Car travel systems

[RestingStitchFace]

So we're taking our pooch to Cornwall with us over the summer. Need recommendations for how to keep her safe, cosy and stress free in the car. She's done small journeys with a car harness on but she's reluctant to lie down when the car is in motion. I think she's worried about falling off the seat. So I'm thinking some kind of carrier is the best option. We can't fit her normal crate in the boot - have tried. She's about the size of a beagle, for reference.

Any recommendations? We've only had her 9 months so this will be our first big trip with her. Also is there anything we can give her to help her feel suitably chilled during the journey?

I've been using yucalm with our dog but he's 3, not sure if they are safe for pups. We bought the chewy ones. It's really subjective wether they work or not but do think he is generally a bit more chilled when he has them. We don't use them for traveling but for other behaviors.
You might find she just settles down and sleeps once you've been moving for a while.

If you want to put her in the boot (which is probably better for her on a long journey as she'll be able to move around to get comfortable) it's probably worth investing in a transit crate. They vary a lot in price, with TransK9 at the top end.

With a previous larger dog we had a mesh divider thing fitted (can’t remember what they’re called sorry!) behind the back seats, so she had the entire boot as her domain. Used a proper boot liner and her own bedding.

Now we have smaller dogs we use car seat/bed things that fasten in to the seatbelt, and then the dogs harness clips to the bed. Probably a beagle would be too big for those though. Bonus though that we can bring the bed bit into the holiday cottage for day to day use during the stay.

I have a beagle and he sits/sleeps on the back seat on long car journeys.

The only issue with putting dogs in the boot is that they're very much at risk if you're rear-ended - I wouldn't do it on a motorway unless you invest in a decent car crate. TransK9 are good but expensive, though you can occasionally find second-hand ones.

If she's worried about falling off, get a seat cover that hooks over the front seat headrests so she can't physically fall off - see the attached photo.

Yes my FIL has one of those back seat hammocky covers and his dog loves it in there.

If on back seat also need to make sure the car harness is crash tested & passed so they're happy to show off the test video. These tend to be quite restrictive for movement, but If watch videos will know why. Was a while since I last looked so maybe some more but few can think of sleepypod clickit/sport, ezydog drive & ruffwear load up.

Most car harnesses are simply to stop dog wandering and do nothing to prevent the dog becoming a projectile in a crash.

Not sure about all but don’t think crates will offer much protection from a crash in the boot either. I travel with my dog in the boot with a dog padded boot liner. Window down so he can feel the breeze seems to help.

@Summer23

Not sure about all but don’t think crates will offer much protection from a crash in the boot either. I travel with my dog in the boot with a dog padded boot liner. Window down so he can feel the breeze seems to help.

You can get crash-tested crates.

I'm not talking about normal dog crates, but proper solid, metal crates - the kind used by the police.

This has all been very useful - thanks for the product recommendations. Am googling them now.

@RestingStitchFace
Look at mimsafe for crates - fully crash tested. Plus have other options such as tailgates, dog guards etc. A bit pricey but will keep your dog safer.

mimsafeuk.com

TransK9 also do crates.

transk9.com