Car Safety for Pets: Tips & Guidelines for Responsible Travel

Whether you’re driving to the vet in Tokyo, taking a weekend road trip in Canada, or heading down the coast in Italy, your pet’s safety should be a priority every time they’re in the car.

Unrestrained pets can be seriously injured—or cause injury to others—in the event of an accident. According to safety experts, even a 10-lb dog can exert over 300 pounds of force in a 50 km/h crash. That’s why proper restraint, placement, and planning are essential for safe car travel.

In this guide, we’ll share expert-backed car safety tips, recommended gear, and country-specific regulations to help protect your pet and keep your journeys stress-free.

✅ Why Seat Belts Matter

A pet seatbelt or harness prevents your dog or cat from:

• Being ejected during a crash
• Jumping into the front seat
• Distracting the driver
• Moving unpredictably during sudden stops

🐶 Recommended Gear:

• Kurgo Tru-Fit Crash-Tested Harness
  👉 Check price on Amazon
• Sleepypod Clickit Sport Safety Harness
  👉 Check price on Chewy

Make sure the harness is crash-tested and labeled for your pet’s size.

G7 Tip: In the UK, drivers can be fined up to £5,000 and receive penalty points for having an unrestrained pet in the car.

🧳 Crates

Crates are best for larger dogs or long-distance travel. Look for:

• Crash-tested materials
• Strong doors and ventilation
• Tether points or seatbelt loops

Top Pick:

• Gunner G1 Kennel (Crash-Tested)
  👉 Check price on Amazon

🎒 Carriers

Carriers are suitable for cats and small dogs. Make sure they:

• Are securely strapped to a seat or base
• Have breathable mesh sides
• Fit the space safely (not wedged or hanging)

Pro Tip: Never place carriers in front of an active airbag—they can cause serious injury to your pet.

While it might be tempting to keep your pet in your lap or let them enjoy the view from the front seat, it’s not safe—especially in vehicles with airbags.

📌 Safety Guidelines:

• Back seat only is safest for all pets
• Use a barrier or secured crate to keep pets from moving forward
• Never let your pet roam freely in the car

France & Germany Tip: In Germany, laws require dogs to be “adequately restrained” or face fines of up to €50. France enforces similar rules under road safety codes.

Even 10 minutes in a parked car on a warm day can be life-threatening.

🔥 Hot Weather Tips:

• Use a pet cooling pad
  👉 Check price – The Green Pet Shop Cooling Mat
• Pack a battery-powered travel fan
  👉 Check price – Pet Travel Fan on Amazon
• Avoid leaving pets unattended, even in the shade

Southern Europe/Japan Tip: Summers in Southern Italy or Kyoto can exceed 35°C. Always plan for AC time, shade, and water.

Preparing properly reduces anxiety and prevents emergencies on the road.

🐕 Food, Water & Breaks:

• Bring collapsible travel bowls
  👉 Check price on Amazon
• Pack bottled water and familiar food
• Stop every 2–4 hours for bathroom and water breaks

🤢 Motion Sickness:

• Feed a light meal 3–4 hours before departure
• Ask your vet about Cerenia or natural calming chews
• Use Adaptil Spray or pheromone collars
  👉 Check calming spray price on Amazon

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

• Pets must be “suitably restrained” (Rule 57 of the Highway Code)
• Fines: £100 on-the-spot, up to £5,000 if distracted driving is proven

🇩🇪 Germany

• Pets are considered cargo and must be secured
• Fines up to €50 for unrestrained animals

🇺🇸 United States

• Varies by state; New Jersey and Hawaii have specific pet restraint laws

🇨🇦 Canada

• No federal laws, but provinces can fine for distracted driving
• BC recommends crates or barriers for safety

🇫🇷 France

• Pets must be tethered or crated
• Risk of fines under the “Code de la Route”

🇮🇹 Italy

• Pets must be restrained to prevent distraction
• Use of carriers or rear compartment separation is required

🇯🇵 Japan

• Loose pets can result in penalty points or traffic citations
• Use seatbelt-compatible crates or approved carriers

Want a stress-free trip every time?

👉 [Download our FREE Car Safety Checklist for Pets (PDF)]
Includes:

• What to pack
• Safety gear essentials
• Country-specific laws
• Motion sickness prevention
• Stop & hydration schedule

Print it, tape it to your glove box, or keep it on your phone!

Can I let my pet sit in the front seat?

No. It’s unsafe due to airbag deployment and driver distraction. Always keep pets secured in the back seat or cargo area with proper restraints.

How often should I stop during long car trips?

Every 2–4 hours is ideal. Let your pet stretch, use the bathroom, and drink water. Puppies, seniors, and anxious pets may need more frequent breaks.

What’s the safest way to secure a pet carrier?

Place the carrier in the back seat, secured with a seatbelt or latch system. Make sure it’s on a flat surface and won’t tip during sudden stops.

Car travel with pets is rewarding—but only if done safely. By using the right gear, following regional laws, and thinking ahead, you’ll protect your pet from harm and keep your road trips worry-free.

Don’t forget to:

👉 Download your FREE Car Safety Checklist for Pets
👉 Browse top-rated crash-tested harnesses and crates on Amazon

Stay safe, travel smart, and give your pet the ride they deserve.