The problem of transporting dogs in a car at least once, but every pet owner has encountered. For a pet, a change of familiar environment, unfamiliar sounds and a lot of distracting smells - all this together creates a stressful situation. Frightened, the dog can damage the interior of the car, distract the driver from driving and ultimately provoke a traffic accident. These are the main reasons why taking a dog in a car should be taken seriously. Both the car, and the animal, and yourself need to be prepared for the trip.
Rules for transporting dogs in a car
Turning to the legal requirements for transporting animals in a car, it is worth noting that there is nothing impossible. In general, the rules are similar to the transportation of goods.
The dog is obliged not to interfere with the driver while driving, not to close the visibility, not to distract. These are the basic requirements of the law. For the rest, rely only on yourself. That is, you have the right to carry a dog in the front or back seat, in a cage, in a hammock, or without them at all. All these points are not specified in the rules.
In some cases, employees of the state automobile inspection threaten to write a fine for transporting a dog in a car without a certificate from a veterinary clinic. Due to lack of knowledge, the driver agrees and pleads guilty. As a result, he pays a fine, in fact, not for a violation, but for his legal illiteracy.
Owners of vehicles traveling with their pets in the car should know that they do not fit this rule. A certificate from the state veterinary clinic during transportation should be with you when you travel by public transport or under a contract of carriage. Thus, if you have already been fined, then you can challenge it through the courts and not pay. And in the future, when stopping your car, in which you are transporting a dog, you politely explain that you are aware of your rights and obligations regarding the travel of the animal, and solve the problem on the spot. Because the traffic police actually really know the true rules for transporting pets.
Somewhat different requirements for finding four-legged friends on hunting grounds. Here, the owner of the dog has the right to demand documents. Namely - he must have a passport with him, with all vaccinations carried out, depending on the age of the animal. In addition, the dog must be included in the hunting ticket. If such a record is missing, then there is another way to transport the animal. Namely, a pet’s passport for a hunting dog. One of these documents should be with the owner.
How to train a dog to calmly travel by car
It would seem that put your four-legged friend in a car and take it - what is it. This can only be done with an already accustomed pet. He put him in a hammock, a cage or hooked it with harness - and that’s it: the driver is not distracted from the road, the animal does not feel discomfort. Everyone is happy, everyone is happy. But all this will not be right away. You need to come to that.
It is best to teach your dog to ride in a car from childhood. There are no special tricks here. It is enough that you will often take your pet on trips. So the dog is more likely to get rid of fear of the car and from problems with motion sickness.
With an adult animal that was not transported by car, everything is much more complicated. To get started, let him inspect an unfinished car. Let the dog learn it, get comfortable. Then turn on the engine and sit with the dog in the cabin. The next step is a short trip. So you will be sure that your pet will feel comfortable and avoid stress.
Dog Carrier
Undoubtedly, the easiest way to transport an animal in a car is by sitting in the passenger compartment or in the arms of a passenger. But, unfortunately, this option is practical only for small breeds of dogs. And besides, the pet should calmly relate to transportation, it is easy to endure the entire trip on hand. Yes, and the minuses of a free dog in the car are enough. The disadvantages include the following problems:
- In the event of a traffic accident, the pet is in the danger zone.
- Dirt, sand, etc. from the dog’s paws.
- An animal can cause a traffic accident.
- Scratches from the dog’s claws on the dashboard, chair, doors and more.
Plus, to the whole animal itself, it is not entirely comfortable to be in a moving car without support. With sharp turns and heavy braking, it is extremely difficult for a dog to stay in a stable position.
For large and restless pets, there are several other options for traveling by vehicle, which, it is worth noting, are not uncomfortable.
It is used to transport dogs in a car:
- cell;
- hammock;
- case;
- harness;
- carrying.
Travel preparation
Before the trip, the first thing the driver must do is to protect the passenger compartment. Everything is clear about claws and hair, but what should be envisaged in case the dog vomits? After all, motion sickness is not only people, animals are also susceptible to this. And it is worth noting, to a greater extent, since, in fact, they have no fulcrum when moving. When a puppy is accustomed to vomiting or diarrhea, it happens to everyone. And sometimes a dog cannot overcome this ailment all his life.
Another point is salivation. Even if your pet does not suffer from this, it will start in the car. The reason for everything is stress.
Drivers should not lose sight of the fact that an already trained but shy dog can behave unpredictably. Therefore, it is best for the animal to travel fixed.
Carriage with a cover
The device is very popular with dog owners, although for the animal itself this is not a very comfortable travel option. The cover in the car for transporting dogs is mounted on the seat on which the pet will be. It is very convenient to remove and wash. He will also protect the interior from scratches and wool. However, the dog will not have support at any sharp turn or braking, therefore, it will sway from side to side. This circumstance will add stress to the animal. Therefore, this option of transportation is suitable for calm pets, who all the time travel, curled up, sleeping on the seat.
Carriage in a hammock
Instead of a cover, you can use this device. A hammock for transporting dogs in a car creates a safe area for animals on the rear seats, where he can comfortably travel, and does not allow him to spoil the upholstery with his claws. At the same time, the pet will be able to move freely and look out the window. Depending on the size of the hammock and the dog, she will be able to get in it while sitting or lying down. This is undoubtedly a plus, because the pet will be able to control the situation through the glass and will not distract the driver.
Pet shops today offer a choice of several options for hammocks - covering the entire space behind or only two-thirds, with or without door protection. The mount is very simple - hinges that cling to the headrests of the front and rear seats. When choosing this device, be careful, as small ones are universal, and large ones are suitable for certain models of machines.
A hammock for transporting dogs in a car is a convenient and inexpensive device. It is worth noting that you can do it yourself.
Transportation in a cage or carrying
Practical accessories for the case when finding a four-legged friend in the cabin is undesirable.
A cage for transporting dogs in a car is suitable for owners whose pets are not accustomed to frequent travel. The device does not hamper the movement of the animal. But not every car has the opportunity to put a cage.
Carrying is more suitable for small dog breeds. Plus, the pet will not be able to move a lot.
When choosing a cage or carrying, the owner needs to pay attention to the following points:
- Sizes. Adaptations are required by their dimensions to allow the dog to stand, roll over or lie down.
- Strength. The material from which the device is made must be of high quality. Especially if the dog is prone to biting objects.
- Mount. In addition to the internal equipment, the dog transport device must stand stably in the cabin. Or another option - fasten with straps.
It is worth noting that the animal should be accustomed to boxing for transporting dogs in a car in advance. The easiest option is to transfer the litter to the fixture. So he will move there and will settle there for several days. And on the day of the trip, when you put the cage or carry in the car, for him it will be a familiar cozy place.
Therefore, the option of a cage or carrying is suitable for rare trips, in the case when the pet is not accustomed to the car.
Harness for transportation
This device can protect the dog during an accident. Undoubtedly, the harness fetters the freedom of the pet in the car, but as they say, “life is more expensive”. The harness for transporting the dog in the car is attached to the seat belt or to its seat. This device has a low cost and excellent efficiency. Thanks to the harness for transportation, the dog in the car will sit in one place and will not distract the driver from driving. The advantage of the device is that the pet will not be able to escape if you did not inadvertently close the door, for example, at a gas station.
Instead of a harness for transporting a dog, you can use a safety belt for animals. This is a fairly convenient fixture that is mounted on the back seat. It does not in any way chain the dog to the chair, but gently fixes and does not allow free movement inside the car. In addition, the pet gets additional safety in the event of a traffic accident. After all, in an accident, a dog, like everyone in the car, will fly forward by inertia and, as a result, can be seriously damaged.
How to prepare your pet for the trip
With animals accustomed to the car, everything is extremely simple. Therefore, we consider what preparatory steps you need to perform with a pet who is not used to it yet.
Try not to feed the animal six hours before departure. So you reduce the likelihood of nausea in the car. Use a box or cage for travel. This will help to avoid unnecessary movement of the dog inside the car. Buy in advance in the store a new interesting toy. She will distract the pet for a while. And most importantly, do not plan your first long trip.
What to take on a trip
Going on a trip, you take for yourself a bag of necessary things. For a dog, even if not so much luggage is needed, but something should still be taken.
When transporting a pet with you, you need:
- food and drink. If you are planning a long trip, then without it, nowhere;
- plate;
- napkins, trash bags;
- documentation. On a long trip, just in case, it is worth taking;
- collar (spare), leash, muzzle;
- Toys
- first aid kit.
Things to remember when traveling with a dog
During a long journey, you need to stop so that the pet can stretch its legs and relieve its natural needs. In no case will a mentally healthy dog go to the toilet under himself, and patience will negatively affect the animal’s health for a long time. Try to stop every three hours during transportation. Take the dog on a leash outside at this time.
Traveling with an animal will become an unbearable problem if the pet is not accustomed to the vehicle. Due to stress, the dog can become furious and act inappropriately, thereby creating a danger to both itself and the driver. Therefore, without fail, before transporting the pet, you should prepare both him and yourself.