Dog owners could receive fines of £5,000 or nine points for one small thing they do while driving

29 April 2026: Experts warn many UK dog owners could be unknowingly breaking the law as new search data reveals rise in owners looking for safer ways to travel with their dogs.

Dog owners could receive fines of £5,000 or nine points for one small thing they do while driving

29 April 2026: Experts warn many UK dog owners could be unknowingly breaking the law as new search data reveals rise in owners looking for safer ways to travel with their dogs.

Searches* [SH1]for “dog car harness” have increased by 168% in the last month, and “car seat for dog” has also seen a 34% increase in interest over the last quarter as weather improves and we head into bank holidays and school breaks, but many pet owners will still be unsure about laws and best practices for travelling with their beloved pets.

To ensure drivers are keeping both themselves and their pets safe, Agria Pet Insurance has provided guidance and tips to ensure a smooth and safe journey, while also avoiding potential fines or penalty points.

Under Rule 57 of The Highway Code, dogs must be “suitably restrained” while travelling in a vehicle to prevent distraction or injury.

While this rule doesn’t have a strict consequence directly, it could result in prosecution under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, for driving without due care and attention. Should your dog be seen loose or on your lap, it can result in fines of up to £5,000 or nine penalty points. 

Experts at Agria advise that the safest way to travel with your dog is to use one of the following methods: a secured crate, a fitted dog guard in the rear of the vehicle, or a pet-safety harness. For smaller dogs, pet carriers that can secure to a passenger seat with a seatbelt are also a safe choice.

Additionally, if your pet isn’t correctly restrained and there is an accident that causes injury, pet owners are unlikely to be covered by their pet insurance, meaning on top of your injured pet, fines and vet bills could be significant.

Top tips for car travel with dogs

• Always restrain your dog using a suitable restraint that complies with UK law and has been safety tested.
• Keep your dog cool and ventilated, especially in warmer weather. Many cars’ air conditioning does not reach the boot, so keep this in mind.
• Never let your dog travel with their head out of the window, as this can cause injury.
• Avoid feeding within two hours of travel to minimise nausea.
• Take regular breaks on longer journeys for comfort breaks and water.
• Take familiar bedding to help comfort your dog.
• Build up journey times gradually to help reduce anxiety and car sickness.

Lars Mortensen, Head Veterinarian at Agria App said: “We all love being able to take our pets on an adventure, whether that’s on holiday or to a green space that requires a drive. However, all dog owners must understand that travelling with their dog unrestrained puts their pet at serious risk of injury.

“Sudden braking, even at low speeds, can lead to broken bones and internal injuries with more extreme outcomes at higher speeds. Dogs can also escape through open windows, which places them in further danger.

“We all want our dogs to be safe and secure, but these types of injury can also lead to expensive treatment costs, especially as insurance is unlikely to cover them if the dog is not restrained safely.

“A proper restraint not only keeps your dog safe, but it keeps yourself, your family and other road users safe, too.”

Find more in-depth guidance on how best to travel with your dog here: https://www.agriapet.co.uk/guides-and-advice/car-travel-with-dogs-laws-and-safety/

ENDS

References:

*Search data from Google Trends, supported by Glimpse on 28/04/2026

Media Enquiries:
Contact agria@gold79.co.uk

About Agria Pet Insurance
Agria is one of the world’s leading animal insurers, specialising in small animal and equine insurance. Founded in Sweden over 130 years ago, Agria began underwriting policies in the UK in 2009 and is now a prominent part of the UK pet insurance sector.

In the UK, Agria works with over 50,000 vets, breeders and rehoming organisations, providing insurance for cats, dogs, and rabbits. Agria also administers pet insurance schemes for the leading small animal registration bodies, The Royal Kennel Club, and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).

Agria has been awarded a Which? Best Buy for Dog Insurance and a Which? Best Buy for Cat Insurance for their Lifetime Premium insurance products, and is named Best Overall Pet Insurance provider by The Telegraph 2024.

For more information, see www.agriapet.co.uk / https://www.instagram.com/agriapetinsurance / https://www.facebook.com/agriapetuk