What Are Pet Travel Rules ?

Does My Pet Need To Be Secured In My Car?

Is Pet Insurance Important?

Many new pet owners are unaware of the requirement to harness pets whilst travelling in a car, not realising that this is a requirement when they go and pick up their new pet from a breeder, pet shop, or shelter home, arriving unprepared for their pet’s journey back to their new home.

Puppies and dogs need a space in the car where they can be accommodated safely either using a seatbelt harness, dog carrier, crate, or rear seat grills. It is the driver’s responsibility to make sure they are safe and the pet will not cause a distraction to them or could endanger any passenger whilst travelling.

There are a number of specially designed dog crates to fit rear seat boots, including those that slope, crates that the airlines use for pet transport can be safely used, grills to fit many differing car recesses and a number of seat belt harnesses sized to fit all kinds of shapes and sized pets.

Cats need to travel in a cat carrier which can be harnessed into the back seat, as can pet rabbits. Even tortoises and small pets such as mice and rats need to be carried in a safe container and not allowed to run around the vehicle.

The Highway Code has a number of specific Rules and Regulations, Rules 47-58, that drivers must follow regarding animals including –

_{Rule 57 of the Highway Code states: “When in a vehicle 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. A seatbelt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars}

Why Isn’t My Pet Insured When I Travel To My Staycation By Car?

As we travel on millions of staycations this year, weekend breaks or gorgeous days out with our pets, you may be forgiven if you think you are all insured if you’re involved in an accident whilst travelling to your destination by car. Your passengers may be, your beloved furry friend may not be.

Fully comprehensive car insurance is unlikely to give all the protection you may like, quite simply, your pet is not seen as a passenger.

Your cover may include personal property, which includes pets, however, if you are involved in an accident and your pet dies because of the accident, you may be paid only their ‘market value’. If your pet suffers injuries and requires veterinary care, then it’s unlikely that you’re claiming for veterinary care bills will be successful, possibly leaving you out of pocket by hundreds or thousands of pounds.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Travel By Car?

Do I Need Pet Insurance?

This is where a pet insurance policy could be a consideration, knowing that your pet is covered if they suffer injury. There are more than 80 UK pet insurers that offer varying cover including pets travelling in your motor vehicle, whether you are on a staycation or simply going to the local park for a daily walk.

So before you head off to pick up your new and loveable pet or driving anywhere in the UK on public (and some private) roads, check your policies, and if you haven’t cover then consider a pet insurance policy.

If you know you’ll be purchasing a pet, don’t leave to the last minute to find out insurance policy details and sign up as policies do not take immediate effect, requiring generally two weeks before commencement.

Travel Rules To Northern Ireland And EU

Pet owners will need to follow new requirements before taking their pet in their vehicle to the European Union or Northern Ireland from 1 January 2021.

The recent pandemic has bought about new changes to the way we do things. Post lockdown restrictions may require households not to travel in certain areas of the UK. Read latest government advice. It’s advisable to check with your local council and social media websites before making special journeys.

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