back seat and the trunk, so that your dog cannot climb over the seat. It is also wise to place a rack in front of the tailgate. When you open the door, your friend cannot run away unexpectedly.
Transporting your dog
It is also possible that your dog needs to be transported without you being able/need to be there. In this case, animal transport is the best option. This will transport your dog (or other pet) safely to its destination.
