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Travelling with your dog
05 Aug 2026
For many owners, a dog is far more than just a pet – they're a valued member of the family. In fact, dogs are the UK's most popular pet, with around a third of UK households owning at least one. It's no surprise, then, that our four-legged companions often join us on days out, holidays and daily journeys.
Whether you're heading across town or embarking on a longer trip, it's important to ensure your dog travels safely and comfortably. Take a look at our top tips for travelling with your dog:
First, the legal bit
Rule 57 of the UK Highway Code says “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.”
Keep your dog restrained
Whether your dog travels in the boot or on the rear seats, it's important they are properly secured for every journey. Allowing a dog to move freely around the vehicle can be distracting for the driver and poses a safety risk to everyone on the road.
There are several ways to keep your dog safe and comfortable while travelling. If they're accustomed to a crate, a secure travel crate can be an excellent option. Alternatively, a dog guard can help create a safe space in the boot. For dogs that prefer to travel closer to their owners, a specially designed harness and seat belt attachment can provide both security and freedom to sit or lie comfortably during the journey.
If your dog travels in the front passenger seat, ensure they are properly restrained, move the seat as far back as possible, and deactivate the passenger airbag where appropriate. Taking these simple precautions can help make every journey safer and more enjoyable for both you and your four-legged companion.
Make Them Comfortable
When choosing a car that's suitable for travelling with your dog, comfort, space and practicality are all important considerations. Providing your dog with enough room to sit, lie down and relax can help make journeys more comfortable, particularly if they're prone to anxiety when travelling.
Vehicles with generous luggage space, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS or Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, offer plenty of room for your dog to travel comfortably in the boot area. For those who prefer a smaller vehicle, the rear seats can provide a safe and cosy alternative. Adding familiar items such as blankets, bedding or a favourite toy can help create a reassuring environment and make the journey more enjoyable for your four-legged companion.
Whatever vehicle you choose, ensuring your dog has adequate space and feels secure can go a long way towards creating a calmer, more enjoyable travel experience for everyone on board.
Keep them cool
Our dogs may love an adventure, but warmer weather can make travelling more challenging for our four-legged companions. With recent summers bringing record-breaking temperatures across the UK, taking a few extra precautions can help keep your dog safe, comfortable and happy on the road.
Allowing fresh air to circulate by opening windows slightly can help maintain a comfortable environment inside the vehicle, while also introducing familiar outdoor scents that may reassure anxious dogs. Window shades can be another useful addition, helping to reduce direct sunlight and keep the cabin cooler during longer journeys.
It's also essential to carry plenty of fresh drinking water and offer regular opportunities for your dog to stay hydrated, particularly on hot days. Most importantly, never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle, even for a short period, as temperatures inside can rise quickly and pose a serious risk to their health.
By planning ahead and keeping your dog's comfort in mind, you can ensure every journey is as safe and enjoyable for them as it is for you.
Take regular breaks
Take a look at your route beforehand and plan some dog friendly stop points along the way. Not all service stations will be suitable for dogs as they can be quite noisy so finding a park or grass area on route may be a better option.
Protect your car
If your dog is a regular passenger, a few scuffs and scratches around the boot area can be hard to avoid. Fortunately, there are practical solutions to help keep your vehicle looking its best. The Mercedes-Benz Concertina Load Sill Protector is designed to shield the boot sill and rear bumper from scratches, dirt and everyday wear caused by dogs jumping in and out of the vehicle.
Quick and easy to use, the protector simply folds out when needed to provide additional coverage and can be conveniently stored when not in use. Its durable, easy-clean design makes it an ideal accessory for dog owners and anyone who regularly loads and unloads equipment from the boot.
You can check whether your Mercedes-Benz is compatible with the Concertina Load Sill Protector. Before selecting your retailer, be sure to click the 'Suitable for your car?' button and enter your registration number to confirm compatibility.
Alternatively, contact your nearest Mercedes-Benz South West dealership using the form below, and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help with any questions or assist with your order.