Do I Need a Dog Guard?
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.
Although breaking the Highway Code does not carry a direct penalty if your dog is unrestrained, you could be pulled over for driving with undue care and attention which can result in a fine and penalty points. Worse still, if you have been involved in an accident and your dog is unrestained, your insurer is unlikely to pay out.
Ok, so the chance of being pulled over are probably slim, but it's not just the dog that needs restraining. What about luggage, shopping, pushchairs or anything that you may carry in your boot area? Take a look at our chart below to see how much force can be exerted on you and your passengers in the event of a car accident.
Since we had our first dog (in 2001), we have always installed a dog guard in our cars as a matter of course - even if the dog doesn't go in that particular car. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind.
