Travelling with your dog should feel like a fun little adventure — not a stressful juggle of muddy paws, anxious whining, and “please don’t jump into the front seat” panic.
Whether you’re popping to the vets, heading to the beach, or doing a longer road trip, one thing matters most: your dog needs to be safely secured.
In the UK, it’s a legal requirement to make sure your dog is properly restrained while travelling. If they’re loose in the car, you could face a fine of up to £5,000.
This guide walks you through the essentials — from harnesses and seat belt clips to calming blankets and raised car seats — so you can build a setup that’s safe, comfy, and actually works for your dog.
1) Start with the non-negotiable: your dog must be secured
A loose dog in a moving car is dangerous for everyone.
-
They can become a projectile in an accident or sudden stop
-
They can distract the driver (climbing onto laps, blocking mirrors, jumping between seats)
-
They can bolt if a door opens after a crash
Bottom line: even if your dog is “well behaved,” they still need to be restrained.
2) There’s no one perfect car setup — you have to find what suits your dog
This is the bit most people don’t tell you: there are loads of different dog car seats and travel beds, and you might have to try a few.
I’ve tried so many over the years — and what works brilliantly for one dog can be completely wrong for another.
When you’re choosing a travel setup, think about:
-
Size: tiny dogs often need a different solution to larger dogs
-
Confidence level: nervous dogs usually do better with something enclosed or padded
-
Car sickness: some dogs need to be raised to see out
-
Where they travel best: front passenger footwell, back seat, boot area
-
How much they move: wrigglers need more structure and security
If you’re unsure, start with safety first, then tweak for comfort.
3) Harness + seat belt clip: a simple, safe option for back seat travel
If your dog travels on the back seat and you just want them safely secured, a seat belt clip is one of the easiest solutions.
At Pup Chic Boutique, we have seat belt clips that are ideal for:
-
Dogs who are happy sitting or lying on the back seat
-
Quick trips where you want a simple, secure setup
-
Dogs who don’t like bulky travel beds
Tip: Always attach the clip to a harness (not a collar) to reduce the risk of neck injury.
4) Travel beds and car seats: comfort + containment
Some dogs are happiest when they feel “held” in place — especially anxious travellers.
A good travel bed or car seat can:
-
Reduce sliding around on turns
-
Help nervous dogs feel more secure
-
Create a consistent “safe spot” for them
-
Keep your car cleaner (bonus)
A note from me: I love Luther Bennet Dog Pods
If you’ve got an anxious traveller, I’m a huge fan of Luther Bennet Dog Pods.
They’re padded, cosy, and give your dog a contained space — which can make a massive difference for dogs who feel unsettled in the car.
(And yes… I’m speaking from experience. One of my dogs is anxious when travelling and this style of pod has been a game-changer.)
5) Blankets: underrated for anxious dogs (and your car seats)
A blanket might not sound like a “travel essential,” but it can be one of the most helpful things you bring.
Blankets are great because they:
-
Give anxious dogs something familiar and comforting
-
Add a soft layer to lie on
-
Help protect your car seats from dirt, hair, and wet paws
If your dog already has a favourite blanket at home, try using that in the car too — it can help the car feel like a safer space.
6) If your dog gets car sick, a raised seat can help
Car sickness is common — especially in puppies and small dogs.
One thing that can really help is a raised car seat, particularly for smaller dogs. When they can see out and focus on the horizon, it may reduce nausea.
A raised seat can also help if your dog:
-
Whines or drools during travel
-
Seems worse on winding roads
-
Settles better when they can look out the window
If your dog struggles with car sickness, it’s worth experimenting with height and positioning (and chatting to your vet if it’s severe).
7) Don’t forget the practical extras
Once you’ve got the main safety setup sorted, these extras make travel smoother:
-
Poop bags + holder (always)
-
Water + travel bowl
-
Towels for muddy paws
-
Treats for positive reinforcement
-
ID tag (just in case)
Quick checklist: safe dog travel setup
Use this as your “before we set off” checklist:
-
Harness fitted correctly (snug but comfy)
-
Dog secured with seat belt clip or travel bed
-
Blanket or padded base for comfort
-
Water and essentials packed
-
Dog can’t reach the driver
Final thoughts: safety first, then comfort
The best dog travel setup is the one that keeps your dog secure, helps them feel comfortable, and makes driving safer for you.
And if you’re still figuring it out — you’re not alone. With so many car seats and travel beds out there, it’s completely normal to try a few before you find the perfect match.
If you want help choosing what might work best for your dog (especially if they’re tiny, anxious, or prone to car sickness), drop us a message — we’re always happy to help.