Transportation of animals by road in 2021

Every pet owner has encountered the problem of transporting dogs in a car at least once. For a pet, a change in familiar surroundings, unfamiliar sounds and many distracting smells - all this together creates a stressful situation. A frightened dog can damage the interior of the car, distract the driver from driving, and ultimately cause a traffic accident. These are the main reasons why transporting a dog in a car should be taken seriously. Both the car, the animal, and yourself need to be prepared for the trip.

Rules for transporting dogs in a car

Turning to the legal requirements for transporting animals in a car, it is worth noting that nothing is impossible. In general, the rules are similar to the transportation of goods.

The dog is obliged not to interfere with the driver when driving a vehicle, not to block visibility, not to distract. These are the basic requirements of the law. For the rest, rely only on yourself. That is, you have the right to carry your dog in the front or back seat, in a crate, in a hammock, or without them at all. All these points are not specified in the rules.

In some cases, employees of the state automobile inspection threaten to issue a fine for transporting a dog in a car without a certificate from a veterinary clinic. Due to ignorance, the driver agrees and admits his guilt. As a result, he pays a fine, in fact, not for a violation, but for his legal illiteracy.

Owners of vehicles traveling with their pets in the car should be aware that they do not qualify for this rule. A certificate from a state veterinary clinic for transportation must be carried with you when traveling on public transport or under a contract of transportation. Thus, if you have already been issued a fine, you can challenge it in court and not pay. And in the future, when your car in which you are transporting a dog is stopped, you politely explain that you are aware of your rights and responsibilities regarding the animal’s travel, and solve the problem on the spot. Because traffic police officers actually know very well the true rules for transporting pets.

There are slightly different requirements for finding four-legged friends on hunting grounds. Here the dog owner has the right to demand documents. Namely, he must have with him a passport with all vaccinations completed, depending on the age of the animal. In addition, the dog must be included in the hunting license. If such a record is missing, then there is another way to transport the animal. Namely, the pet itself has a hunting dog passport. The owner must have one of these documents with him.

Requirements

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Russian legislation regulates the transportation of animals:

“General rules for the transportation of goods by road”, approved by the Ministry of Transport of the RSFSR on July 30, 1971, as amended. 05/21/2007 and Resolution of the Russian Federation No. 272 of 04/15/2011. You can read more about the content in Section 25 “Rules for the transportation of animals and birds”.
“Veterinary and sanitary rules for the transportation of animals, poultry, fish, products and raw materials of animal origin by road transport” (approved by the State Agricultural Industry of the USSR on January 30, 1986 N 432-5).

According to them, when transporting four-legged animals in a car, documents are not needed in the following cases:

in the city;
In the countryside.

Documents are needed if the owner goes:

outside the region;
to hunting grounds;
for fishing in a protected area.

According to the requirements of the law, territory guards and the police can demand documents for them. To do this, you need to provide a dog passport with all vaccinations or a hunting license. The rules for transportation in a car are also prescribed by law.

The main requirement is that the pet:

did not interfere with the driver's control of the vehicle. The safety of everyone, including pedestrians, depends on this. For this reason, they should only be placed in the rear passenger seats or in the trunk;
was securely fastened or was in a tightly closed, secure, portable device with quality fastenings. The means used must ensure the safety of all road users;
did not pollute the interior, ensured the maximum possible cleanliness in the cage in this case, especially when using a hired mode of transport (taxi services).

How to train your dog to travel in a car calmly

It would seem that if you put your four-legged friend in a car and drive him, what’s wrong with that? This can only be done with an already accustomed pet. He put him in a hammock, a cage, or hooked him with a harness - and that’s it: the driver is not distracted from the road, the animal does not feel discomfort. Everyone is happy, everyone is happy. But all this will not happen immediately. This is what we need to come to.

It is best to teach your dog to ride in a car from childhood. There are no special techniques here. It is enough that you will often take your pet on trips. This will help your dog get rid of his fear of cars and problems with motion sickness.

With an already adult animal that was not transported by car, everything is much more complicated. First, let him inspect the unstarted car. Let the dog get to know him and get comfortable. Then turn on the engine and sit with your dog in the cabin. The next step is short trips. This way you will be sure that your pet will feel comfortable and avoid stress.

Dog's first car ride

A successful first transportation is the key to successful travel in the future. It should evoke positive emotions in the pet. The following tips will help make transportation comfortable.

Sit in the back seat with your four-legged friend so that he doesn't feel scared.
Do not scold your dog if it whines or barks. You can give the command “No!” in a calm tone, without shouting.
If only the owner is in the cabin, he is driving, also give the command “No!” It is necessary to talk to the pet and calm it down.

Advice! You should not stop the car if the animal whines. You need to try to calm him down verbally, give him his favorite toy.

Devices for transporting dogs in the car

Undoubtedly, the easiest way to transport an animal in a car is sitting in the passenger compartment or in the arms of a passenger. But, unfortunately, this option is practical only for small breeds of dogs. And besides, the pet should be calm about transportation, it is easy to endure the entire trip in your arms. And there are plenty of disadvantages to having a dog freely in a car. Disadvantages include the following problems:

In the event of a traffic accident, your pet is in a high-risk area.
Dirt, sand, etc. from the dog's paws.
An animal can cause a traffic accident.
Scratches from dog claws on the dashboard, chair, doors, etc.

Plus, the animal itself is not entirely comfortable being in a moving car without support. During sharp turns and sudden braking, it is extremely difficult for the dog to remain in a stable position.

For large and restless pets, there are slightly different options for traveling by vehicle, which, it is worth noting, are not uncomfortable.

Suitable for transporting dogs in a car:

cell;
hammock;
case;
harness;
carrying

Safety

According to Western analytical centers, the vast majority of motorists transport their dogs by car, grossly violating the rules for transporting animals - without the appropriate devices and devices. In the event of a road accident, an unsecured animal flies out into the front of the passenger compartment by inertia and can cause damage to people sitting / panels in the car. The reason is an increase in mass due to inertia, which reaches tenfold values. Thus, a pet weighing 30 kilograms, when the car suddenly slows down, can fly forward even if it weighs 500 kilograms - which can be fatal for both the dog and the passengers (driver). How this happens can be seen in a crash test conducted by the German motorists' association (ADAC). Therefore, in order to avoid disastrous situations, the rules for transporting a dog in a car must be strictly observed.

What needs to be done during transportation

Safe transportation of an animal is only possible if it is secured. The purpose of the action is to prevent the free movement of your four-legged friend around the cabin. This is necessary so that the animal does not interfere with the process of driving the vehicle or damage the panels and upholstery of the car. And also, it did not fly around the interior during sudden maneuvers (accidents).

Fixation methods:

Human. The simplest, but unreliable option. You can hold the animal by the collar, wrap the leash around your hand and not let go until the ride is complete. Pros: no material costs. No need to spend money and go shopping. Cons: low efficiency/safety. The animal can bite, and in the event of an accident, loosening the grip of the leash (collar) can result in the pet being released.
Safety belt (special harness) for the dog. The animal is fastened to a standard belt using this device, which limits its movement. Pros: simple, convenient installation. Ability to secure your pet in the front/back row of the car. Cons:
the belt may break, causing it to come loose.
Compact portable cage. Designed for transporting (carrying) a puppy/small dog in a car. Installed in the luggage compartment or on the floor of the cabin. Pros:
- reliable fixation of the pet;
Doesn't take up much space.

Cons: limited internal space for the animal, which entails discomfort for the four-legged friend. Therefore, this is not a suitable option for long car trips.

Large cage option available. If the luggage compartment volume in the car is large, you can install it. However, this is inconvenient and eats up most of the trunk space.
Insulation grille in the trunk. An alternative to a cage. Protects the interior of the car from the luggage compartment. Pros:
- convenient/quick installation;

Cons: the pet is not secured, so when moving it can hit the trunk panel, and this is an additional risk of injury.

Grilles on windows. They do not affect the fixation, but prevent the pet from falling out of the open window during transportation. Also, this device is very suitable for a car without an air conditioning system - you can open the windows without fear.

Preparing for your trip

Before driving, the first thing the driver should do is to protect the interior. Everything is clear about claws and fur, but what to do in case the dog vomits? After all, it’s not just people who get motion sickness; animals are also susceptible to it. And it is worth noting, to a greater extent, since, in fact, they do not have any fulcrum when moving. During the period of accustoming a puppy to a car, vomiting or diarrhea happens to everyone. And sometimes a dog cannot overcome this disease throughout its entire life.

Another point is salivation. Even if your pet doesn't suffer from it, it will start in the car. It's all due to stress.

Drivers should not lose sight of the fact that an already trained but timid dog can behave unpredictably. Therefore, it is best for the animal to travel while restrained.

Transportation with a cover

The device is very popular among dog owners, although it is not a very comfortable travel option for the animal itself. The cover in the car for transporting dogs is attached to the seat where the pet will be. It is very convenient to remove and wash. It will also protect the interior from scratches and fur. However, during any sharp turn or braking, the dog will not have support, therefore, it will sway from side to side. This circumstance will add stress to the animal. Therefore, this transportation option is suitable for calm pets who spend the entire trip curled up and sleeping on the seat.

Transportation in a hammock

You can use this device instead of a cover. A hammock for transporting dogs in a car creates a safe area for the animal in the back seats, on which it can travel comfortably, and does not allow its claws to damage the seat upholstery. At the same time, the pet will be able to move freely and look out the window. Depending on the size of the hammock and the dog, she can sit or lie down in it. This is undoubtedly a plus, because the pet will be able to control the situation through the glass and will not distract the driver.

Pet stores today offer a choice of several options for car hammocks - covering the entire space in the back or only two-thirds, with or without door protection. The fastening is very simple - loops that cling to the headrests of the front and rear seats. When choosing this device, be careful, since small ones are universal, and large ones are suitable for certain car models.

A hammock for transporting dogs in a car is a convenient and inexpensive device. It is worth noting that you can do it yourself.

Rules for transporting animals in a car

Knowing the rules or precautions is never a bad idea when traveling with any pet. These include the following:

In hot weather, do not open the window too much so that the pet does not lean out. The important thing is that wind flow can cause colds, ear and eye diseases.
Increased temperature in the cabin leads to increased heart rate and blood pressure, while low temperature negatively affects the immune system.
When placed at the front, the risk of hitting the windshield or door during heavy braking increases. Therefore, it is better to sit in the rear seats, fastening them with seat belts or other means.
The pet must be under control. No need to leave it in the car unattended.

In addition to the rules, there is advice given by veterinarians and experienced animal breeders. Do the following:

walk your pet before the trip so as not to make frequent stops afterwards;
when visiting a veterinarian, ask for an anti-sickness remedy, it will also not be superfluous;
It is useful to gradually accustom the animal to travel. To do this, it is advisable to put him in a car from a very young age, give him the opportunity to sniff the seats, look around, and “introduce” him to the means of transportation and holding;
during stops, walk only on a leash so that he does not run away;
a muzzle will be superfluous if only the driver is on the road. This remedy creates inconvenience and interferes with proper breathing, especially in the heat;
cats should be kept in a bag and not opened earlier than half an hour later, giving them the opportunity to get used to the movement and surroundings;
In winter, you should make stops, letting portions of fresh air into the cabin.

Across Russia

When going on any trip, you should take with you not only personal documents, but also papers for your pet.

A standard four-legged suitcase contains:

Veterinary passport – issued by a veterinary hospital doctor;
Collar, muzzle, leash;
Cage, bag (determined individually);
A certificate in form F 1 is issued after an examination by a veterinarian of the state veterinary service after examining the pet and providing its passport. It is needed to confirm that there is no quarantine for animals in the region from which the pet is traveling.
You should apply for it 5 days before your trip.
It is considered active starting from the date of issue (usually the day of application) and for the duration of the trip.

To obtain this certificate, you may have to do:

kittens and puppies (up to 2 months) check for parasites, luminescent diagnostics;
for kittens and puppies over 3 months of age, fluorescent diagnostics, treatment against fleas, helminths, rabies vaccine and other vaccines, individual for cats and dogs.

The article will tell you about the contract for the carriage of goods by air: Contract for the carriage of goods by air. Read about Russia-Ukraine transportation here.

To European countries

Moving from one country to another has more questions, since you should take into account the interests and laws of not only your country, but also the host country.

In addition to the above list of travel in Russia, animal owners must do the following:

chipping. This requirement is mandatory for Austria, Denmark, Lithuania, Germany and others. The completion mark must be in the veterinary passport. The entry is also made in an electronic database;
blood test for EU countries to determine the result of rabies vaccination. It is done 30 days after vaccination, but 2 months before the end of the vaccination period, 3 months before leaving the country;
rabies vaccination. After completing it, at least a month must pass before leaving the country, but no more than a year.

If a rare breed is being exported, then you should also request permission from the cynological organization of the Russian Federation.

Restrictions have been established on the import of animals belonging to the following categories:

fighting dog breeds;
pregnant women;
aggressive;
newborn animals and babies;
patients suffering from pain who cannot move independently, as travel aggravates the situation. If the injuries are minor, the doctor should give appropriate recommendations, referring for diagnosis and treatment.

If it is necessary to have confirmation of the animal’s pedigree, you must contact the felinological club or kennel club.

It is important to have with you:

international passport;
a license stating that the dog is not of breeding value, this also happens. Such a clause is often spelled out in the transportation rules of some regions;
paper indicating the departure date and the planned route.

Important! More detailed information about the requirements of countries when crossing the border can be found at the country's consulate.
This won't hurt as requirements are constantly changing.

Transporting in a cage or carrier

Practical devices for cases when the presence of a four-legged friend in the cabin is undesirable.

A crate for transporting dogs in a car is suitable for owners whose pets are not accustomed to frequent travel. The device does not hinder the movement of the animal. But not every car has the opportunity to install a cage.

The carrier is more suitable for small breeds of dogs. Plus, the pet will not have the opportunity to move much.

When choosing a cage or carrier, the owner needs to pay attention to the following points:

Dimensions. The dimensions of the devices must allow the dog to stand up, roll over or lie down.
Strength. The material from which the device is made must be of high quality. Especially if the dog is prone to chewing on objects.
Fastening. In addition to the internal equipment, the device for transporting the dog must be stable in the cabin. Or another option is to secure it with straps.

It is worth noting that the animal should be accustomed to the box for transporting dogs in the car in advance. The simplest option is to transfer your pet's bedding to the device. So he will move there and settle down there for several days. And on the day of the trip, when you put the cage or carrier in the car, it will be a familiar, cozy place for him.

Therefore, the option of a cage or carrier is suitable for rare trips, when the pet is not accustomed to a car.

They get seasick too

Our lovely companions are also subject to some “human” weaknesses. Motion sickness in dogs manifests itself as follows: excessive salivation, nausea, rapid breathing, general depression, vomiting.

If your pet's stomach is the culprit for damaged upholstery. Don’t raise your voice at your watchdog, because he’s already having a hard time. Remember, it is adversity that tests friendship's strength! Better think about the possibility of preventing troubles in the future.
Artificial scents. Smoking, scented air fresheners, perfumes - all these products can cause motion sickness, so a beloved pet is another incentive for leading a healthy lifestyle.
Loud sounds. Dogs don’t like it when the speakers are torn apart by the impactors; especially sensitive ones can spew out the remains of undigested food onto your seats.
Lunch breaks. Pets get tired during a long journey, so it’s a good idea to stop every 2-3 hours and let the dog stretch its numb paws, allow it to mark nearby trees, and, if necessary, have a small snack and a sip of fresh water.
Special veterinary drugs . This is only after consultation with a doctor.

Sometimes the problem of motion sickness is not related to the characteristics of the dog’s body, but is hidden in its psychology.

Below are recommendations designed to help pet owners overcome the “behavioral disease” and learn how to transport a dog in a car.

The first and main rule is that the car should not be associated with negativity. Those owners who take their four-legged friend exclusively to the veterinary hospital for vaccinations, injections and other unpleasant procedures act recklessly. A dog forms a picture in his brain: a car ride always precedes a “bitter pill.”

It is difficult to place a pet with such a perception of reality in a car, and motion sickness may well be a consequence of the stress experienced.

Be sure to reward good behavior. While adapting to the car, stimulate obedience by giving him a treat. The dog must leave and enter the vehicle only with your permission. Help your friend understand that a car is a place where it is just as pleasant as at home, and the trip can end near a favorite pond, on a sports ground, in the forest or in a country house, where your watchdog will always get grandma’s cutlet.

Harness for transportation

This device can protect your dog in case of an accident. Undoubtedly, a harness restricts the pet’s freedom in the car, but, as they say, “life is more valuable.” A harness for transporting a dog in a car is attached to the seat belt or to its socket. This device has low cost and excellent efficiency. Thanks to the transportation harness, the dog will sit in one place in the car and will not distract the driver from driving the vehicle. The advantage of the device is that the pet will not be able to escape if you inadvertently did not close the door, for example, at a gas station.

Instead of a harness, you can use a pet seat belt to transport your dog. This is a rather convenient device that attaches to the back seat. It in no way chains the dog to the seat, but gently fixes it and does not allow it to move freely inside the car. Plus, your pet receives additional safety in the event of a traffic accident. After all, in the event of an accident, the dog, like everyone in the car, will fly forward by inertia and, as a result, may receive serious damage.

Adaptation to the car

Some dog breeders do not experience any difficulties in transporting a barking pet in a car; this may be due to the puppy’s temperament and its desire to be close to the owner under any conditions. But there are also owners who are exhausted by the fact that the dog, under no circumstances, wants to get into the car, afraid of the confined space, unusual shaking or the sound of the engine. It is for them that animal psychologists have developed a set of recommendations that will facilitate the process of dog adaptation to a vehicle. They need to be implemented in stages:

The pet is next to the owner on a leash, while the car door is open.
The dog is brought to the car without unnecessary haste, the owner does not pay attention to its attempts to escape.
The animal is given the opportunity to calmly sniff the car; if it tries to jump into the car, then the command “No!” is followed, but without unnecessary aggression.
The driver is given a sign to start the engine. The owner observes the dog's reaction. If he has not shown any signs of fear, then it is permissible to allow the dog to get into the car after pronouncing the appropriate command.
If the dog gets scared, you need to attract his attention, and then put your hand on the car, and at this time, synchronously with touching the car, the driver turns off the engine. This is done so that the understanding arises in the pet’s mind that its owner is the tamer of the “iron monster”.
Repeat the procedure several times, until the dog dares to jump into the salon at the owner’s command.

Inexperienced owners may naturally ask why they can’t just pick up and sit or drag the dog into the car by force. Animal psychologists do not advise doing this, and here’s why:

The dog must adapt to the unusual sight and smell of the car, and only then get inside. It is quite possible that the dog has a stable psyche and will survive forced adaptation, but it is better not to risk it if you do not want your pet to have persistent negative associations associated with the car;
the animal is obliged to jump into the cabin only after the appropriate command received from the owner. This will protect the car seats from traces of dirty paws, and the owner from the fact that one day the dog simply tries to jump into someone else’s car. Therefore, the process of initial adaptation includes an element stipulating that the dog must enter the car only after the owner says “Jump!”, “Let’s go!” When the command is learned and executed flawlessly, you need to move on to the next stage, teaching the dog to leave the car when the owner wants it.

It is permissible to lure timid pets into the salon with the help of their favorite treats and toys. They are able to temporarily distract the dog from experiencing strong feelings, which will make it easier to get used to the car. It is important to understand that training should be done in a playful way, without shouting or physical punishment. Show more affection, let the dog associate the car and training commands with something pleasant, which will greatly facilitate training.

How to prepare your pet for travel

With an animal accustomed to a car, everything is extremely simple. Therefore, we will consider what preparatory actions need to be performed with a pet that is not yet used to it.

Try not to feed the animal six hours before departure. This will reduce the likelihood of nausea in the car. Use a box or cage for travel. This will help to avoid unnecessary movements of the dog around the car. Buy a new interesting toy from the store in advance. She will distract the pet for a while. And most importantly, don’t plan your first trip to be long.

General recommendations for transportation

To avoid unpleasant situations on the road, it is advisable not to feed your pet before the trip. You can give him something to drink a couple of hours before leaving.

If we are talking about a long trip, on the road you need:

give the animal food and drink in small portions;
stop every 3 hours and walk the dog on a leash for 15 minutes;
before the trip, take a long walk with your pet, play active games so that he falls asleep in the car;
take dry food on the road, since self-prepared food can spoil and cause flatulence;
there should be toys and a bowl of water in the cabin;
Have a bandage, antiseptic and plaster in your first aid kit.

Dogs usually tolerate travel well, especially if their owners prepare them for it. In order not to spend money on accessories for transportation, it is better to gradually accustom the animal to the car. It is recommended to take your pet's documents with you. Then the trips will be successful.

Several life hacks will help make your trip successful:

Life hack No. 1. Shy pets can be lured into the salon with a toy or treat. This will make it easier to stay in the car.
Life hack No. 2. Monitor the temperature in the cabin. If it's hot outside, you should drive with the windows open. The dog needs to breathe fresh air. Then the risks of seasickness are reduced.
Life hack No. 3. Give your pet a drink in a timely manner if he sticks out his tongue and breathes quickly. This signals thirst. Pekingese, Spitz, French and English bulldogs suffer more than others from a frequent desire to drink.
Lifehack No. 4. Drive slowly, especially if it’s your first trip. Your pet may be afraid of driving fast. Unlike a person, he will not perceive the drive of racing on the track. High risk of fear and nausea.

Additionally, we recommend reading the following articles:

How to transport a dog on a plane
How to transport a dog on a train

What to take with you on a trip

When you go on a trip, you take a bag of necessary things for yourself. A dog may not need as much luggage, but you should still take some things.

When transporting your pet with you, you need:

food and drink. If you are planning a long trip, then you can’t do without this;
plate;
napkins, garbage bags;
documentation. On a long trip, it’s worth taking it just in case;
collar (spare), leash, muzzle;
toys;
first aid kit

Things to remember when traveling with a dog

During a long journey, you need to stop so that the pet can stretch its paws and relieve its natural needs. A mentally healthy dog will never go to the toilet under itself, and patience over a long period of time will negatively affect the health of the animal. Try to stop every three hours during transportation. Take your dog outside on a leash during this time.

Traveling with an animal will become an unbearable problem if the pet is not accustomed to the vehicle. Due to stress, the dog may become enraged and act inappropriately, thereby creating a danger to both itself and the driver. Therefore, before transporting your pet, you should prepare both him and yourself.