We all have to use our cars and sometimes these journeys involve bringing the family pet or someone else’s pet in the vehicle.
If you are using a service provider then make sure they hold current chaperone insurance. This not only protects the driver, it protects the animal in transit and also the title owner.
When you take your dog/pet on any journey always remember to carry water, that they have an up to date ID tag on, take regular breaks, keep air flow good for them whilst travelling, reframe from feeding if your dog gets travel sick. Any feeding should always be at least two hours prior to a journey.
For travel sickness a vet should be able to suggest a medication to help ease this for the dog. No matter how small the journey, you want your pet to be comfortable. Furthermore you want your pet to enjoy the ride and not dread the car and cause distress.
If you are travelling abroad make sure you meet all the requirements both DEFRA and the Pet Travel Scheme Rules from 1st January 2021. .
There are some drivers/owners however that think its fun to have a dog sat on their lap or hanging out the window, they really should consider the consequences.
Not the most sensible thing to do and certainly not legal in UK, Breaking the rule can carry a fine and a custodial sentence.
For instance take a larger size dog weighing about 35kg who was not being transported under the rule guidelines. The un secured dog would thrown in the force direction at around 1000kg. This is more than enough power to throw them through the windscreen, with such force this can also injure or kill the animal and/or passengers.
Did you know that even a box of tissues kept on the back parcel shelf has the capability of severely injuring a driver or passenger if they are involved in an accident at speed. So its truly so important to make sure every human or furry passenger is safe when travelling.
An un secured dog could in some circumstances invalidate your insurance, meaning you are liable for any costs and expenses associated with an accident that you are involved in.
An animal is much more likely to suffer injury or death if they are involved in and accident and are not restrained in a legal/correct manner, you could also be at risk of being prosecuted under The Animal Welfare Act.
When you purchase a dog seat belt, harness, carrier, crate or guard make sure these are approved to a British standard. These will all be approved by UK insurance companies.
Also a point to remember that when you are transporting an animal you must switch off the relevant air bag as this may cause more harm than good in the event of an accident.
Never leave you dog in a hot car, or a car that isn’t ventilated. Home From Home never leave a dog/s unattended in the company vehicle and on hot days will try and avoid any journeys unless totally necessary.
Home From Home often receive calls from various cross channel providers and/or the Police for help with a dog. Eurotunnel Folkestone have a good check list that is accessible online but we have added a link here for your assistance Eurotunnel website. Also check the DEFRA & GOV.UK websites for the latest requirements. Make sure you are aware of any changes that may affect your travel. Be aware that these change quite frequently so checking before travel is paramount.
Remember when travelling abroad make sure your pet wears an ID tag with the address of your holiday/foreign residence so that the animal may be located back to you there, rather than the UK as you will be away from home.
In the UK, The Highway Code state the under “Rule 57“ when in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”
Its not rocket science and in the main owners and providers of any dog service are fully aware of this rule and always transport any animal adhering to “Rule 57”
Also as a service provider we have to meet certain conditions and animal transportation is one of them. So ask your provider what they have in place for your dogs safety if they are being transported. After all you want your pet safe and so will a good service provider.
At Home From Home we have purpose built cages in our company vehicle for the transportation of dogs. The pods are separate and each lockable. The van is ventilated and blankets are provided on each journey for each dog. These are washed after each dogs use. We also hold chaperone insurance to transport animals.
Home From Home often undertake wedding services and enable the special couple to enjoy their fur baby during their ceremony - some doggies are even ring bearers.
We are recommended by The Old Kent Barn, as such we have provided the venue with details of our insurance and we would encourage clients to ask about the insurance any potential provider has. Anyone undertaking a service that involves travelling with an animal or accompanying an animal, must have chaperone insurance.
Do check your chosen providers policy to keep your loved dog/s safe.
Journeys with your beloved pets should be fun, exciting and enjoyable, not one that is unsafe and stressful for your pet.
Safe travels and make enjoyable memories with your fur babies.
All views and opinions are my own. If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s dog you should seek advice from professional services (useful contacts can be found here).
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