In order to transport animals in a car, you need to be well prepared. It doesn’t matter if you are traveling for a short time or planning a long trip – you need to ensure the safety and comfort of your Pet. After all, unpreparedness of the pet owner for the trip can cause danger or shock to the pet itself. To avoid this, think through all the details of the trip in advance, from selecting items to planning for respite care.

We will provide basic tips that will really contribute to an enjoyable and safe trip for your four-legged friend, and help you avoid common mistakes.

Selecting the appropriate accessories for transportation

A major mistake when transporting pets is to carry them in the owner’s arms or on the seat of a car. In order to safely transport the pet, you need to choose the right equipment that will keep it securely in one place. It can be straps, a carrier bag, a container (crate) or metal cages. Note that the harness should be secure and appropriate for the size and weight of your animal. A carrier is suitable for small breed animals and offers convenience and safety. The container, which is more suitable for large breed animals, should be spacious and have good ventilation. And for transporting even larger animals, metal cages of different sizes are used. Be sure to check that the equipment is securely fastened in the vehicle before you set off.

Preparing Tail for the trip

In order for your Pet to experience less stress during the trip, prepare it in advance. Follow these simple steps:

  • Gradually accustom your pet to the car and start with short trips. This way, it will get used to the vehicle faster.
  • Make sure your pet is not hungry before the trip, but also do not overfeed it to avoid digestive problems. The ideal advice here is to only feed your pet half the food.
  • Bring along your pet’s favorite toys and a blanket to ensure a comfortable experience.
  • Take care of food and water for your pet. Purchase a special non-spill drinker.

Tips for your pet’s comfort while traveling

When traveling, observe how your pet is feeling and make sure they are comfortable:

  • Monitor the temperature in the cabin. If necessary, use a heater or air conditioner.
  • Do not leave your pet alone in the car for long periods of time, especially in hot or cold weather.
  • Make periodic stops for rest, walks and walks so that your pet does not get tired from the long ride.
  • Use special bedding, blankets or pillows.

Tips for keeping your pet safe on the road

Your pet’s safety while traveling is the most important factor. We advise you to follow the following simple steps:

  • Fasten the gear securely in the car and make sure the pet cannot move freely around the cabin. It should be out of the front seat so as not to distract the driver from driving. Otherwise, if startled, the pet may interfere with the steering and cause an accident.
  • Do not feed your pet while driving to avoid a dangerous situation.
  • Make sure your pet does not run out of the car while stopped, and always keep it on a leash. You should have your cell phone number on your pet’s collar just in case.
  • Always have a first aid kit in the cabin for your pet in case of an emergency.
  • Don’t let your pet ride in the car looking out the open window. Firstly, small objects from under the wheels can injure the pet, and secondly, the pet’s cold due to the cold air can ruin the trip.

Peculiarities of transportation of animals in motor transport

We draw your attention to the fact that in case of a long trip or a trip abroad, it is worth taking with you a veterinary passport and vaccination card of your pet. According to the rules of transportation of animals within the European Union, domestic dogs and domestic cats must have a microchip and be vaccinated against rabies. Also, before traveling, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of animal transportation in the country where you are going to travel.

In Ukraine it is planned to update the rules of transportation of pets in commercial road transport (buses and cabs). On April 15, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (CMU) announced the promulgation of this project. The Ministry of Community and Territory Development (MCD) has prepared a draft act providing for amendments to the Rules of Provision of Road Passenger Transport Services, approved by the CMU Resolution No. 176 of February 18, 1997, and the Rules of Animal Transportation, approved by the CMU Resolution No. 1402 of November 16, 2011.

The draft act proposes:

  • to establish requirements for transportation of medium (weighing from 10 to 20 kg) and large dogs (weighing from 20 and 45 kg), as well as guide dogs;
  • to establish the requirement of obligatory presence of a veterinary document on the animal for its transportation;
  • clearly regulate the rights and obligations of transportation participants (motor carriers, drivers, passengers) with regard to the transportation of pets in the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

The draft act is available on the official website of the Ministry of Development.

So, the main principles that should be followed in the transportation of pets during road travel are:

  • placing the animal outside the front seat;
  • ensuring comfort for the animal and at the same time safety for the driver and passengers of the vehicle;
  • selecting special equipment for transporting the pet
  • securely fastening any means of transporting the pet;
  • complying with legislation on the transportation of pets within and outside the chosen country.

We hope that the information provided will help you and your pets to travel safely, comfortably and with pleasure!