Travelling with pets in your car: A British pet owner’s guide to road tripping adventure

Did you know that we Brits search for “dog-friendly cottages” a whopping 288,000 times every year? Well, of course we do! We’re a nation obsessed with our furry companions, and the thought of leaving them behind while we gallivant across the countryside is simply unthinkable.

But hold your horses (or should I say, hold your hounds?)! Taking your beloved pet dogs on a road trip isn’t quite as straightforward as bundling them into the back seat and zooming off into the sunset. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.

Picture this: you, your excitable Labrador, and a six-hour journey to Cornwall. Sounds delightful, right? Well, not if Fido is throwing up on your new car upholstery while simultaneously attempting to climb onto your lap as you navigate a roundabout.

The experts (you know, those clever people who study this sort of thing) actually recommend stopping every hour when travelling with dogs. And we’re not talking about a quick two-minute stretch of the legs. These breaks should be at least 15 minutes long – enough time for stretching, drinking, and those all-important toilet needs. Because let’s face it, nobody wants to deal with the alternative!

Oh, and did I mention the Highway Code? That stuffy-sounding but actually quite sensible rulebook makes it crystal clear: your pet needs to be properly restrained during car journeys. This isn’t just bureaucratic nonsense – it’s about keeping both you and your furry friend safe from harm.

From dealing with motion sickness (poor little mites) to managing the temperature (cars can turn into furry ovens faster than you can say “hot dog”), your pet’s comfort and safety need some serious thought. But don’t panic! With a smidge of preparation, you can ensure your adventure is stress-free for everyone involved – human and four-legged alike.

So, fancy learning how to make your journey as smooth as a perfectly groomed poodle? Stick around! I’m about to share everything you need to know about hitting the road with your beloved pets. Seatbelts on, everyone – it’s going to be a fun ride!

Preparing for your pet’s adventure

Microchip and vaccinate your pet

Before you and your pet dog or cat embark on your grand road trip, there are a couple of must-do tasks to tick off your checklist. First up, microchipping. This tiny device, no bigger than a grain of rice, is your pet’s ticket to being identified and reunited with you if they decide to go on an unplanned solo escapade. It’s a crucial part of pet travel, and it’s not just a good idea – it’s a legal requirement.

Now, let’s chat about rabies vaccination. Your pet must be microchipped before or at the same time as their rabies vaccination. Skip the microchip step, and you’ll need to start the vaccination process all over again. And nobody wants that!

Once your pet has had their rabies jab, you’ll need to wait 21 days before you can pack your bags and hit the road. This waiting period ensures the vaccine has done its job, keeping your furry friend safe and sound.

Obtain a pet travel document

Next on the list is obtaining the right travel documents. If you’re planning a jaunt to an EU country or Northern Ireland, you’ll need either a pet passport or an EU animal health certificate. A valid pet passport is your golden ticket if it’s accepted in the country you’re visiting.

However, if you’re traveling from a non-EU country, you’ll need an EU animal health certificate. This certificate must be issued by an official State vet in the country of departure no more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU. It’s a bit of paperwork, but it’s all part of ensuring your pet’s journey is smooth and hassle-free.

Getting to know your pet’s travel personality for pet travel

Let’s face it – pets are like people when it comes to travel. Some leap into the car with the enthusiasm of a child heading to a sweet shop, while others hide under the bed at the mere jingle of your car keys. Understanding your furry friend’s travel personality is absolutely crucial before you embark on that epic adventure together.

Spotting when your pet is saying “Help, I hate this!”

Nobody wants their beloved pet to suffer in silence (or not-so-silence if they’re vocal types). Catching those anxiety signs early can save everyone a world of stress:

• Dogs will tell you they’re freaking out by: Trembling like they’re auditioning for a doggy drama, tucking their tail between their legs, trying to become invisible by hiding, pacing like they’re solving a complex math problem, pinning their ears back, panting as if they’ve just run a marathon, whining louder than a toddler denied ice cream, decorating your upholstery with their breakfast, or making desperate escape attempts worthy of Houdini

• Cats express their displeasure through: puffing up their fur until they resemble a tribble from Star Trek, flattening their ears against their head, swishing their tail like they’re trying to sweep the floor, making sounds that would put an opera singer to shame, or attempting to become one with the glove compartment

Other pets such as reptiles, birds, rodents, and rabbits can also show signs of travel anxiety and require special considerations. Motion sickness often goes hand-in-paw with travel anxiety, especially in the youngsters whose inner ear balance systems are still figuring things out. 

If your pet tends to redecorate your car interior during journeys, try skipping mealtime before travel and have a chat with your vet about possible medication options. Trust me, both your upholstery and your nose will thank you!

What does YOUR pet need?

Just like people, each pet comes with their own list of requirements for happy travels. My friend’s Labrador would happily ride in a wheelbarrow if it meant going somewhere new, while my sister’s cat needs the pet equivalent of a five-star hotel experience.

Think about your pet’s age and past experiences. Puppies and kittens who get used to car adventures early generally grow up to be champion travelers. Your vehicle type matters too – if you’ve got one of those swanky saloon cars with fixed back seats, your restraint options might be more limited than in a hatchback or estate.

Temperature control is non-negotiable no matter what your pet’s travel personality is. Cars can heat up faster than a BBQ on a summer day, so point those fans toward the back seat and take out the parcel shelf to get that air moving properly.

Your pet’s daily routine shouldn’t go completely out the window either. Plan for hourly pit stops where everyone can stretch, have a drink, and attend to nature’s calls. Rather than racing to your destination like you’re in the Grand Prix, take time to enjoy some dog-friendly attractions or service stations that actually welcome our four-legged friends.

Making your car their happy place

Turning your pet’s car anxiety into tail-wagging excitement takes patience and positive reinforcement (and possibly a small fortune in treats). Start small – introduce them to the parked car first, showering them with treats, praise, or their favorite toys whenever they show even the tiniest bit of bravery.

For the especially nervous dog, begin with simply walking around the car, giving rewards for any positive interest. No need to force the issue – we’re not training for a dog show here! Gradually build up exposure by sitting in the parked car together, then with the engine running (but going nowhere), before attempting drives shorter than the average TikTok video.

Try making mealtime car time by serving dinner in your stationary vehicle. Once they’re comfortable munching away in their new “dining room,” introduce the engine sound briefly before extending the engine-on time. After that, progress to journeys so short they barely count – perhaps just down the driveway – gradually increasing distance as your pet’s confidence grows.

For the especially anxious furry passengers, consider products like calming pheromone sprays applied to their bedding about 15 minutes before departure. Most importantly, make sure those first real trips lead somewhere brilliant – the park, a friend’s house, or the beach – rather than just the vet. Nobody wants to associate car rides with thermometers in uncomfortable places!

Understanding and responding to your pet’s travel quirks might take time (and possibly a few false starts), but the effort creates the foundation for countless amazing adventures together. So worth it!

Safety first: Keeping your furry co-pilot secure

Let’s talk safety, shall we? Because travelling with your furry companions requires more than just careful driving and a stash of treats. The Highway Code isn’t just making polite suggestions when it comes to pet restraint – it’s laying down the law, my friends!

What the law says about your four-legged Papsengers

The Highway Code Rule 57 doesn’t mince words. It clearly states that when in a vehicle, you must “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”. This isn’t just bureaucratic waffle – it’s serious business!

Assistance dogs, however, have specific regulations and may require different documentation and compliance checks, especially when traveling across borders.

Ignore this rule, and you could find yourself in a pickle worthy of a sitcom episode – except nobody will be laughing. You might be charged with driving without due care and attention, facing fines that range from a mildly annoying £100 to an eye-watering £5,000 in severe cases. Ouch!

And here’s another kicker – having your beloved Fido bouncing around the car like a furry pinball could actually invalidate your car insurance policy. Many insurers explicitly require pets to be properly secured during travel as a condition of your coverage. 

This becomes especially important if you’re using temporary car insurance for your pet adventure – you don’t want to discover you’re not covered after Rover has caused a three-car pile-up by attempting to sit on your lap!

So what counts as “proper restraint”? Here’s the approved list:

• Seat belt harnesses designed specifically for pets (no, your old belt won’t do!)

• Pet carriers or travel crates (not the flimsy one that collapses when you look at it)

• Dog guards installed between the boot and passenger areas

• Vehicle-specific dog cages (not just any old cage)

Safety gear that’s actually worth your money: Seat belts for pets

Not all pet restraints are created equal – shocking, I know! Some of those “safe” products you see advertised might offer about as much protection as a chocolate teapot in a heatwave.

The Centre for Pet Safety (CPS) conducts crash tests on pet travel harnesses (yes, they actually crash-test them with dummy dogs – how’s that for a job description?). Their findings would make your hair stand on end – many products marketed as “safe” failed catastrophically when put to the test.

The CPS certification programme gives the seal of approval only to products that meet their rigorous testing standards. Currently, they’ve certified just a select few products including the Sleepypod Clickit Sport and Sleepypod Clickit Terrain harnesses in various sizes. These certified products aren’t just playing dress-up – they’re serious about keeping your fur baby safe.

Besides harnesses, other worthy investments include:

• Crash-tested carriers that secure to your vehicle’s Isofix mountings (the same ones used for baby seats – because pets are our babies too!)

• Vehicle-specific crates designed to withstand impact (not the flimsy plastic ones that would crumble like a biscuit)

• High-quality dog guards that stay put during sudden stops (unlike those cheap ones that fold like a deck chair in a strong wind)

Here’s a sobering thought to ponder while you’re browsing pet restraints: a 32kg dog travelling at just 30mph can exert a force equivalent to 100kg during a crash. That’s roughly the weight of a grown man suddenly hurtling through your car! Proper restraint isn’t just ticking a legal box – it’s keeping everyone (including your beloved pet) in one piece.

Insurance matters: Don’t get caught short

Standard pet insurance policies might cover your pet’s dental work, but they often draw the line at travel-related mishaps. This is where specific pet travel insurance comes into play, especially if you’re venturing beyond the shores of our lovely island.

Quality pet travel insurance typically covers:

• Overseas vet fees (because foreign vets don’t accept “but he’s usually so healthy” as payment)

• Quarantine costs if your pet falls ill abroad or if you lose those all-important travel documents

• Emergency accommodation expenses if your pet needs treatment (because you can’t just leave them at the vet and continue your holiday, can you?)

• Replacement of lost, stolen, or destroyed pet travel documents (because paperwork has a magical ability to vanish)

Before setting off, double-check that your temporary car insurance covers driving with pets. Nothing ruins a holiday faster than discovering you’re not covered after Fluffy has caused a minor traffic incident by attempting to chase a squirrel through your windscreen!

Also ensure your pet’s travel insurance includes emergency veterinary care abroad, as treatment costs in foreign countries can make your eyes water more than chopping onions. Trust me, comprehensive insurance gives you that warm fuzzy feeling of knowing you’re prepared for whatever mischief your four-legged friend might get into!

Keeping your furry friend comfy on those long hauls

Let’s chat about comfort, shall we? Because once you’ve sorted all those safety measures (you know, the ones that keep Fido from becoming an unplanned furry missile), your next mission is making sure your pet doesn’t spend the journey giving you the stink eye from the back seat.

Whether you’re road-tripping with a dog who thinks car rides are better than walkies, or attempting the near-impossible feat of travelling with a cat (bless your optimistic heart), these practical solutions will make everyone’s journey more pleasant. Trust me, a comfortable pet means fewer howling concerts for you to endure!

Hot, hot, hot (And sometimes cold)

Did you know your car can turn into a four-wheeled oven faster than you can say “walkies”? Research shows that car interiors reach dangerous temperatures throughout the entire year—not just summer. I’m not just being dramatic here – internal temperatures exceeded 25°C in every month of the year during a two-year UK study, which is hot enough to give those adorable flat-faced breeds like bulldogs and pugs a serious case of the overheats.

Most of our canine companions are happiest when the temperature sits between a pleasant 15-25°C, though this varies depending on whether they’re sporting a fur coat worthy of the Arctic or a sleek little number more suited to sunbathing. The danger zone typically hits between 4-5pm, when your car’s internal mercury can rocket beyond 35°C between April and September.

Here’s something that’ll make your eyes widen – even with windows cracked (you know, that little gap that somehow makes us feel better about leaving the car), the interior temperature can jump approximately 20°F in just 10 minutes and nearly 30°F in 20 minutes. After an hour? We’re talking more than 40°F higher than outside. Your car basically becomes a furry slow cooker!

So how do we avoid turning our beloved pets into panting puddles of fur?

• Crank that air conditioning like you’re trying to recreate the Arctic, or drive with windows open when appropriate (though do keep your pet safely inside – nobody wants to see a dog surfing on your roof rack)

• Slap some sun shades on your windows – yes, even in air-conditioned vehicles. Think of them as sunglasses for your car!

• Pop a portable fan in the back for extra air circulation – it’s like giving your pet their own personal wind machine

• Never, ever leave pets unattended in your car, even for a “quick nip into the shop” – those five minutes always turn into fifteen, and that’s when the trouble starts

• Double-check your temporary car insurance coverage for breakdowns – being stuck on the hard shoulder with a panting pooch and no A/C is nobody’s idea of holiday fun

Food and water: Not just when YOU’RE hungry

Proper meal timing can mean the difference between a clean car interior and, well, something that resembles a modern art installation. Generally, you’ll want to feed your pet a light meal 3-4 hours before departure rather than right before setting off. For those epic journey days, consider withholding breakfast (sorry, Fido!) and offering a small meal when you reach your evening destination.

For keeping your four-legged friends hydrated, non-spill water bowls are absolute lifesavers. The Road Refresher Prestige bowl, which holds a generous 1.4 litres, is specifically designed to prevent your car from becoming an impromptu swimming pool during travel. Alternatively, those clever portable water bottles with attached drinking cups offer controlled water delivery at stops, minimizing the “I just wanted a drink, not a bath” scenario.

If your pet tends to decorate your upholstery when travelling, offer ice chips as a soothing hydration option. And here’s a tip that nobody seems to mention – avoid switching water sources suddenly. 

Just like us getting dodgy tummies from foreign tap water, different locations can upset pets’ delicate constitutions similar to suddenly changing their food brands. Who knew our furry friends could be such sensitive souls?

Toilet breaks: Because nobody likes accidents

Unless you’ve somehow taught your dog to use the loo (in which case, please write a book and make millions), you’ll need to plan for regular pit stops. Experts recommend hourly stops for dogs during long journeys, with breaks lasting at least 15 minutes. 

These stops aren’t just about answering nature’s call – they’re multi-purpose affairs for stretching legs, having a drink, and releasing all that pent-up energy that would otherwise be directed at your car’s upholstery.

When plotting your pet adventure, take time to research your route in advance to find suitable rest areas with pet-friendly facilities. According to RoSPA (those safety people who know a thing or two), “A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended”. I’d say that’s the absolute minimum when you’ve got four-legged passengers!

For the grown-up doggos, they should typically manage about 4 hours between breaks, while puppies need more frequent stops – roughly one hour per month of age. So that adorable 4-month puppy who’s giving you puppy-dog eyes? They’ll need a stop every 4 hours. It’s like potty training on wheels!

Creating a comfortable journey really boils down to thoughtful planning and being ready to adapt when things inevitably go a bit pear-shaped. With proper temperature control, clever feeding strategies, and regular opportunities for your pet to stretch their legs (and empty their bladders), your road trip can be a joy for everyone involved – even if you’re just using temporary car insurance for a one-off adventure. And let’s be honest, seeing your pet enjoying the journey makes all that extra effort absolutely worth it!

When things go pear-shaped: Dealing with road trip disasters

Even the most meticulously planned pet adventure can hit a few bumps in the road. From your dog deciding that now is the perfect time for a mysterious limp to your trusty car suddenly making noises that definitely weren’t in the owner’s manual. Let me walk you through how to handle these hiccups without losing your marbles!

When your pet falls ill miles from home

Murphy’s Law states that pet emergencies never happen when you’re conveniently parked outside your regular vet’s office. No, they wait until you’re in the middle of nowhere, miles from civilisation!

Before setting off on your grand adventure, do yourself a favour and locate emergency veterinary services along your route. The PDSA suggests always having your regular vet’s number saved, plus details for out-of-hours services within an hour’s drive of your destination. Because let’s face it, emergencies rarely happen during convenient office hours!

Pack a pet first aid kit that would make any Boy Scout proud:

• Vaccination records and medication details (because trying to remember which vaccines your pet had when is like trying to recall what you had for lunch three weeks ago)

• Wound disinfectant and gauze (for those inevitable encounters with thorny bushes)

• Digital copies of medical records (because paper ones will mysteriously disappear)

• Contact information for your regular veterinarian (who will probably be sunning themselves on a beach somewhere when you need them)

One crucial tip that’s saved my bacon more than once – try to remain calm during any emergency. Your pet can sense your anxiety faster than they can smell treats, and it can actually make their condition worse. I know it’s easier said than done when Fluffy’s decided to eat something questionable from a hedgerow, but take deep breaths and channel your inner zen master.

When your pet pulls a houdini act

Picture this scenario: you stop for a lovely countryside lunch, open the car door, and whoosh! Your beloved pet decides to make a break for freedom. Suddenly your relaxing break turns into an episode of a search and rescue drama.

Should your furry escape artist vanish during your travels, time is absolutely critical. Your first call should be to the local council’s Dog Warden, as they’re legally responsible for stray dogs. Here’s a sobering thought – council facilities typically hold strays for only seven days (a mere five days in Northern Ireland) before making decisions about their future. That’s not a lot of time when you’re in panic mode!

If your pet goes missing while traveling to the EU or Northern Ireland, you should be aware of the specific regulations and contact the appropriate authorities in those regions.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, though. Simultaneously alert nearby kennels, veterinary practices and animal shelters. Register your pet’s details with DogLost.uk and contact your microchip database to report them missing. (You did get them microchipped, right? RIGHT?)

Social media becomes your new best friend in these situations. Post clear photos with detailed descriptions on local community pages. None of those artsy, filtered shots where your pet is barely visible – we need clear, recognisable images here!

For pets lost in unfamiliar territory, try this clever trick: leave an item of your clothing (the smellier the better, so those gym socks might finally have a purpose) near where they were last seen. Familiar scents can help attract them back when they’ve finished their unscheduled adventure.

When your car decides to give up the ghost

There you are, cruising along with your pet, singing along to your favourite tunes, when suddenly your car makes a noise like a dinosaur with indigestion and grinds to a halt. Perfect!

The Highway Code doesn’t leave much room for interpretation here: if you breakdown on a motorway, pets must remain in the vehicle unless there’s an immediate danger. If you do need to evacuate, keep them on a short lead under close control on the verge. No matter how well-trained Fido is, this is not the time to test their recall skills next to speeding traffic!

Always, always inform breakdown services that you have pets onboard when calling for assistance. This isn’t just polite conversation – it allows them to send appropriate recovery vehicles. 

Some drivers may refuse animals in their cabs faster than you can say “but he’s friendly!” due to allergies or company policies. The last thing you need is a rescue vehicle arriving that can’t actually rescue you.

When your insurance needs to save the day

This is where temporary car insurance earns its weight in gold biscuits. It provides immediate coverage for those “oh sugar!” moments during your pet adventure. This type of insurance is particularly handy when you’ve had to borrow Aunt Mabel’s people carrier for pet transportation or during emergencies requiring alternative transport.

Most temporary policies offer comprehensive cover for periods ranging from a single hour (for those really quick emergencies) to 28 days. That’s flexibility even a yoga instructor would be impressed by!

If your adventures are taking you across the Channel, double-check that your temporary policy covers European travel. Be aware that coverage may reduce to third-party only once you hit continental Europe. Nobody wants to discover that particular detail after Claude the French poodle has caused an incident outside a Parisian café!

Tech wizardry for the pet-toting traveller

Gone are the days when taking your pet on a road trip meant fumbling with paper maps while your furry navigator drools on the passenger seat. Modern technology has completely changed the game for us pet-loving travellers! Whether you’re cruising with your canine companion or attempting to transport your notoriously travel-averse feline, there’s now a gadget or app to make your journey smoother than a freshly groomed Labrador.

Apps that make finding pet-friendly places a walk in the park

Remember the days of driving for hours only to be met with a stern “no pets allowed” sign at your destination? Talk about a mood killer! Thankfully, a bunch of clever apps now prevent that particular nightmare:

BringFido is the superstar of the pet travel world with nearly 20,000 iOS reviews, helping you sniff out pet-friendly hotels, dog parks, trails, and beaches. You can sort places by distance, popularity, rating, and price to find the perfect spot that won’t leave you and your furry friend sleeping in the car on your temporary car insurance-covered adventure.

For those “what’s happening around here?” moments, BarkHappy connects you with all the dog-friendly spots nearby, including parks, restaurants, and lodging. It’s like having a local dog-owning friend in every town, minus the awkward small talk!

GoPetFriendly lets you “sniff out” (their words, not mine, though I do appreciate a good dog pun) over 65,000 pet-friendly locations across the UK and beyond, including off-leash parks, campgrounds, and even wineries. Yes, wineries! Because sometimes after a day of travelling with your pet, you deserve a glass of something stronger than water.

Keeping tabs on your four-legged escape artist

We all know that sinking feeling when your pet decides to go on an unscheduled solo adventure. GPS trackers are like having a virtual leash that stretches for miles:

The Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar offers durability that can withstand even the most enthusiastic mud-rollers, impressive battery life, and speedy location updates if your pet decides to chase that squirrel into the next county. It’s like giving your dog a mobile phone without the risk of them running up your bill with international calls!

Tractive GPS Tracker enables real-time tracking with no distance limits (unless your pet somehow swims to France) and allows you to set up virtual safe zones, alerting you immediately if your pet wanders off. It’s like having an invisible fence that actually works, unlike that questionable electric one your neighbor installed that their Beagle regularly ignores.

For those of us who worry about our pets overheating (which should be all of us, really), the Waggle Pet Monitor continuously tracks your vehicle’s temperature and humidity, sending alerts via text and email when conditions start to resemble a sauna rather than a car. The best part? It works without WiFi through a built-in cellular connection, ensuring protection even when you’re in those remote areas where your phone struggles to load a simple text message.

Digital records: Because no one wants to memorise rabies vaccination dates

Let’s be honest – I can barely remember what I had for breakfast yesterday, let alone when Fluffy last had her rabies booster. Digital health records are a game-changer for the forgetful pet parent:

Digitail offers a free, secure place for your pet’s health records from any vet, accessible anytime, anywhere. This proves absolutely priceless during those “oh sugar!” moments when you’re 200 miles from home and the emergency vet needs to know exactly what medications your pet is taking.

Creating a digital emergency information kit with photos (recent ones, not the cute puppy pics from five years ago), vaccination records, emergency contacts, and your travel itinerary provides crucial information that emergency personnel can easily access. This preparation becomes essential if you’re using temporary car insurance for your journey and suddenly find yourself explaining to a French vet that no, your dog hasn’t always walked with that peculiar limp.

Technology might not be able to stop your dog from barking at every motorcycle that passes or prevent your cat from expressing their travel displeasure vocally for eight straight hours, but it certainly makes managing the rest of your journey considerably easier. Now if only someone would invent an app that explains to your pet that the car isn’t actually trying to eat them, we’d be sorted!

The final furry word

Whew, we’ve certainly covered a lot of ground together, haven’t we? Much like a road trip itself, we’ve navigated the twists and turns of travelling with our beloved four-legged companions. And while planning a pet-friendly adventure might seem more complicated than assembling flat-pack furniture with no instructions, the rewards are absolutely worth it!

Picture this: you, the open road, and your furry best friend with their head happily out the window (safely restrained, of course – we haven’t forgotten Rule 57!), ears flapping in the breeze like tiny furry flags. That’s the dream we’re all chasing, isn’t it?

The difference between a disaster on wheels and the perfect pet adventure really boils down to three things: understanding your pet’s unique quirks, prioritising safety, and maintaining comfort levels that would make a luxury hotel proud. Get these right, and you’ll transform potential chaos into cherished memories faster than your dog can say “Are we there yet?” (Not that they can talk, but their eyes definitely ask the question around hour three of your journey).

I cannot stress enough how important proper restraints are – they’re not just legal box-ticking exercises but genuine lifesavers for both you and your furry co-pilot. After all, nobody wants their beloved Labrador becoming an impromptu airbag during an emergency stop! Regular breaks aren’t just nice-to-haves either – they’re essential for keeping everyone’s tail wagging throughout the journey.

Isn’t it amazing how modern technology has made pet travel so much easier? From apps that find pet-friendly pubs to gadgets that track your car’s temperature, we’re living in a golden age for pet adventurers. My phone is practically bursting with pet travel apps – much to the amusement of my non-pet-owning friends who think I’ve gone slightly barking mad. (See what I did there?)

Temporary car insurance is your flexible friend for these adventures – swooping in when you need it most and providing coverage from a single day up to 28 days. This flexibility is particularly brilliant when you’re borrowing your mum’s much larger car because your own tiny hatchback can’t accommodate both your Great Dane and the mountain of pet supplies you’ve inexplicably packed for a weekend away.

Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your pet won’t become a seasoned traveller overnight either. Start with short trips to happy destinations (the park, not the vet!), gradually build those positive associations, and work your way up to epic adventures. Trust me, I started with a cat who treated car journeys like medieval torture sessions, and now he merely looks mildly inconvenienced rather than plotting my imminent demise.

With thoughtful preparation, a dash of patience, and perhaps a sprinkling of pet treats, you and your furry family members will be making magnificent memories on the road before you know it. So pack those bags (and that pet first aid kit!), secure your temporary car insurance, and hit the road – the adventures awaiting you and your four-legged friend are too good to miss!

Frequently asked questions