Dog and caravan
15 September 2025

Keeping Your Pet Safe on the Road: UK Laws for Travelling with Animals

Published: 15th September 2025Category: Vehicle Safety & ComplianceWhether you’re popping to the local park or heading off for a cross-country caravan adventure, travelling with your…

Published: 15th September 2025Category: Vehicle Safety & ComplianceWhether you’re popping to the local park or heading off for a cross-country caravan adventure, travelling with your furry friend comes with responsibilities. In the UK, there are clear laws and guidelines around transporting pets safely — designed to protect both the animal and the driver.If you’re a caravanner, dog walker, motorhome enthusiast or trailer user, here’s what you need to know before setting off with your four-legged companion.

What Does UK Law Say About Pets in Vehicles?

The Highway Code and the Animal Welfare Act 2006 are the two main frameworks that apply when transporting animals.

Rule 57 of the Highway Code:

“When in a vehicle, make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.”

 

Suitable restraints include:

  • Pet seat belts or harnesses
  • Crates or carriers
  • Dog guards or pet barriers
  • Driving with an unrestrained pet may not directly lead to prosecution under the Highway Code, but if it causes an accident or distraction, you could face penalties under careless or dangerous driving laws. Insurers may also refuse to pay out on claims if the pet was unrestrained at the time of an accident.

  • What Are the Risks and Penalties?

  • Driving without proper pet restraint
    Could be classed as careless driving, with fines up to £5,000, penalty points, or even disqualification.
  • Allowing a pet to hang out of a window
    May lead to a fine for dangerous driving or animal welfare breaches.
  • Leaving a pet in a hot vehicle
    Can be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for causing unnecessary suffering.
  • Fun fact: A dog weighing 20kg can be projected with a force of over 600kg in a 30mph crash. That’s the same weight as a small motorbike!

  • Hot Weather Warning: Don’t Leave Pets in Parked Cars

    Even on a mild 20°C day, the inside of a car can reach 40°C+ in under 10 minutes. Dogs can suffer from heatstroke or death in a very short space of time.

  • If you wouldn’t sit in your vehicle without air conditioning — your pet shouldn’t either.Police and RSPCA officers regularly respond to calls about dogs in distress in parked vehicles. If an animal is visibly suffering, breaking the window to rescue them can be legally justified under certain circumstances.

  • Best Practice for Pet Travel Safety

    Here’s how to keep your pets safe — and stay on the right side of the law:

  • Use a crash-tested pet harness, crate or guard
  • Never allow pets to sit on your lap or roam freely
  • Avoid letting pets stick their head out the window
  • Ensure proper ventilation and frequent stops on long journeys
  • NEVER leave pets in a parked vehicle unattended
  • Keep pet essentials (water, lead, poo bags, ID tags) within reach

 

  • For Caravanners & Trailer Users

    If you’re towing a caravan or trailer, plan your journey with pet safety in mind:

  • Dogs should travel inside the main vehicle, not the caravan or trailer
  • Ensure your crate or harness is securely anchored
  • Check DEFRA rules if travelling with pets to Ireland or Europe
  • If using a pet trailer or box trailer, ensure it meets Construction and Use regulations

 

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