Motorists have been warned that if you are taking your dog with you, you need to follow these rules
A vet is warning dog owners that if they fail to follow one simple rule, they could get slapped with a hefty fine. Not only that, but they could also see a fair few points on their driving licence.
Reminding people to ensure dogs are secured properly, pet owners have been warned that failure to do so could lead to a dangerous situation. It could also result in a fine of up to £5,000 and up to nine penalty points on a licence if taken to court.
Thankfully, there’s a wide variety of harnesses, boxes and dedicated options for all types of cars. The Net Vet’s Doctor Alex says the situation is avoidable, warning: “Never have a dog loose in the car. It’s dangerous for them.
“People injure themselves if they have to suddenly brake or turn. But also, it can be very distracting to the driver of the car if you’ve got a loose dog in there.”
It is worth noting that you can be banned (disqualified) from driving if you are convicted of a driving offence or you get 12 or more penalty points (endorsements) within three years. The official GOV.UK website notes that people can be banned from driving if they already have 12 or more penalty points on their licence.
Your ban can last:
- 6 months, if you get 12 or more penalty points within 3 years
- 12 months, if you get a second disqualification within 3 years
- 2 years, if you get a third disqualification within 3 years
In more advice, Dr Alex warns against long journeys if you have not built your pup up to them. If you know you are travelling in advance, try taking them on small rides a few times a week so they don’t become anxious.
“If you’re doing a long journey, make sure that you’re stopping every half an hour to an hour. Obviously, toilet breaks give the dog a bit of a run around while making them more comfortable by breaking up that potential stress and anxiety”, he explained.
He also noted that drivers may want to review the planned route and see if there’s any way of avoiding twisty roads or tight lanes as this can often cause travel sickness in dogs. Finally, make sure you are going to dog-friendly places, and never assume.
He concludes: “If it’s a hotel, make sure that they’re dog-friendly, and they’ve got plenty of dog-friendly facilities on site. Or if you’re going to a particular national park or something like that, make sure that they actually allow dogs in.”