It's National Dog Day! Top tips to keep your pets safe and comfortable in the car.

To celebrate #NationalDogDay, here are SERE's top tips for keeping your pets safe and comfortable whilst travelling with you in your car.

Some families can't imagine taking a vacation without including their dogs or pets. Many dogs love to travel, but it can be stressful for you and your pet if you aren't prepared. If you're planning on traveling with pets, whether it's for pleasure or necessity, you'll need to take some steps to prepare for your pets needs along the way.

Car travel with dogs, especially long trips, requires some forethought but with the right planning you can make each journey with your pet safe, comfortable and fun.

Some of the furry friends of SERE.

According to The Highway Code with regards to Rules about Animals, it is the driver’s responsibility to: “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.”

With this in mind, there are many steps you can take to ensure the safety of your pet. Choosing the right car can play a big part in ensuring your pet or pets are comfortable making sure there is enough space for them. MG’s ZS has just been awarded Best Car for Dog Owners in the 2021 Autotrader Awards for “its combination of affordability, practicality and no-nonsense outdoorsy spirit.” Take a look at the MG ZS here.

The dos and don’ts for travelling in the car with your pet

Do:

• Secure your pet using either a harness, crate or carrier.

• Pack plenty of water to help your pet stay cool. The temperature of a car can quickly heat up in the summer.

• It’s fine to have the air conditioning on as long as it’s not blowing directly in your pet’s face, or to open a window slightly ensuring it’s not wide enough for them to jump out.

• Take regular stops on long car trips so your pet can stretch their legs, rehydrate and go to the toilet.

• Pack a travel kit for your pet whether it’s their favourite toy or a blanket, this will help keep them relaxed throughout the journey.

• If your pet suffers from motion sickness, speak to your vet who may prescribe travel medication.

• Make sure your pet has identification like a phone number on their collar or ensure your pet is microchipped in case your pet gets lost while travelling.

Don’t:

• Don't allow your dog to travel with their head out of an open window.

• Don’t leave the passenger airbag on if they’re travelling in the front seat.

• Don’t feed your pet before your travel. It’s best to leave at least two hours before you get on the road.

• Don’t ever leave your dog in a hot car – it doesn’t take long for a vehicle to warm up causing your pet to overheat, which can be fatal.

At SERE we have a huge range of pet accessories to make sure your car is protected and your pets are kept comfortable throughout their journey.

Have a look:

MG Parts & Accesories

SEAT Parts & Accesories

Prepare your car before travelling by investing in car seats, pet guards and floor covers.

For advice on how to prepare your car, contact our parts team on 02890205100.

SPECIAL OFFER**

Own a branded SEAT semi rigid boot liner as pictured at the discounted price of only £68. Contact Chris on 028 92 620 154.