With the arrival of the holidays and the usual weekend getaways during good weather, one of the great doubts of many families is how to travel with our pets. You must always respect the regulations that regulate the possession of pets and be responsible for their actions.
More than half of the drivers live in risky situations due to not carrying the animals properly secured in the vehicles. That is why the DGT imposes a series of indications and regulations that must be followed, and thus be able to avoid accidents and frights, however minor they may be.
I have a cat, how do I transport it in the car?
According to the DGT, it is mandatory to always carry your documentation, since the pet must have the updated and stamped official health card by a licensed veterinarian. If you are traveling through the European Union, you must also bring your Passport for Pets. As always, the microchip will be just as useful in the event of loss of the animal.
- Traffic regulations indicate that animals must be securely fastened to the vehicle to prevent them from interfering with driving. A separator will be placed to prevent it from causing discomfort or being a cause of distractions. As indicated in the DGT: “In the event of an accident, a loose dog multiplies the dangers, since it would be fired and could injure itself or the rest of the passengers, so in addition to the separator it is advisable to use retention systems for pets”.
The DGT reminds us of the dangers of not keeping an animal well tied when we circulate. “In the event of a collision, sudden braking or an accident at a speed of 50km/h, the weight of the animal is multiplied by 35, and can reach 700 kilos.”
- You have to choose the right retention system. There are several animal restraint systems available to add to the vehicle. From harnesses with one or two anchors, to carriers on the floor or trunk, passing through rigid grilles for the trunk. In the case of a cat, the carrier is the best choice.
Nobility – Cat Dog Carrier, Portable and Breathable Cat Dog Carrier, Pets Dogs Cats Accessories, Plastic Carrier, 50.7×33.5×33.2 CM Gray
morpilot Dog Carrier Cat Carrier, Breathable Pet Carrier Bag, Dog Carrier Bag with Adjustable Shoulder Strap and Removable Cushion + Bowl (16.9 * 11.8 * 13 Inch )
- The choice of one or the other depends on the size and type of the animal. In general, the best way to transport pets, if they are small, is in their carrier on the floor of the vehicle.
- If the pet is large, it is best to place the carrier in the boot transverse to the direction of travel. It is preferable in this case, for greater security, to combine this system with the dividing grille. The possibility of injury to rear seat occupants cannot be excluded.
- Always use a suitable restraint system, the cat can’t go never in arms For example, the harness with two hooks is safer than the one with only one because it prevents movement towards the front, reaching the driver. A short connection system is highly recommended to prevent the dog from colliding with the seats.
Newaner 2 Pieces Dog Car Belt, 3 in 1 Adjustable Approved Dog Car Harness, Dog Car Harness with Elastic Cushioning, Thick Zinc Alloy Double Safety Hook and Double Buckle
Guardian Bear 4×1 Medium Dog Harness + Resistant Leash + Car Safety Belt + Dispenser with 20 Disposable Bags. Harness Set for Training and Walking.
Basic recommendations for an optimal trip
To all these rules, we must add some basic recommendations: never leave the pet inside the vehicle with high temperatures or when the door is opened, do it very carefully, because sometimes the animal runs away and this can cause a situation risky. And in case you suffer from travel sickness, it is best to consult with the veterinarian to prevent them.
Fine for not carrying your cat properly
The fine for taking our pet improperly restrained on car trips varies between 80 euros, in case the animal goes on the floor of the vehicle, up to the €200 and €500 if it travels on the driver’s lap or in his passenger compartment. In the latter case, it would be considered a serious offense and would mean the loss of six points from the driver’s license.
It is also recommended to stop every two hours, so the animal can urinate or defecate, walk and hydrate.
Photos | Unsplash, KoolShoters