In Finland, it is estimated that every fourth household has a dog, and many of us take our dog along on car journeys almost daily. But does your dog travel safely? The Road Traffic Act and the Animal Welfare Act set clear requirements for transporting pets – and above all, your dog's safety depends on how it is secured. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about safe car travel with your dog.
What does the law say about transporting a dog in a car?
In Finland, there is no separate law solely for transporting pets in cars, but the matter is governed by two important regulations:
- Road Traffic Act (729/2018): A dog is equated with loose cargo, which must be secured safely. The driver is responsible for ensuring that the animal does not disturb driving or cause danger.
- Animal Welfare Act (693/2023): An animal must not be transported in a way that causes unnecessary pain, suffering, stress, or harm.
In practice, this means that the dog must not be loose in the car during driving. It must be secured either in a transport cage, carrying box, or with safety harnesses on the back seat. The driver must also not hold the dog on their lap.
Penalties: If a poorly secured dog causes an accident, the driver may be held responsible. Fines are possible if the method of transporting the pet endangers traffic safety.
The safest ways to transport
According to the Finnish Road Safety Council, the safest way to transport a dog in a car is either with high-quality safety harnesses attached to the back seat or in a sturdy cage fixed to the car’s structure. Here is a comparison of different methods:
1. Crash-tested safety seat or transport box
The safest option. Products tested according to international safety standards (such as ECE R129) protect the dog effectively in the event of an accident. The crash-tested ISOFIX safety seat attaches firmly to the car’s ISOFIX points and does not come loose during sudden braking or collision.
2. Safety harnesses
A good option for small and medium-sized dogs. The harnesses are attached to the car’s seatbelt anchor on the back seat. Note that ordinary safety harnesses do not protect the dog as well as a crash-tested cage, but they are a significantly better option than travelling loose.
3. Transport box in the cargo area
In station wagons and off-road vehicles, a transport box in the cargo area is a popular solution. The box must be sturdy (metal or hard plastic) and fixed to the car’s structure. According to the Finnish Road Safety Council, lightweight cages do not provide sufficient protection – even at urban speeds, collision forces can cause the pet to be thrown out.
ISOFIX – the safest fastening method
The ISOFIX fastening system is familiar from child seats, and the same technology works excellently in pet safety seats. ISOFIX points are standard equipment in almost all modern cars, and a safety seat attached to them stays firmly in place.
Maeve ISO safety seat and Hendrick safety seat are both designed with ISOFIX fastening – this means that the fastening does not depend on adjusting the seatbelt tension, but the seat locks mechanically to the car’s frame.
In summer heat, keeping the dog cool in the car is especially important. With the cooling ISOFIX safety seat, you ensure that your dog does not get hot even on long journeys.
Temperature and the dog’s well-being in the car
The car’s temperature is one of the greatest risks for a dog. Remember these important points:
- A dog does not sweat like a human – it regulates its body temperature mainly by panting
- At indoor temperatures above +25 °C, the dog must not be left in the car unattended
- Below –5 °C, the dog must not be left in the car unattended
- The car heats up in the sun surprisingly quickly – the indoor temperature can become dangerous in just 20 minutes
- The air conditioning must be kept on whenever the dog is in the car
If you have to leave the dog in the car for a moment (for example, during a shopping trip), the dog may be in a cage in a stationary car for a maximum of 3 hours. This also requires that the temperature is safe for the dog.
Practical tips for long car journeys
- Take breaks regularly – the dog needs exercise, water, and movement at least every 2 hours
- Offer water during breaks and carry a travel water bottle
- Do not feed the dog just before the journey – motion sickness is common in dogs
- Acclimate the dog to the safety equipment first on short trips
- Keep the dog secured also during breaks, especially at rest areas
- Mark the car: a "Dog in car" sticker helps rescue personnel in case of an accident
Rules for transporting in the cargo area
A dog may be transported in the cargo area if there is an open connection to the passenger compartment – for example, in a station wagon. However, in a closed cargo area (such as in sedan-type cars), transporting an animal is prohibited.
In the cargo area, the dog must be secured so that it cannot escape into the passenger compartment or out of the car when doors are opened. A sturdy transport box fixed to the car’s structure is the best solution.
Summary
Safe car travel with a dog does not require complicated arrangements – it requires the right safety equipment and good foresight. In brief:
- ✓ Always secure the dog – safety harness, safety seat, or transport box
- ✓ Choose crash-tested safety equipment for the best protection
- ✓ Monitor the temperature – do not leave the dog in a hot or cold car
- ✓ Take regular breaks on long journeys
- ✓ Acclimate the dog to travelling already as a puppy
When your dog travels safely, you can both enjoy shared car journeys – whether it is a trip to the store or a long holiday journey.
