How to Ensure Canine Travel Security

Every day we hear stories about dogs being stolen from their homes; one would think that houses were secure, so what chance do we have when our dogs are in our cars?

Never leave a dog alone in a car, not only is it an invitation for the dog to be stolen but the car can become overheated and your dog could die!

It’s always tempting to let your dog jump into the car for a short journey to the shops. Remember he needs to be fully ‘dressed’. Always put on his collar before leaving the house and check his identity tag is still secure.

Never tie the dogs lead to the car and then leave him alone. Many dogs each year are strangled this way.

Micro Chip or Tattoo

Ensure your dog is either micro chipped or tattooed and make sure that the company holding your details is notified if you should change any of your registered details.

Accident

In the event of an accident ensure that there is a notice prominently displayed in your car not only to say that you have a dog or dogs in the car but also mention if there are dogs left at home. Imagine you are hospitalised – or worse – and no one knows that your dogs have escaped or the dogs that are at home have no one to care for them! Carry a contact number of someone who knows your dogs and holds a key to your home in case of accident.

Always carry a spare dog lead in the car. These are ideal for capturing any animal – you may spot a loose dog that needs catching – this often happens at dog shows when dogs are spooked.

Travelling in a Car

Release your dog from his lead when in the car, the lead can become caught up and the dog injured.

There are many brands of dog cage on the market at the moment. Not only is the dog safer from dog theft but also does not become a dangerous loose object if you have to brake in an emergency. Choose a cage that is fitted to the car and has two doors – one at the back tail gate and another inside for emergency escape if the car had been shunted from the rear.

There are canine seat belts that can be fitted to existing seat belts and then to a harness on the dog. Some dogs can get entangled in these so think before you buy – is it suitable for your breed of dog?

Essential Emergency Items

The ideal tool in an emergency - a mobile phone - but make sure all your contact numbers are programmed into the phone and are up to date. A torch is essential, as most incidents with our dogs seem to happen at night! Purchase a torch that does not need a battery or one that is on charge in the car at all times.

Always have your vet’s telephone number with you programmed into your mobile phone and also displayed in your car in case you are unable to inform helpers yourself of any incident.

There are many canine help associations around the country and we all have our favourites. Keep the telephone number programmed into your mobile telephone in case you need help urgently or it may be that you come across a stray dog and can advise the right authorities immediately.

With a little forethought we can ensure that our dogs are as safe from theft as possible.