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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Transporting puppy home in the car

20 replies

YellowScallion · 27/04/2021 17:09

We have a 90 minute journey to 2 hour journey to bring our puppy home from the breeder.

What would people recommend to bring him home. We'll have a crate at home but it won't fit in the car. The boot is secure - estate car with guard above the back seat - but it's probably too big an area for a little pup to feel secure.

So folding dog crate? In the boot or on the backseat? My husband will be travelling in the backseat, i'll be driving.

OP posts:
nellieee · 27/04/2021 17:11

I would do puppy on husbands lap. It's quite a lot for the pup and they will need comfort. Good luck!

PermanentlyDizzy · 27/04/2021 18:01

We tend to use a plastic airline style crate strapped into the back seat dh drives and I sit next to the crate with the door open. Pup goes in there with a heat pad, vet bedding and litter blanket and is able to come and sit on my lap if they want to or if not I am there for ressurance. So far all but one have preferred my lap and the one that didn’t had had lots of prior socialisation and turned out to be a really confident, independent dog, so was perhaps a bit braver for that reason.

Original poster
YellowScallion · 27/04/2021 18:02

Dog hasn't been born yet so might be getting a bit ahead of myself :-)

OP posts:
Dobbyafreeelf · 27/04/2021 18:06

The fabric crates are really good for those early journeys. Some even strap into the car. Gives you the security of knowing they are safe in the car but still being able to be near you.
I always try and get puppies out in the car as much as I can to try and get them used to it and avoid them being travel sick later on.
They are usually around £30.

Blindstupid · 27/04/2021 18:15

Please don’t sit with puppy on lap. If there’s an accident (you might be a great driver, but others aren’t) .. puppy will be flung in car and not stand a chance. And it’s illegal.

Rule 57 of the Highway Code states: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

PermanentlyDizzy · 27/04/2021 18:17

Never to early for list writing and planning! Grin

Dobbyafreeelf I’m planning on getting a fabric one that’s crash tested and you can strap in for our next pup. It has the advantage of being dual-purpose, as you can use it as a carrier are well. They weren’t around last time we brought a pup home, but I think he’d have been too big for one anyway. Next dog is going to be our very first toy breed though, so we can justify the ridiculously expensive purchase price because they won’t grow out of it.

SamMil · 27/04/2021 18:25

Whatever you put the puppy in, make sure you have something waterproof & washable underneath! When we brought ours home, I had him on my lap and he pooed ALL over me Confused I had to strip off and go the rest of the journey in underwear Blush

Original poster
YellowScallion · 27/04/2021 19:24

Yes, in two minds as to the back seat option. Boot has a removable rubber tray so much easier to wash if needed. Back seats can be split and only half folded down so wondering if carrier in back with seat down so husband can still sit where he's visible might be the better option.

OP posts:
ItsNotMeOfficer · 27/04/2021 19:27

@PermanentlyDizzy

We tend to use a plastic airline style crate strapped into the back seat dh drives and I sit next to the crate with the door open. Pup goes in there with a heat pad, vet bedding and litter blanket and is able to come and sit on my lap if they want to or if not I am there for ressurance. So far all but one have preferred my lap and the one that didn’t had had lots of prior socialisation and turned out to be a really confident, independent dog, so was perhaps a bit braver for that reason.
This, I have used one of the plastic cat carriers for a puppy. Worked really well as described above
TheVolturi · 27/04/2021 19:32

Why does your dh have to sit in the back seat?

Original poster
YellowScallion · 27/04/2021 19:40

Why does your dh have to sit in the back seat?

So he can see if puppy has vomited/weed/pooed etc so can stop if necessary. I thought might be happier being able to see someone too but I might have just made that up.

OP posts:
Toty · 27/04/2021 19:46

Back seats can be split and only half folded down so wondering if carrier in back with seat down so husband can still sit where he's visible might be the better option.

No the carrier can't be loose, seat down carrier with seat belt attachment to secure. Put blankets or tarpaulin underneath in case of accidents. I actually don't rate the soft carriers, you're better with the more structured ones with a bed in them. Handy for the first few vet visits too.

FudgeFlake · 27/04/2021 19:48

I'm well aware of the laws about restraining pets from bouncing around loose in vehicles and 100% support them. HOWEVER that journey from the breeder home to your house is going to be a stressful one for your pup. A lot of puppies are just like human children and suffer from motion sickness too. A sensible adult with pup, both on back seat, sounds the best way to get through this, and lots of waterproof and absorbent covers for the upholstery (and human's lap) in case of disaster. Harness and plug in doggie seatbelt if you are super worried about accidents.

FudgeFlake · 27/04/2021 19:52

Going forward, a proper car crate for days out, holidays, or even just going somewhere more interesting than around the block for a walk is well worth every penny.

Original poster
YellowScallion · 27/04/2021 19:52

No the carrier can't be loose

The carriers I've seen have had attachments that let you strap them down in the boot, so it wouldn't be loose

OP posts:
Hottesttrikeintown · 27/04/2021 19:53

My dog can sit on my lap with his seatbelt - or at least snuggled against my thigh

Original poster
YellowScallion · 27/04/2021 19:56

Going forward, a proper car crate for days out, holidays, or even just going somewhere more interesting than around the block

What's the advantage of a dog crate over just having them in the boot with a dog guard over the back seats once it's grown?

OP posts:
FudgeFlake · 27/04/2021 21:19

@YellowScallion

Going forward, a proper car crate for days out, holidays, or even just going somewhere more interesting than around the block

What's the advantage of a dog crate over just having them in the boot with a dog guard over the back seats once it's grown?

Sorry - I think either I worded that wrong or you misunderstood me. By 'dog crate' I mean a permanent fixture in the car for the dog to travel in, this might be in the boot with a guard to prevent bouncing into the main area. Depends on the dog really... I do like having a separate wire mesh door when I open the back up so that Fool Dog can't hurl himself out and get into trouble while I'm still sorting out my walking boots. I have a boot shaped travel crate which fits nicely and leaves a bit of space for important things like water bowls and my waterproofs and boots.
Lonecatwithkitten · 27/04/2021 21:48

My older dog I collected alone and although he was secure in the crate I popped him - he cried all the way home and I am certain that this is responsible for him never settling well in the car.
Before we collected the new pup I thought long and hard about how to manage this first critical journey. I decided to sit him on the seat next to 17 year old DD in the back strapped into a seat belt harness. He cuddled up to her quickly and settled down and slept most of the way.

DinosaurDiana · 27/04/2021 21:50

I sat in the backseat with pup on my knee. Take old towels and baby wipes.

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