How do you travel your dogs safely?

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ApolloStorm

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So my current set up leaves somewhat to be desired, dog(GS) just sits in the boot no grill. I have just bought a new car , she fits in the boot ok, about the same room as she would have in her crate. But I'm concerned from a safety point of view, I have looked at grills- but these don't protect against being rear-ended. Have people used the dog harnesses for cars? Id like her to stay in the boot but I don't think id fit a crate big enough plus her. Any recommendations?
 
most harnesses are not safety tested and there are some disturbing vidoes of them being tested online. Can she fit in the front footwell? I used to travel my old collie that way-lead hooked round the chair leaver on other side-they tend to like it and its safe but most of my dogs since have been too big to do it.
 
It's horrible to think about but if a car overturned or windows came out the chances are that a dog loose or even in a seat belt clip would be badly thrown around or come out of the car.

There are cages with doors that can be modelled to fit a boot area, boxes by the likes of Barjo, Trans K9, Lintran, DT Plastics, WT Metal etc which can be fitted with escape doors etc.
My own dog is in an airline crate fixed in position and there's about half a metre from the door to the boot because of the way my vehicle is set up.

I know it's easy to say but I'd never travel a dog loose or tethered in the car. From a personal point of view, if my dog hit me at high speed, it wouldn't be good.
 
My dog travels in a TransK9 in the back of my Toyota pick-up (I have a canopy on the pick-up too) and I feel much happier knowing he is safe. They are expensive but worth it for peace of mind and they hold their value really well, so when I come to change vehicle I know I will be able to sell it and not be too much out of pocket.

TransK9 also have a Used Cages section on their website.

http://www.transk9.com/used-cages/

I did spend in the region of £100 on a crash tested dog seat belt (Sleepypod Clickit Sport) imported from the US but my dog was uncomfortable in it, so I stopped using it. (might be interested in selling it though ;) )

http://sleepypod.com/clickit-sport
 
I've got a double crate from Petworld, means I can get one dog out without risking the other escaping but I am aware of the risks if I am shunted from behind. Some people reckon the "tube" on the rear seat is the safest, dog lies in the tube which is fastened with links like seat belts - I saw a pic a while ago but can't find it now
 
I use a Barjo tailgate guard and boot guard combo, which although they're screwed into the boot in two places each I doubt are fully crash tested and would probably crumple somewhat in the event of a serious accident. However, it would at least stop the dogs flying through to me in the front. It also means they can be locked in and move about a bit but with the car fully open and ventilated for when we're parked up at events.

When I had a teeny hatchback I ripped out the back seats and put in a crate with a sloping door, lashed to the floor with ratchet straps, who knew you could fit two Siberian huskies in an ancient Nissan Micra. :p
 
Trans K9 double crate in the back of my Hilux pickup. We've also got a Lintran in the back of the Land Cruiser

Safe, secure, well made, lockable (so you can leave the back open and no one can nick them!) and you can secure them to the car as well. Can carry 4 cockers in comfort.
 
My "Dogmobile" is a Transit van, which i got fitted with cages, with access from both the back & the side door, so they have an escape hatch.
 
mine is in a cage on the back seat attached to the front seat for stability with door opening facing the passenger door so i could get her out if rear ended....i hope that by being nearer the front she would be safer and as she is in a cage hopefully i will be safer too.
 
So am I normal to feel edgy when my friend puts her lurcher cross loose on the backseat of her Peugeot hatchback behind her seat and next to her 3yo in a car seat :o
 
Problem with putting them in the footwell is that if you have a accident and the airbags go off the force of the airbag could kill or injure a small dog.
 
Mine are in bespoke caging in my caddy van. Just a couple of legal points to remember. If you fit caging to your vehicle you need to inform your insurance company as it is classed as a modification. Failure to do so will make insurance invalid. I'm with direct line and there was no extra charge they just noted the caging on my details. Also dogs need to be contained when in the car otherwise they may be classed as an insecure load and if stopped by the police you may be fined and points on your licence.
 
We have a lintran that goes in the back of the defender. When she's in my car, she tends to sit on the back seats, but I don't tend to put her in mine unless I'm desperate - it's not a dog friendly car!!
 
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