Dog Care

Dog car safety

Most dogs love to travel in the car but ensuring their safety while out and about is important. Read on to learn more about how to keep your dog safe in cars.

Dog friendly cars

There are adjustments and additions you can make to ensure your car is a dog friendly vehicle.

Dog car seats

You should never leave your dog loose in the car. In the event of an accident, an unsecured dog could not only seriously hurt themselves but could also be a danger to other passengers in the car. They may also distract you while you drive.

Laws regarding travelling with dogs in cars vary by state – make sure you follow the law in your area.

A dog car seat clips to your existing car seats and connects to your dog’s harness to keep them still. These are generally quite affordable and are available from a range of outlets.

Instead of a car seat, you may decide to use a carrier while your dog is in the car. Carriers should have good ventilation, a secure door and plenty of room for your dog. Make sure they are secure and won’t move while you are on the road.

A dog seat belt is another option. These usually attach to your dog’s harness to keep your pet from moving around your car while you are on the road.

Dogs travelling in your car boot

If you have a wagon, station wagon, SUV or van, your dog may ride in the boot area. This can be a good solution if you are driving with kids.

Ensuring your dog’s safety in the car boot is important. A cargo barrier or dog cage for your car boot are options to keep your dog safe and secure while you drive. Make sure the dog has room to move. Another option is a dog harness for your car boot, which will keep your dog clipped in and prevent it from moving to the front of the car.

Leaving a dog in the car

Leaving dogs in hot cars is very dangerous and can lead to death. Avoid leaving a dog in the car, even in the shade or with the windows rolled down. Even on mild days, temperatures in a car can rapidly heat up to reach more than double the outside temperature. If you see a dog in a hot car and are worried, call the local police or RSPCA.

Dog in car laws: NSW

Laws regarding travelling with dogs in cars varies by state. Make sure you follow the law in your area. Visit this site for more information on the regulations for NSW.

Dog in car laws: WA

Laws regarding travelling with dogs in cars varies by state. Make sure you follow the law in your area. Visit this site for more information on the regulations for WA.

Dog in car laws: QLD

Laws regarding travelling with dogs in cars varies by state. Make sure you follow the law in your area. Visit this site for more information on the regulations for QLD.

Dog in car laws: VIC

Laws regarding travelling with dogs in cars varies by state. Make sure you follow the law in your area. Visit this site for more information on the regulations for VIC.

Dog in car laws: SA

Laws regarding travelling with dogs in cars varies by state. Make sure you follow the law in your area. Visit this site for more information on the regulations for SA.

Dog in car laws: TAS

Laws regarding travelling with dogs in cars varies by state. Make sure you follow the law in your area. Visit this site for more information on the regulations for TAS.

Dog in car laws: NT

Laws regarding travelling with dogs in cars varies by state. Make sure you follow the law in your area. Visit this site for more information on the regulations for NT.

Dog in car laws: ACT

Laws regarding travelling with dogs in cars varies by state. Make sure you follow the law in your area. Visit this site for more information on the regulations for ACT.

FAQs

Is it safe to leave a dog in a car unattended?

Leaving a dog unattended in a car can be dangerous. Avoid leaving a dog in the car, even in the shade or with the windows rolled down. Even on mild days, temperatures in a car can rapidly head up to reach more than double the outside temperature.
Do I need to have a dog harnessed or restrained in the car whilst driving?

You should never leave your dog loose in the car. In the event of an accident, an unsecured dog could not only seriously hurt themselves but could also be a danger to other passengers in the car. They may also distract you while you drive. Laws regarding travelling with dogs in cars vary by state – make sure you follow the law in your area.

Is it illegal to drive with a dog unharnessed?

Laws regarding travelling with dogs in cars vary by state – make sure you follow the law in your area.

PET-0138-2021