Traveling by car with your dog: essential equipment

Hitting the road with your dog is not something you should improvise. In France, Article R412-6 of the Highway Code stipulates that the driver must maintain a clear field of vision and must not be hindered in their maneuvers. A dog left free in the passenger cabin represents a lethal danger: during a collision at only 50 km/h, a 20 kg dog becomes a projectile weighing nearly a ton.

1. Mandatory safety equipment

• Seat belt with quick-release attachment: It clicks directly into the car's seat belt buckle. Fundamental rule: it must ALWAYS be attached to the back of a safety harness, and never to a collar to avoid strangulation during sudden braking.

• Rigid travel crate: This is the safest solution recommended by crash tests. Place the crate in the trunk, wedged against the back of the rear seats, or securely fastened on the back seat.

• Partition grille or net: Ideal if your dog is traveling in the trunk of a station wagon or SUV, preventing any movement into the front of the vehicle.

2. Protecting the interior and ensuring comfort

• Waterproof seat cover: Chosen in durable Oxford fabric, it protects your seats from fur, mud, and any potential vomiting due to motion sickness.

• Spill-proof water bowl: Designed with an inward-curving rim to prevent water from splashing over at every turn.

3. Best practices during the journey

Take a break every 2 hours. Take your dog out on a leash (never let them off-leash at a highway rest area), give them fresh water, and let them stretch for a few minutes. NEVER leave an animal alone in a car, even with windows cracked or in the shade: in summer, the internal temperature can reach 50°C in less than 10 minutes.

Sources: Highway Code (Article R412-6), Road Safety (Advice on transporting domestic animals).