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An unsecured canine passenger represents a danger to both itself and the human occupants of a car. The experts from specialty chain Fressnapf give an overview of the different types of restraints and their advantages and disadvantages.

In general, a transport box (or dog crate) is the safest option. This must be well ventilated and large enough for your dog to stand upright, lie down and turn around in. Metal crates are without doubt preferable to plastic boxes. We recommend that you put the crate in the boot - after removing the rear shelf - or in the luggage compartment of an estate car. This is a much safer option than the back seat, as it is difficult to secure a dog crate here properly. Position the crate behind the back seats at a right angle to the direction of travel and ideally, anchor it to the floor of the vehicle with tension belts or bolts. Dogs have to get used to the box first. At best, line the crate with a cosy blanket or cushion so that your four-legged friend can gradually get used to this unusual “kennel” at home.

Special safety belts for dogs also keep both humans and canines safe. This is a harness worn around the dog’s chest that is either secured to the vehicle belt or clipped directly into the belt buckle. Make sure that the belt is made of a robust material and that the buckles are made of metal, not plastic. Harnesses with wide straps and padding are especially suitable and offer your dog optimum protection. A short as possible belt with a double tie-in also ensures that your dog is optimally secured. The belt should also be GS/TÜV approved and crash tested according to ECE R17, ECE R 126 or DIN 75410-2. Get your dog accustomed to the harness first, e.g. with food rewards, if he is not familiar with it.

A partition grille between the back seats and luggage compartment prevents your canine passenger from injuring other occupants in the event of an accident. It also stops your dog from jumping about in the car. Grilles that are designed specifically for your vehicle are especially safe and stay securely in place. Dividing nets that are only secured with suction caps are less advisable.

Animal loads
Legally speaking, a dog travelling in a vehicle is a load. According to § 23, paragraph 1 of German road traffic regulations, loads must be transported in a way that does not affect road safety. As a result, you risk a fine of 50 euros and three points in Flensburg if your dog can jump around the interior of your car unrestrained. To illustrate: According to ADAC, if you are travelling at 50 km/h and brake suddenly to a stop, your pet can generate an impact load of up to thirty times its own weight. This means that a large, 30 kg dog can have an impact load of 900 kg. This force almost inevitably leads to serious injury of your dog and the people in the vehicle in the event of an accident.


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Travelling with your dog in summer 2010 RGB – JPG Legally speaking, dogs travelling in vehicles are a load and should be appropriately secured e.g. in a transport box. Photo: Fressnapf Download (517KB)

2010 summer holidays with your dog RGB – JPG Dogs should belt up too when on the road. There are special safety belts for canine passengers. Photo: Fressnapf Download (445KB)