Keep your pets safe and avoid a £2,500 fine

If you love dogs, there’s nothing more fun than taking your furry friend on a four-wheeled journey. But, the law is the law – and letting your precious pup bound around in the back seat unrestrained can result in a fine.

A fine of £2,500 and nine points on your license is the cost you may face if the police find your four-legged pal not properly restrained in your car. Although this may sound quite extreme, the result of your pet clambering inside your car whilst you are driving can be very dangerous.

It’s not surprising that many drivers are not aware of the possibility of being fined for this – research by Confused.com reveals that 34 per cent of pet-owning motorists aren’t buckling up their pets when they drive.

Completely disregarding the potential fines and penalties to your license, the most crucial reason for making sure that your pets are properly restrained should be their overall safety.

22 per cent of vets that were interviewed by Direct Line stated that the deaths of dogs inside cars involved in a crash were primarily caused by them travelling without proper restraint. It would also be useful to point out, that these laws apply to all pets, not just dogs – but what is a suitable way to restrain your pet?

Generally, a seat belt harness, pet carrier, a guard or a cage are all acceptable ways of restraining your pet. If your pet is quite small, some owners will allow them to ride in the cabin area of the car – in this case a harness is essential. For a harness from a reputable brand, you would look to pay less than £10.

Cages are also a great option, with various sizes available and the ability to fold them away when not in use. Prices vary, but they usually cost from upwards of £10.

These are only a small number of available options, and whilst some owners may have no choice, trying to find a workaround bringing your pet into your vehicle is always worth a shot.