Travelling by car with your dog: safety, rules and stops
How to take your dog in the car safely and legally in Spain: restraint systems, what the rules say, stops and what not to forget.
A car journey with your dog can be relaxed if you plan it well. The most important thing is that they’re restrained: for their safety, yours, and because the rules require it.
What the rules say
In Spain, article 18 of the General Traffic Regulations requires drivers to keep their freedom of movement, field of vision and attention on the road, and to place animals so they don’t interfere. In practice, a dog loose in the car or on someone’s lap can mean a fine, and in a sudden stop they’re a danger to everyone.
How to restrain them
- A crate or carrier: the safest option for small and medium dogs. Best on the floor behind the front seats or firmly secured.
- A harness clipped to the seat belt: for medium and large dogs on the back seat. Never clip it to the collar.
- A boot guard or divider for large dogs travelling in the back.
Don’t let them hang their head out of the window and never put them in the front passenger seat.
Before you set off
- Give them a light meal a few hours earlier to reduce car sickness.
- Bring water, a bowl, bags, their lead and something that smells familiar.
- If it’s their first long trip, do a few short ones first so they get used to it.
- If they get very car sick, ask your vet before giving them anything.
On the way
- Stop every two hours so they can drink, stretch and go to the toilet. Always take them out on the lead.
- Never leave them alone in the car, not even briefly or with the windows down. In summer, the inside heats up very quickly.
Going further
Keep their documents and history to hand: health booklet or passport, vaccines and your vet’s number. If you’re going abroad, check the requirements first, such as the rabies vaccine. And have their card ready in case they slip out at a service station.