Traveling by car with your dog is an activity you probably want to do often, whether it's going on a hike, taking him to the vet or going on vacation. In this sense, it is essential to have a safe retention system, as well as to comply with current legislation in Spain.
We must encourage our dog to get used to traveling by car from puppyhood, always in a positive way, so that it is an enriching and discomfort-free experience. In this article on our site we will show you how to travel with a dog by car, following the Spanish legislation of 2019.
Spanish legislation on animal transport
There are several ways to transport a dog by car, however, some important factors must be taken into account, such as the comfort of the dog and passengers, as well as safety in the event of an accident.
It is important to note that a dog should never be transported loose in the vehicle as it can cause distraction, damage to the occupants, and even interfere with driving, with the risk that this implies.
Norms in Spain of transport with animals
The regulations of the General Traffic Regulations [1] and the Road Safety Law [2] do not clearly specify how a dog should be transported by car in Spain, however, they do mention some basic driving characteristics that should be taken into account:
The driver must maintain freedom of movement, a necessary field of vision and permanent attention to driving. It is stated that it is necessary to maintain an adequate placement of the transported objects or animals.
Documentation required for transportation with animals
Apart from complying with the aforementioned indications, it is essential to have a he alth card, a census plate from the corresponding town hall and an identification chip. If our dog is also considered a potentially dangerous dog, we must also have civil liability insurance and the corresponding license.
The separating mesh in the vehicle
To start this article on how to travel with a dog by car we show you the separating mesh. It is one of the most popular systems, however, it does not allow the dog to be properly isolated It is likely that in the event of an accident it could gain access to the front seats.
Does not comply with regulations
Dog travel belts
The second option is a pet belt. It is a safer retention system than the previous one and must always be attached to a harness A collar should never be used, since in the event of an impact the dog could hang himself. However, in the event of a serious accident, the dog could suffer an impact against some areas of the vehicle and, although it is unlikely, the retention system could break.
Yes it complies with the regulations
Double Hook Harness
Continuing with the article on how to travel with a dog by car, we will talk about the harness. This restraint system is much safer than the belt mentioned above. Basically it has a space for us to tie the dog directly using the car's seat belt.
As an inconvenience, we could point out that limits the movement of the cannon, which can cause stress during the trip.
Yes it complies with the regulations
Folding carrier and others
Folding carriers are another option for transporting your dog by car. We can place them in the back seats or in the lower area of the back seats, in the footwells. However, only dogs of a certain size can use it. It could cause injury to the dog in the event of an impact, especially if it is not properly restrained.
Yes it complies with the regulations
Rigid carrier
The rigid carrier, like the folding carrier, is a good option for transporting the dog on a trip, but in this case, we are talking about the safer methodIn the event of an impact, the dog would receive the least possible damage and would not affect the drivers. It can be placed on the back seats, in the lower area or in the open trunk. Currently we can also find aluminum carriers, the safest on the market.
Yes it complies with the regulations
Dividing bars
This is another retention method we can use. It is important to note that the dividing bars must be specific to the car model, not a universal type, since the latter may not withstand the impact correctly in the event of collision.
Yes it complies with the regulations
Tips for traveling by car with your dog
Before finishing this article on how to travel with a dog by car, we will offer you some necessary advice that every driver should take into account. Follow them to prevent your dog from showing stress or anxiety and getting used to this routine in a positive way:
- It is advisable to accustom the dog from puppyhood, when it is still in the socialization period, to avoid acquiring fears.
- Start by introducing your dog to the car and positively associating it with the use of tasty treats or treats. You can also use caresses and kind words.
- If you are going to travel in a carrier you should get used to it first at home. Regularly leave treats and toys inside the carrier so that it is not afraid to enter.
- Do not force your dog to enter the vehicle, it is more indicated that he climbs on his own foot. To do this, you can leave treats and prizes inside the trunk or seats.
- Do not offer him too much food or water, he could vomit.
- Start by getting in and out of the car, to later make short trips, always progressively.
- Make the trip a positive experience for him, this way you will make your dog want to travel.
- Make the place comfortable and pleasant. Have a blanket or a small mattress available for him to be calm and relaxed.
- Don't let your dog stick his head out the window, it's very dangerous.
- Do not take your pet in the front seats, it is prohibited.
- If your dog is afraid to climb into the trunk, try using an access ramp.
- During trips stop every 2 or 3 hours so he can urinate, drink and walk
- If the dog is afraid of traveling by car, he reviews our guidelines to improve the association or goes directly to a dog trainer
- Remain relaxed at all times so your dog doesn't get upset.
And in case of stress and vomiting?
If your dog shows a lot of stress when traveling, completely avoid the use of drugs containing acepromazine It is a muscle relaxant that It causes high levels of anxiety in the dog, since it prevents him from moving. Instead, see your vet for a prescription for anxiolytics to prevent stress (which should be tested before the trip) or antiemetics to prevent vomiting
