Introduction

We’re sure that many of you have already taken the plunge and started traveling with your furry friends—and we absolutely love that our pets are becoming more and more a true part of the family! But naturally, this brings up some important questions and challenges: how can we make sure the trip is safe for everyone, both for our pets and for us? And what does the law actually say about it? The truth is, even though traveling with pets in the car is getting more common, the specific rules can be a bit confusing and don’t always give us clear guidance. That’s why it’s so easy to feel a little lost when it comes to choosing what’s best for our furry companions. Let’s try to clear things up so you can enjoy your trips with the peace of mind that you’re doing the right thing. 

How to transport pets in the car when traveling

According to the magazine of the DGT (Spanish traffic authority), here are some important things to keep in mind for traveling safely with your pets:

• Pet owners/drivers should always carry the official, up-to-date health certificate for the animal, stamped by a registered vet. If you’re traveling within the EU, you’ll also need the Pet Passport. They also recommend microchipping your pet in case it gets lost.
• Never travel with a pet loose in the car. It’s a significant risk for the animal, the passengers, and rescue crews in case of an accident. You could also get a fine of up to 100 euros.

• The DGT’s regulations say animals must be properly secured in the car to make sure they don’t interfere with driving or block your view. There should be a divider to prevent discomfort or distraction, and the animal shouldn’t just be attached by its leash—leashes aren’t proper restraint systems and can cause serious injury.
• In case of a collision, a loose dog in the car becomes a major danger, as they can be thrown and injure themselves and other passengers. Similarly, any loose objects near your pet could become projectiles and increase the risks.

Other tips for making your pet’s journey as safe and comfortable as possible:

• Every 2-3 hours: This is the golden rule. Frequent stops let your pet stretch, do its business, drink some water, and get some fresh air.
• Don’t leave them alone in the car: The car can heat up incredibly fast, even with the windows slightly open. The temperature inside can go up dangerously within minutes, risking heatstroke, which can be fatal. If you need to leave the car, take your pet with you or have someone stay with them.
• Ventilation: Use the car’s AC to keep things cool and comfy. Don’t open the windows all the way, as drafts can bother your pet. If your pet is traveling in the trunk, make sure there’s good air circulation to get rid of any vehicle fumes.
• Sun protection: If you’re traveling in direct sunlight, use sunshades on the windows to keep things cooler and avoid the sun’s glare.
• Light meals: Avoid feeding your pet a heavy meal right before the trip. A full tummy increases the chance of car sickness. Ideally, feed a small portion a few hours before leaving. Offer small amounts of dry food (kibble) if the trip is long. Some pets might not want to eat during the trip, and that’s okay.
• Car sickness: Signs include drooling, restlessness, vomiting, and excessive panting. To help avoid it, ensure good ventilation, make frequent stops, bring along a safe anti-nausea medication prescribed by your vet, or let your pet look out the window (always securely) to focus on the horizon.
• Fresh Water: Water is essential, as when an animal loses more fluids and electrolytes than it takes in, it creates an osmotic imbalance that affects the whole body and can lead to serious health issues for the animal. That’s why it’s so important to bring water in a suitable container and offer it to your pet at every stop. You can use portable water dispensers to avoid spills.

To give your pet an extra hydration boost, NutriPetDog has the answer: IsosPet, an oral solution developed by our team of animal health and wellness experts. It contains a blend of essential sugars and electrolytes to help maintain your dog’s osmotic balance.

• First-aid kit: Prepare a small kit with basics like gauze, disinfectant, bandages, and saline solution for emergencies.
• Planning and stress: Plan your route ahead of time, look for rest stops and places to walk. Reduce your pet’s stress during the trip by bringing familiar objects and keeping calm and gentle around them.

How should I carry my dog in the car? Restraint systems

• Harnesses: Prevent the animal from being thrown forward in case of a sudden stop or crash. The system attaches to the car’s seat belt. Choose harnesses designed specifically for your pet’s species and breed. Harnesses in the back seat should allow your pet to move naturally without restricting their breathing or causing chafing, but should have a short connecting system to prevent your dog from hitting the seats—preferably with two attachment points.

• Carriers (crate/kennel): Pick a carrier with the right size and features like good ventilation and easy access to make travel less stressful. Main types include:
  • Carrier secured with the seatbelt: In a crash, the restraint might not hold, causing injury to the pet and passengers
  • Carrier on the car floor: The limited space can absorb impact energy, but the carrier may deform and injure your pet
  • Carrier in the trunk: For bigger animals, the carrier should match their size and be placed across the direction of travel. Help your pet get used to the carrier before the trip to reduce stress.

• Dividing grilles (barriers): Used to separate the trunk/cargo area from the cabin, offering protection to passengers and allowing larger animals to travel in the back of hatchbacks or station wagons. This lets your pet move about freely without bothering the driver. It’s best to combine the carrier with a dividing grille. According to the Spanish vehicle inspection authority, the grille should be custom-fitted for your specific vehicle model, as store-bought or pressure-mounted ones might not stand up to the impact of a medium or large dog.

• Dog nets: Also, according to the inspection authority, choose a net sized for your vehicle, covering from floor to ceiling, and not elastic—otherwise in a crash, the animal could hit and injure itself or others.
• Location in the vehicle: Where your pet is placed matters too. Don’t put carriers directly in the sun or near heat sources. Additional restraint with seat belts or straps helps prevent the carrier from moving around during the trip.

Conclusion

Securing your furry friend in the car isn’t just to avoid a fine—it’s crucial for their safety, yours, and that of everyone else. Whether using a strong carrier or a harness designed for car use, you’re preventing scares and reducing the risk of serious injury in case of sudden stops or accidents. And a comfortable trip means good ventilation, fresh water, light meals, and avoiding motion sickness, making the ride smoother for everyone—including your pet. Forgetting these details can get you fined, but the most important thing is that you’d be putting your beloved companion at risk. Is it really worth risking their wellbeing?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What fines or penalties can result from improperly transporting pets in your own vehicle?

According to the Spanish laws Real Decreto Legislativo 6/2015 and Law 7/2023 on animal protection, here are the possible offenses:

1. Traffic Regulation (Spain):

• Minor Offenses: Transporting unsecured animals that could compromise safety may incur a fine of up to 100 euros.
• Serious Offenses: If the previous conduct severely compromises safety, the fine can go up to 200 euros.
• Very Serious Offenses: There are no directly related offenses in the general traffic regulations, but negligent driving can result in penalties, especially after an accident.

2. Animal Protection Law (Spain – Law 7/2023):

• Minor Offenses: Not fulfilling your duties without causing physical harm or behavioral issues (e.g. not giving enough fresh water or proper ventilation on a short trip, as long as the animal doesn’t suffer). Fines can be from 500 to 10,000 euros.
• Serious Offenses: Causing severe, permanent injuries or maintaining the animal in a vehicle without proper conditions can lead to fines from 10,001 to 50,000 euros.
• Very Serious Offenses: Causing an animal’s death due to negligence or abuse, or multiple serious offenses within three years. Fines from 50,001 to 200,000 euros.
• What considerations should I have depending on my type of pet?

To ensure safe transport for pets in the car, it’s important to look at their anatomy and physiology and adapt safety and comfort to the particular needs of each species and breed:

Detailed Anatomical Considerations:

• Size and bone structure: Animals with delicate bones or prominent bone structures need restraint systems that distribute pressure evenly to avoid injury. Padded harnesses and carriers with soft bases are recommended.
• Mobility and flexibility: The animal’s age and physical condition matter—old pets or those with joint issues need enough space to change position comfortably and safely during the trip.

• Respiratory system: Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced) and other breeds prone to breathing problems (including some cats) especially need good air quality and ventilation. Avoid tobacco smoke and strong smells in the car.
• Thermoregulation: Animals have different abilities for regulating body temperature. Thick-coated breeds are more sensitive to heat, while small or short-haired breeds can get cold more easily. Adjust the in-car temperature and provide blankets or heat pads as needed.
• What are the most recommended restraint systems for traveling with your pet?

According to crash-test studies (done by RACE) and published by the Direction General de Tráfico, the safest way for small pets is to travel in a carrier placed on the car floor, while for big dogs, the best bet is a carrier in the trunk, positioned sideways (across the direction of travel).

Another good option is the Travel Fix car safety harness, which works with the isofix anchoring system, designed to secure your dog in the car and protect them in an accident. Made with quality materials, it’s adjustable, patented, and comes in different sizes.