Cars animal: precautions and accessories

Since the beginning of the year, the number of pet adoptions in France has risen sharply! So expect to see plenty of furry muzzles pressed against car windows on the highway during the summer holidays.

Many French people prefer to take their pet along rather than leave it in a shelter or with relatives. In fact, the prospect of having some company during the journey sounds lovely: the cat’s purring blending with the hum of the engine, the dog’s head resting on your knee, the canary’s song replacing the car radio, or the parrot’s chatter sparing you the need for carpooling…

But you quickly risk experiencing exactly what every driver tries to avoid: concentration disrupted by barking and panting, annoyance at the cat’s meowing, stress at seeing the animal escape, and much more… In short, traveling by car with a pet needs to be prepared!

A loose pet in the car can turn into a deadly projectile

Remember that although the highway code does not specifically address «animal transport», it is strict about the safety of the driver and passengers, whoever they may be.

Article R412-6
Any driver must at all times be in a position to perform all the maneuvers required of them without delay. Their freedom of movement and their field of vision must not be reduced by the number or position of the passengers, by transported objects, or by the placing of non-transparent objects on the windows.

Your pet must therefore not hinder your maneuvers or obstruct your field of view! In addition, an unrestrained animal in the cabin is a real danger to the driver and passengers in case of a collision. A 10 kg King Charles spaniel turns into a 250 kg projectile, and a 35 kg dog can reach up to one ton! Like other passengers, pets must therefore be securely restrained.

The cat should stay in its closed carrier, firmly wedged on the floor between the seats. If you put the carrier or cage (for rabbits or birds) on the back seat or the passenger seat, make sure to fasten it securely so it cannot tip over in an accident.

Cats don’t like unfamiliar environments, and darkness reassures them. Don’t hesitate to drape a sheet over the transport carrier so the animal feels safe, making sure to leave enough air to breathe.

How to travel safely with your pet

Ideally, a dog should also travel in an appropriate transport crate, installed in the trunk if the vehicle is an estate car, or very securely fastened in the passenger compartment if it is a sedan. Other alternatives exist, such as a safety harness, a safety leash or a safety barrier. However, according to some crash tests, these accessories may not withstand violent impacts.

Confining or restraining an animal is not easy. It may take it badly and whine or bark constantly. This is why you should get your pets used to the car from a very young age.

It is also important, especially for cats, to get used to their carrier. Prepare it in advance and let it sit in your living room, door open, where the cat can see it. Avoid using the same carrier that goes to the vet: it inevitably brings back bad memories. And leave toys inside so your cat or dog can keep busy during the trip.

Take regular breaks with a pet on the highway

Also, remember to take regular breaks so your pet can relieve itself and drink a little. Take the animal out of the car so it does not risk heatstroke in the sun and so it can stretch its legs, always on a leash, whether it is a cat or a dog.

However, avoid feeding it unless the trip is particularly long, because with motion sickness your pet could quickly soil the interior of your car, which you certainly don’t want! The last meal should be given 12 hours before the trip, or the evening before, according to the SPA.

Finally, if you are traveling abroad, you may need to provide certain documents: a vaccination certificate, a European pet passport, etc. Ask well before leaving!