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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not want a dog in my car?

126 replies

Aury26 · 14/10/2020 23:19

Me and 2 friends are going away for the weekend (2 hour drive weekend break).
My friend who owns an english bulldog was supposed to sort dog care, but for whatever reason didnt think to try and sort this out until 2 days before we leave despite booking this 3 weeks ago. Unsurprisingly she cant find anyone to look after her dog so is now asking me if she would mind the dog coming. AIBU to not want to have a big slobbery dog in my car?
I have told her no but she has got upset and claiming I am being unreasonable and that she wont be any bother. Apart from the hair, smell and drool I have a tiny car and already thinking about fitting in 3 people plus luggage and food to then have a bulldog in the passenger footwell too.
I think its mainly annoying me that im being forced into a situation i didnt want because she hasnt bothered to sort out arrangements for her dog until the last minute so now its my problem. AIBU?

OP posts:
Smallsteps88 · 14/10/2020 23:21

YANBU.

They stink. And I’m a dog lover and owner.

AdoptAdaptImprove · 14/10/2020 23:23

Absolutely not. My pal has two large dogs and doesn’t allow them in her own car - they’re strictly allowed in her husband’s old Land Rover only.

Plus you can’t carry an unrestrained dog in the footwell. In an accident it will suffer greatly, and possibly kill or injure someone else in the car.

seayork2020 · 14/10/2020 23:24

There is no way I would have this - I also do not think it is very sensible for the dog

midnightstar66 · 14/10/2020 23:24

I'd just ask her to get some seat covers or floor liners if the car is the only issue you have with the dog coming. If that's not the only issue then say so.

TeamLannister · 14/10/2020 23:26

God no, she's completely out of order.

Catsup · 14/10/2020 23:26

I don't think legally the dog could travel in the footwell? They're supposed to travel in a crate or a dog seat belt harness so it'd have to go on the back seat or in the boot? Tell your friend your not prepared to invalidate your insurance if you have a crash. Is she prepared to buy a crate, car seat covers, and pay for a full valeting?

FlatScreenTV01 · 14/10/2020 23:27

YANBU eww

milienhaus · 14/10/2020 23:28

Do you have any kids / a partner / a colleague you give regular lifts to who might be able to fake an intolerance of dog hair/saliva?

In all seriousness though I think youRe perfectly within your rights to say no to this.

Unsure33 · 14/10/2020 23:30

First of all the dig must be secured properly in a harness or it will invalidate your insurance and you could get fined .

Plus yes it could make your car hairy and smelly . So she should pay to have the car cleaned . What about accommodation? Is it dog freindly?

Original poster
Aury26 · 14/10/2020 23:35

Yes accommodation unfortunately is dog friendly while we are there. I have been out in an awkward position where the alternative is her not being able to go so just feel I have no choice without looking like a meany! This has all come down to complete disorganization on her part which isnt a surprise and as well as the car we now have to drag a dog around with us all weekend!

OP posts:
Original poster
Aury26 · 14/10/2020 23:38

I didnt even realise dogs had to be restrained in cars by law. Does this include being on a lead or does it need its own seatbelt?

OP posts:
Dreading2020sSeasonFinale · 14/10/2020 23:42

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.thesun.co.uk/motors/3681931/pets-car-seatbelt-fine-dangerous/amp/

It's law. And you could face a HUGE fine if you don't.

pigsDOfly · 14/10/2020 23:45

No of course you shouldn't have to have someone else's dog in your car.

It sounds to me as if she didn't make arrangements for the dog on purpose. On the rare occasions that I have to leave my dog arranging kennels is one of the first things I do.

As pps have said, there's no way a dog can travel in the footwell of the car. It's illegal and you could face a heavy fine if it's spotted by police.

If you have to stop suddenly, or you're involved in an accident, an unrestrained dog would very likely be killed and/or could cause massive injuries anyone in the car. It's incredibly irresponsible.

Dreading2020sSeasonFinale · 14/10/2020 23:45

Dog harness that attaches by seatbelt I believe. Or a crate.

I too don't want dogs in my car and for the time being, I am driving a 23 year old Landrover. I just don't want a stinky dog going in it. End of. It helps that DH is allergic to animals.

MiddleClassProblem · 14/10/2020 23:46

You can get a seatbelt clip that will clip in to them, preferably their harness.

Hydrate · 14/10/2020 23:51

You are an adult and this is your car. I would just say no. Her own fault if she misses the trip. Maybe she will smarten up and get a dog sitter next time.

krustykittens · 14/10/2020 23:56

Dog care was her responsibility, she should have sorted it out. She didn't, so tough. Also, you forgot to mention the farts. Bulldog farts are another level of hell, they can clear a room. No way would I want to be in a car with one for a couple of hours!

toria658 · 14/10/2020 23:58

Dog lover and owner here.

Can you not ask her to travel in her own car?

Dogs can also get car sick, which is never a pretty experience. This plan of your friend to travel with a large, drool prone dog in the footwell of a car is cruel to the dog, unpleasant for passengers and will wreak havoc with the the hygiene of the car.

There is a reason why most dog owners have one car they dedicate to the transport of their dogs ( our one has the salubrious title of ‘the dirt car’) Or spend a lot of time on the wrong end of a car shampooer and Hoover!

Also point out to her that with a large breed who are notorious for having breathing issues would she be happy to have windows open for ventilation for the entire journey, while the dog is cramped and confined in an unfamiliar space?

Catsup · 15/10/2020 00:00

I'd suspect it was her plan to bring the dog from the start. Had a quick look on my vets website and they're offering boosters/KC again. So she could have sorted this out in advance. Even if her vets weren't offering this she'd have known that if she'd rang them...

MiddleClassProblem · 15/10/2020 00:02

She still has time to find someone. She should try her local fb group but there might be someone reputable available to do it.

I have a dog and wouldn’t leave him with someone I didn’t trust. Equally I wouldn’t leave it until the last minute to find someone.

I understand the predicament that you feel forced but you’re not wrong to stay firm. What does the other friend think?

Original poster
Aury26 · 15/10/2020 00:05

@toria658

Dog lover and owner here.

Can you not ask her to travel in her own car?

Dogs can also get car sick, which is never a pretty experience. This plan of your friend to travel with a large, drool prone dog in the footwell of a car is cruel to the dog, unpleasant for passengers and will wreak havoc with the the hygiene of the car.

There is a reason why most dog owners have one car they dedicate to the transport of their dogs ( our one has the salubrious title of ‘the dirt car’) Or spend a lot of time on the wrong end of a car shampooer and Hoover!

Also point out to her that with a large breed who are notorious for having breathing issues would she be happy to have windows open for ventilation for the entire journey, while the dog is cramped and confined in an unfamiliar space?

I said I would drive as she has just had an op so isnt able to. Its also a weekend to celebrate her birthday (albeit 3 months late) Equally though dont want the dog in the car especially if against the law. I know she doesnt have a harness for it either from being in the car with her before...
OP posts:
TheHighestSardine · 15/10/2020 00:06

She's still got two days to sort it. She's a grownup, she can fucking manage.

No way would I put up with this.

PlayerOne · 15/10/2020 00:08

As she drives, can she pay for you to go on her insurance, and take her vehicle?

Original poster
Aury26 · 15/10/2020 00:09

The other friend coming basically co owns the dog with her so she is all for it coming with us, which leaves me feeling slightly ganged up upon too. She doesnt drive though so isnt much help there...

OP posts:
Twigletfairy · 15/10/2020 00:10

The dog absolutely cannot go in the footwell of your car.

Not only would that be illegal, but think what the fuck would happen to the dog in the case of an accident! I have seen first hand the damage that can happen, and it's not pretty

Did your friend ever genuinely have plans to find a dog sitter?