Transporting dogs in cars – tips and information
Whether it's to the vet, on vacation, or simply to the nearest spot for a long walk in the countryside, car trips with dogs are part of everyday life for many dog owners. But how should you transport your dog in the car? Few topics are as important as the safety of your four-legged friend in the vehicle. A sudden impact or emergency braking can quickly become dangerous – for your pet as well as for you as the driver.
We will show you the different ways you can transport your dog in the car and what is and isn't allowed.
Summary
● Your four-legged friend must be secured in the car so that neither you nor your pet are injured in the event of an accident.
● The safest way to transport your four-legged friend is in a transport box, with a dog guard, or with seat belts.
● It is not permitted to transport your pet unsecured on your lap or only on the back seat of the car.
Regulations for traveling by car with a dog: These rules apply
According to § 23 of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), as a driver, you are obliged to ensure that you are safe on the road and that your car can be driven in accordance with the regulations at all times. To this end, it is important that your passengers, your cargo, and even your four-legged friend do not obstruct your view or pose a hazard.
Possible consequences if you transport your dog unsecured in the car:
● Fine of up to 80 euros (up to 120 euros in the event of an accident)
● One point in Flensburg
● Serious injuries in an accident: All occupants are exposed to this danger – even your dog can become a dangerous “projectile” in the car!
Important to know: How you secure your dog in the car is up to you. The StVO (German traffic regulations) does not specify which type of transport box you should use for your dog or when a grille is necessary.
Do I have to strap my dog in the car?
There is no seat belt requirement for your furry friend, but you must secure them: your pet (this also applies to cats!) is not allowed to ride in the back seat, in the footwell, or on the front passenger seat. We'll show you what you can use instead!
Securing your dog in the car – here's how!
The good news is that there are suitable transport options for every dog breed, vehicle size, and travel duration. We'll introduce you to the most important ones so you can protect your beloved pet in the best possible way.
Dog in the car in a dog crate
A transport crate securely fastened in the trunk or on the back seat is a particularly good way to transport your dog, as it prevents your pet from being thrown around the car in the event of an accident. Many people use this option on longer journeys or when traveling with their dog on vacation, as it allows them to take their four-legged friend's protected sleeping place with them. The crates are made of metal or plastic. They should be sturdy, well ventilated, and easy to secure.
Advantages of a dog crate:
● Your dog is used to its crate and feels comfortable in it.
● Maximum safety in the event of an accident.
● Protection against slipping, injuries, and damage to property.
● No hair or dirt in the interior.
● Practical for visits to the vet.
Dog guard for the car
A sturdy partition net or partition grille (also known as a dog guard) is particularly suitable for large cars such as station wagons or SUVs. It separates the trunk from the rest of the interior so that your dog can travel safely in the cargo area. The grille should be securely mounted and shock-resistant. You can also combine it with a crate. A non-slip dog blanket is also recommended as a base.
Advantages of a barrier:
● Fairly large freedom of movement for your dog
● No direct contact with the driver or passengers
● Your dog will not be thrown forward in the event of a collision
● Good long-term solution for frequent drivers and households with multiple dogs
Max from the We Love HUNTER team:
"We always used a dog crate for Bailey in the car at first:
He was familiar with it and went in without any problems. But when we had a baby, there was no longer any room for it. That's why we now have a divider in the trunk: there's always enough space for the stroller on the left, and Bailey's area is on the right of the divider – it's great for us!"
Taking your dog in the back seat—is that allowed?
Basically, yes, but here too, the following applies: Your dog may only ride in the back seat if it is secured, e.g.
● with a seat belt,
● with a harness, or
● in a crate on the back seat.
You are not allowed to take your furry friend with you in the back seat without securing it, as this endangers both your pet and all passengers.
Is it possible to transport a dog in the footwell of a car?
Without additional transport aids, the footwell is not a safe place for animals. Your dog could be seriously injured here in the event of emergency braking. However, if you use a sturdy dog crate, this could also be placed in the footwell.
Can I take my dog on my lap?
No, that is not permitted. As a dog owner, you are not allowed to carry your dog on your lap while driving—nor is your passenger. This poses a significant hazard in traffic. In the event of an accident, your pet could suffer serious injuries and distract you as the driver. You should not take this risk under any circumstances!
Transporting your dog without a crate – the alternatives
If you don't want to use a dog crate or install a grille, there are safe alternatives that also comply with legal requirements.
Safety belts for dogs in cars
A special dog safety belt can be clicked directly into your car's seat belt system. It acts as a kind of connecting leash that is attached between the seat belt or Isofix system and the dog harness. Make sure that
● the belt is padded,
● it has passed crash tests, and
● it is attached to the harness rather than the collar.
Safety harnesses for dogs in cars
A safety harness is the easiest way to secure your dog in the back seat. These harnesses can often be attached directly to the car seat belt. They are particularly sturdy, well padded, and designed to distribute pressure evenly in the event of a collision.
Advantages of a harness:
● Your dog is securely fastened during the journey.
● Prevents your dog from being thrown forward.
● Space-saving and easy to use.
● Can also be used as a normal harness.
It is particularly important that the harness fits properly. By the way: Our HUNTER veterinarian Dr. Julia Vietmeier has teamed up with an expert to take a close look at HUNTER harnesses – take a look!
Dog car seats
A dog car seat is a particularly comfortable way to transport small dogs safely in your vehicle. It is usually attached to the back seat or passenger seat and secured with the vehicle seat belt or Isofix system. Integrated harnesses secure your pet in the seat.
Advantages of a car seat for your dog:
● Particularly comfortable and cozy
● Good for preventing travel sickness thanks to the elevated position
● Protects the back seat from dirt and hair
● Can also be used as a dog bed at your destination
Further questions about transporting dogs in cars
There are many questions surrounding the topic of transporting dogs. You can find the answers here.
My dog won't get in the car—what can I do?
There's no question that most dogs don't take to car rides overnight. Most need time to get used to traveling by car. Help your four-legged friend with positive reinforcement, treats, or their favorite toy. Short distances and frequent breaks make the adjustment easier.
Assistive devices: How can I help my dog get in?
This often affects sick or older dogs that need help getting into the back seat or trunk. If you have a large dog that is difficult to lift, getting them into the car can be a challenge.
In such cases, a dog ramp can help: you can simply place this special ramp at the edge of your car and gently guide your furry friend into the car. Most ramps can be folded up and stored to save space.
How can I transport 2 or 3 dogs in my car?
If you want to transport several dogs in your car, safety and space allocation are crucial. Here you can
● use several boxes
● or install partition nets/grilles
so that each four-legged friend has their own safe space. This prevents stress among the dogs and injuries in an emergency.
Conclusion: Driving with dogs is part of everyday life for many people. But only with the right safety equipment can it be safe and relaxed. Whether you use a dog crate, harness, partition, or harness: make sure you choose a product that has been tested for quality, is the right size, and is easy to use. This will ensure that you can travel with your pet safely and stress-free. Which solution do you use? Tell us about it in the comments!