Car travel with a greyhound. What do I need?

[ZZookie]

Soon to rescue a small ish greyhound - ex racer. What do I need to keep her safe and comfortable and my car clean ish? I'm thinking one of a hammock contraptions that loops over the headrests. Is that a good option?

Not a clue what to choose for the restraint as been told bigger dogs tend to unplug themselves which would be unsafe and distracting. So what's the best option? What's worked ( or hasnt) for you?

We have a cheap throw and use a dog harness (that's recommended for use in cars). That attaches to a seatbelt. Neither of ours (one of whom was a big lad) have ever tried to unplug themselves. Never used a hammock, but I think you'd need an additional restraint.

The dog mustn't be able to reach the driver nor bcome a lethal weapon if hurled through the car in the event of an accident. So behind a guard, or in a crate, or plugged into the seatbelt system. Be aware that this is a legal requirement and insurers look at these things.

The safest way for your dog to travel in a car is the boot. Either in a crate or using a dog guard to stop them jumping onto the back seats.

I have a waterproof rubber mat & cut to size vet bed in mine... with a guard.

Dog guard and harness here. And a waterproof boot guard with duvet on top for comfort.
One of our greys is 40+ kilos though so the back seat option was never going to be safe.
We have a big roof box for our luggage etc if we’re going away so boot is clear.

Dog guard and boot here. We give her calming treats in the back and use a fleece/lightening shirt to keep her calmer

Dog guard and boot here. We give her calming treats in the back and use a fleece/lightening shirt to keep her calmers

Is that your opinion or a fact based on statistical evidence?

Mine travel on the back seat. I use seat belt type restraints that go round the head rest and are attached to their harnesses. I have a hammock cover to protect the seats and vet bed inside it for the dogs' comfort.

Boot. And dog guard.

Our greyhound travelled in the boot. She wasn’t huge but she was ungainly and would have just slid off seats, got tangled in a hammock etc. she had a big soft bed and blanket in there, plus in her older years needed a lift in and out.

It's the accidental unplugging that I would worry about. Alternatively one could have a crate on the back seat but that's not suitable for a greyhound.

Dog guard & boot seems to be a secure way of stopping this.

We had an estate car and ours travelled in the boot with a dog guard on a luxurious pet bed.

Lurcher not greyhound here but same build! We use a hammock on the back seat as Ddog will absolutely not lay down in the boot which leads to him skittling over every time there is a corner or a slightly abrupt stop. He’s also tall and when we changed car even though it’s the same model just newer the boot height is shallower so he barely fits. Didn’t think to test the boot for the dog as assumed with it being the same model he would fit.
Even with a harness on the back seat the dog seems more at ease with the hammock, nowhere for him to slip onto the floor.

I have two large podencos, and two smaller ones.Generally use the back seat, especially for the bigger ones - they relax more and lie down. I have a hammock cover for the whole back seat area, and they have seatbelts attached to their collars/harnesses and over the back seat head rests. Works very well.

Ah yes. Learned that lesson with my sprocker. Driving along, the car alerted me that a rear seat belt had been undone.
I always advise to use the ones that go round the head rests now.

Absolute thread hijack here but I love pods! We have one medium/small one with 2 greyhounds (plus foster hounds) and I adore him. He’s so funny and tough. Still a LOT of dog age 9(ish) though!

All comments appreciated. Still unsure but now much food for thought. Will discuss with greyhound

I've got a Bedlington.
He comes to work with me (home carer).
He has a fastener that plugs into the seat belt hole and several towels because between visits we walk and it's pretty muddy.

Attachment clips on his collar