The heat awakens our desire to travel, discover new places and share incredible moments with our loved ones. Those who have a pet will know that in this ‘ours’ they are as included as any member of the family, they are part of it. There are facilities in which to leave animals safely during the holidays, but they are quite expensive and can be a traumatic moment for our furry loved ones. If you are considering a trip by car, we recommend that you do not give up sharing it with them, complying with some security measures and following very easy advice. Whether the final destination is a hotel, which must have a pet-friendly policy , or if we go with the house in tow, in a camper or motorhome, the objective is the same: to continue enjoying different experiences with our dog or cat.
Luckily, Spain is a country with an open spirit towards pets, understanding and petfriendly . However, it is best to investigate before hitting the road and have a plan that also includes them, starting with the destination and the places where we will sleep. We will also prepare our car so that the kilometers go by as quickly as possible for everyone, without putting our safety or yours at risk.
In that sense, the DGT is very clear about it and strongly punishes the non-attachment of pets in the car. In the event of an accident, not only will they suffer the worst consequences of not being tied down , the rest will have a package of considerable weight loose in the passenger compartment with what this may entail. Not to mention the distractions that come when our friends start making unexpected requests or acts. Road regulations penalize this freedom of movement with a fine of up to 80 euros , but it can be worse. If they consider that this act is reckless or reckless driving , it is framed as a very serious infraction, with points in between.
What do I have to carry in the car?
As cited in article 18 of the General Circulation Regulations: “The driver of a vehicle is obliged to maintain his own freedom of movement, the necessary field of vision and permanent attention to driving, which guarantee his own safety, that of the rest. of the occupants of the vehicle and that of other road users. A clarification that implies carrying pets on a leash or in a carrier .
The carrier option is easy to use with cats or smaller animals , but often difficult with dogs. In this case, there are special belts that fit with the devices of current vehicles but, in the event of an impact, we will not prevent the pull from causing damage and even suffering some abrasion. That is why we always opt for a harness and not a collar , so that the entire torso can absorb any blow. The option of traveling in the trunk is one of the favorites for families and, in that case, we must have a net so that it cannot be thrown towards the front seats.
How to make your trip easier?
Dogs (and other pets) do not understand travel like us, they are animals of habit and with a certain anxious attachment. If it is difficult for him to get into the car, we recommend preparing him little by little, with pheromone sprays, games of getting on and off, turning on the vehicle without driving, then moving with him for a few kilometers… and so on until he gets used to the car or motorhome as part from your home.
During the journey it is advisable to stop often, preferably in an open and natural space so that they can discharge energy. After a walk, some balls collected and the needs done, we can resume the march. Of course, let’s not forget to hydrate it at all times and follow the hours of food that it has in its day to day.
Upon arrival at our destination, the dog, cat or ferret will be out of place. Smells, noises and many other senses will be unknown to him. The best thing is to take with us toys, the same food, his bed and even fabrics (sheets or towels) that smell like home, so that he feels less of an impact.