Carrying an unsecured dog in a car poses a risk to the animal itself and to the people in the vehicle. Here experts from Fressnapf, the specialist pet retail chain, give an overview of the various safety systems and their advantages and disadvantages:

A transit box is basically the safest alternative, but boxes for big dogs take up a lot of space. The metal boxes are definitely preferable to those made of plastic. It is not advisable to place the box on the back seat, where it is difficult to secure it properly. It is better to put the box in the boot - first removing the rear shelf - or in the back of an estate car. You should attach the box to the bottom of the boot with straps or screws. Dogs will need to get used to the box before using it. The best thing is to arrange the box comfortably at home with a blanket or cushion, so that your pet can gradually get used to the unfamiliar container.

A special dog safety belt is also a very safe solution for dogs and their owners. This is a harness that is slipped over the animal’s head and ribcage and then attached either to the seat belt or straight into a seat belt buckle. Make sure that the belt is made of robust material and that the fittings are made of metal and not plastic. The product should also have a TÜV (Technical Inspection Agency) safety certificate. When buying a dog safety belt you should also check that the belt is easy to fit and not fiddly. Dogs who aren’t used to harnesses should be familiarized with them first.

A dog guard or net between the back seat and boot will prevent your travelling pet from injuring other passengers in an accident. It will also stop your dog jumping around in the car. Make sure that your guard or net complies with DIN standards and stretches from the roof of the vehicle to the floor of the boot with firm attachments. Nets that are attached only with suction pads are not very advisable. In general, nets are good for smaller, lighter dogs, while stronger metal guards are advisable for large dogs.

Animal cargo

From a legal point of view, a dog in a car counts as cargo. And, according to German road traffic regulations (§ 23 Straßenverkehrsordnung, para. 1), cargo must be carried in such a way that it does not impair traffic safety. This means that if your dog is able to jump around unsecured in the passenger space of the vehicle, you could face a fine of (in Germany) between 35 and 50 euros and three penalty points on your licence. By way of illustration: according to ADAC, the German General Automobile Association, if you are travelling at a speed of 50 km/h, the temporary force exerted on your pet if you slam on the brakes is up to 30 times its body weight: for a 30 kg dog that could mean an impact force of 900 kg. In the event of an emergency, this kind of force will almost always lead to severe injury for both dog and passengers.

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Pictures from this article:

Dog in car Safety first: when travelling in a car, a dog should always be secured in a safety belt, transport box or behind a wire divider. (Photos may only be reproduced with permission and in connection with editorial text. High-resolution photos can be requested from the Fressnapf press office.)