Travelling with a dog in the car: kit that makes the trip easier

A dog in the car is a passenger with claws, hair and opinions about the window. A few pieces of kit keep the car clean, the dog comfortable and everyone on board a little calmer. This is a practical list, not a shopping spree.

Seat covers and boot liners

A hammock-style rear seat cover clips to the headrests and stops a dog sliding into the footwell. Choose one with a non-slip underside, a quilted top the dog can grip, and openings for seat belts. For a boot, a liner with a bumper flap protects the paint when the dog jumps in and out. Both should go in the washing machine.

Restraint

In the UK, the Highway Code says animals must be suitably restrained so they cannot distract the driver or injure themselves. A harness clipped to the seat belt, a crate secured in the boot, or a boot guard are the usual options. A collar alone is not a restraint.

Water and food on the move

A collapsible silicone bowl weighs nothing and fits a door pocket. A bottle with a fold-out trough lets you water the dog at a lay-by without a bowl at all. Feed a light meal a few hours before a long trip, not just before.

Hair and mess

A silicone hair remover for the seats, a roll of bags, a towel that lives in the car, and a spare lead. Wet-dog smell is easier to prevent than to remove.

Comfort

A familiar blanket, a chew for the motorway, and breaks every two hours. Never leave a dog in a parked car on a warm day — the temperature inside rises far faster than outside, even with a window open.

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