There are a number of reasons that you may need to travel with your pet, a trip to the vets, travelling to the kennels, moving house, first trip home. It can be a daunting experience if you are unprepared for it so we would like to share with you the best ways to travel with your pets to make sure they stay safe and happy.
Unsecured pets and the law
The highway code Rule 57 states that 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 seatbelt harness, pet carrier, dog crate, or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.
If there is an accident if your pet is not restrained in the car they may escape from the vehicle, run out into traffic or run away and get lost.
There are many products available to help you keep your animals safe and happy while travelling. Here at Not Just Pets we have a great range of pet travelling items to choose from that are suitable for all types of pet.
For small animals we suggest that owners use a Pod Carrier that is secure and cannot be chewed. This can prevent the risk of your pet escaping into the car.
The Options Pod is suitable for small animals such as hamsters, mice, rats and gerbils. They are well ventilated, secure and have carry handles. Available online or in store from £7.99
A great way to transport your pet.
This is the Savic Discovery small animal Carrier. It is well ventilated and has a carry handle. This would be suitable for larger animals such as rabbits and if you had multiple small animals that would travel together. Available in store and online at £13.99
For larger small animals such as adult rats and guinea pigs we suggest a larger pod type carrier. We stock this Ferplast design in store and online at £16.99 It has a clear door, carry handles and is well ventilated,
These carriers are made from plastic which is easy to clean and can be collapsed and stored at home when not in use.
The best way to transport your pet cat is in a pet carrier. This keeps them safe and secure from escaping out of the vehicle. These carriers are designed to allow your pet to lay comfortably and are well ventilated. You can put in a blanket or towel for extra comfort.
The Cabrio is a great carrier as it is multi functional – you can open the front door for access as well as opening the top hatch for ease of putting your pet in and out. There are compartments for food and water on the go. This carrier can also be placed on the car seat and a conventional seatbelt can be used to secure it in place.
This is one of the stores best products and is a favourite with the staff as well.
Not Just Pets also stocks alternative pet carriers that come in a number of colours and designs. These have the front opening secure door. These can be collapsed when not in use. These come in a range of sizes for small cats/kittens and larger breeds.
Product shown is the Catit Voyageur Tiger Design in Black – prices start from £19.99
When travelling with dogs there are a number of options depending on your pet and the size and shape of your car.
Belts and harnesses – these can clip onto your pets harness or you can buy a travelling harness especially for the car.
The Universal seat belt restraint is used in conjunction with a full body harness which you can clip onto your dog’s regular harness and then put into your car seat belt holder. These are great if your dog does not like fussing into and out of harnesses as you use one for both travelling and walking.
Available in store or on our website at £4.99
The RAC 2 in 1 Car Harness is a great way to secure your pet dog on journeys. These are fully adjustable to ensure a great fit and then simply thread your seat belt though and clip it in as normal. Then when at your destination use the harness as a normal walking harness.
Available in a range of sizes in store and online from £9.99
The Ezydog harness is a great harness for your dog and you! Offers support and control. The chestplate comfortably moulds to the shape of your dogs chest creating a custom fit that is safe and secure. Easy to adjust and fit. Each Harness comes with a free car restraint that reduces in-car distractions. Available in different sizes and colours and in store or online starting from £15.26
Crates – These can fit into most car boots or seats and have two doors for accessibility. Well ventilated, secure and come in a range of sizes. Can be collapsed when not in use to a smaller size and stored at home or in the boot of the car.
Not Just Pets have crates available in store and online, these crates are currently on offer, starting from £30.00 for small breeds. You can also purchase crate mats that make it more cosy and comfortable.
Carriers suitable for dogs – These are great for smaller dogs and can be taken in and out of the car.
Available in different colours and four different sizes that will suit your dog’s needs. They can be collapsed when not in use.
The Carrier shown here is a Dogit Voyageur and these are in store and online starting from £18.89
Ramps for larger breeds and older dogs – These can be stored in your car to help your pet in and out of the vehicle.
This is the Pet Gear Bi-Fold Ramp that is available online at £79.99 this can be stored in your car boot and has a skid resistant surface that allows your dog safe access in and out of the vehicle.
Other items you may find useful
Calming sprays – Pet pheromones have been used to help cats, dogs and other mammals to be calm and relaxed in stressful situations.
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Adaptil is available for dogs and Feliway is available for cats.
A plug in diffuser can be used in the home but you can buy sprays for when out and about. Spray on the carrier or bedding to help your pet feel calm and secure.
Calming spot on is available for cats and dogs. This product is a natural herbal supplement that will calm your pet at a stressful time such as fireworks night or while travelling.
Just apply to the back of your pets neck and the formula effects last for up to a week.
Catnip – Can be used to help get cats into their carrier and then help them relax whist travelling.
Non spill bowls
The road refresher can be used out and about as well as in the home. The shape helps to reduce spillages without restricting your pet from drinking. Can be used in the car whilst on the move.
Available in different sizes and colours from £9.99
Travel bowls – Lightweight and transportable these can be filled and used on the go and fold down so they do not take up a lot of room.
Ideal for long walks as well as long distance travelling.
This collapsible travel bowl is available in store and online £4.99
Travel beds and crate mats – Make sure your pet travels in comfort and style. There are a range of designs and styles so your pets journeys are comfortable. Not Just Pets has a wide range available in store.
Seat cover and protectors – If using a harness or seat belt restraint you may want to protect your back seat. These can be fitted over your existing car seat and are designed to still be able to use the seatbelts safely.
This waterproof Ancol Seat Protector is available in store and online at £22.35
Shields for windows – These are great for shading pets from sunlight if it is too warm to shade your pet with a blanket.
Window grates – These fit on your car and allow cool fresh air into the car without the risk of your pet escaping out of the open window.
Fits to the width of your open window.
This Mikki window vent is available in store and online priced at £12.99
Never leave your pet in a car, whatever the weather, even if you leave the windows open – they can still overheat and die.
Now you have all the best travel equipment here are some top tips for travelling with your pets.
- Do not feed your pet immediately before travelling as this may result in sickness
- Be prepared and have an accident and emergency kit available so you can deal with any problems. The kit should contain –
- Paper towels or pet wipes
- Cleaner spray
- Poop bags
- Exercise your pet dog before travelling in the car. If they are worn out they will settle down better in the car for the journey.
- You can put a blanket or sheet over your pet’s crate or carrier to help reduce excitability. If they are not stimulated by the world whizzing by they are more likely to settle down.
- Have rest breaks from travelling where you exercise and give refreshment to your pet. If you have a pet cat please do not let them out of the vehicle as you may not be able to get them back again.
Do you have any top travelling with animal tips? We would love to hear them!
We look forward to welcoming you in store soon; remember we are open in our Bath store 7 days a week!
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We hope this gift guide has given you some ideas and inspiration. Remember that if you do not know what to get we also sell gift vouchers that can be used in our stores on any products. Do you follow us on Facebook or Twitter? Look out for Christmas related promotions and competitions and join in with the festive fun.
What special doggy wouldn’t want to wake up to these special gifts on Christmas morning! A fantastic pudding outfit, a festive dog friendly cracker, a soft reindeer toy and a lovely bed. We have a range of festive costumes, coats and jumpers for dogs of all sizes. We have plenty of beds in our Relaxing room downstairs where you can try out the beds! We stock a wide range of colours and sizes.
