8 ways to drive safely with your dog

Going for an adventure with your four-legged best friend? Follow these steps to keep them safe and wagging their tails happily on the ride.

1. Buckle up

The safest way to travel with your dogs is to buckle them up. Secure them with special seatbelts, which you can buy from pet shops. If you need some guidance, chat to your vet about what suits their size the best.

2. Get a crate

A pet carrier or appropriate crate is best for small dogs so that they don’t run around. They’re also good for nervous or skittish dogs, who might feel more secure when they’re “contained”.

3. Build a barrier

If Fido or Rex want to ride upfront or are missing you at the back, you don’t want them to jump on your lapor lick your face and distract you when you’re driving. You can get a barrier from a pet shop, which you can install to prevent your pooch from visits to the front.

4. Take regular breaks

Just as humans need regular breaks on long drives, so too do dogs. Give them some fresh air, take them for a walk on a leash, and give them some dog biscuits and water.

5. Turn off the electric windows

Disable the electric windows at the back, as your dog could accidentally press the button and get caught in a closing window, or jump out of a wide-open window.

6. Close the windows

Dogs love their sticking their heads out the window, but rather keep them inside as foreign matter could get into the ears and eyes while driving. If you want to give them window time, rather do it briefly on quiet or slower roads where there are less obstructions and cars flying past. Make sure that the open window isn’t wide enough for them to jump out.

7. Keep the cool

Monitor the temperature inside the car and make sure that it’s cool and comfortable.

8. Pack what you need

Take some water and dog greats, their favourite ball or blanket if they have one, a leash, and plastic bags for cleaning up after them.

For information on pet-friendly accommodation in South Africa, head to Pet Friendly.

Have you travelled anywhere awesome with your pet? Share the spot on the Ultimate Journey website and let South Africa know about them. You could win a road trip worth R80 000 just by adding or voting for your fave spot.