Cars for Dogs

Going on holiday with your dog requires plenty of preparation. What is sometimes overlooked is the issue of safety. Many people allow their dogs free rein in the boot, on the back seat or even on their laps. This is not only dangerous, it is also illegal in parts of the country.

In New South Wales, for example, it has been illegal to have an unrestrained dog in a car since July 2009. Penalties include three demerit points and a fine of approximately $400. In addition, if an unrestrained dog is injured in a car crash, owners face up to six months in prison plus fines of up to $5500 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Animal harnesses that buckle into car seats are available for all sizes of dogs, as are pet carriers. However, car manufacturer Honda has gone several stages further by creating a car specifically built around a dog’s needs. Already popular in Japan and the US, perhaps it will be soon be the norm for Aussie dog-owners, too.