Our dogs are part of the family, so of course they come along for adventures! 🐶💛 But car journeys can be stressful (and messy!) without the right prep. The good news? A few clever products can make travelling with dogs safe, comfortable and way more enjoyable, for both of you. Just to note that links may be affiliate links which means that I may earn a small commission if you purchase something at no additional cost to you.
🛡️Safety First: Securing Your Dog in the Car
Letting your pup roam free in the car might look cute, but it’s not safe. A sudden stop or accident could put them (and you) at risk. Thankfully, there are simple ways to keep your dog secure:
- Dog seatbelt harnesses → Clips into your car’s seatbelt for safe travel. A MUST have for everyone’s sake.
- Travel crates → A sturdy crate in the boot is one of the safest options.
- Doggy booster seats → Perfect for small pups who like to watch the world go by.
👉 Not only do these keep your dog safe, they also stop them distracting you while driving.
🧽 Protecting Your Car (and Your Sanity!)
Dogs bring joy… and also mud, drool and fluff 🤦♀️. Luckily, there are easy fixes to protect your car:
- Car seat protectors → Waterproof covers that save your back seat. We use a hammock one which attaches to the front and back headrests. It’s super quick and easy to install and does a great job of minimising the hair on the seats – this is the one that we have.
- Boot liners → Ideal if your dog rides in the boot after muddy walks.
- Window shades → Keeps your pup cool and comfy on sunny days.
💤 Comfort on the Road
Long journeys can be tiring for dogs, so make things easier with a few travel must-haves:
- Travel bowls & water bottles → Handy for pit stops 🚰. There are tons of options here – we have an old version of this one which is great for the occasional use that it gets with us.
- Cooling mats or blankets → Keep your pup from overheating.
- Chews & toys → Stops boredom and keeps them relaxed. Joey has a comfort blanket (don’t ask!) and isn’t a fan of the car so we always make sure that he has that as it’s whatever they need to help them relax which they can safely have in the car.
🌟 Quick Travel Tips
- Start with short trips to help your dog get used to the car.
- Feed at least an hour before travelling to avoid car sickness.
- Stop every 2–3 hours for a toilet & stretch break.
- Never leave your dog in a hot car 🚫☀️.
💡 Final Thoughts
Travelling with dogs doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right gear, from seatbelts and booster seats to waterproof covers, you’ll keep your pup safe, your car clean, and your adventures fun. Because road trips are always better with your best friend by your side 🐾💛.
Charlie LOVES going in the car, sits good as gold looking out of the windscreen and just wants to be next to me (super cute!). I’ve hunted and can’t find any pics of them in the car though – makes sense given as I’ll be driving so here’s just a cute pic of Charlie!
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