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While it isn't illegal to do so, we strongly advise against it and so do the police. Because the front seats generally have more space, dogs are more susceptible to moving around and losing their balance during sharp turns or sudden stops. Meanwhile, if an airbag is deployed it could severely injure your dog.
Instead, we recommend placing them in the boot or backseat, keeping them comfortable with a car boot cover, back seat cover and headrest restraint - these accessories will help keep your dog secure and safe. If your dog has no option except to use the front seat, cover it with a front car seat with a robust anti-slip bottom to prevent them from sliding during the drive.
If your dog has severe separation anxiety, you may seat your dog in your front seat with the intention to transition your dog to the backseat or boot. Here are some helpful tips:
🐾 Begin by having your dog sit in the front by gradually introduce short periods of time in the back seat or boot. Use positive reinforcement techniques to create positive association such as offering treats, toys and/or verbal praises
🐾 Familiarise your with the space: such as a their designated car seat which you can use to transition your dog from the front to the backseat or boot.
🐾 Take short trips: Start with short trips in the car to help your dog then gradually increase thet ime and distance of the trips
🐾 Consult with a veterinarian or professional dog trainer if your dog's anxiety persists or worsens.
CAN YOU DRIVE WITH A DOG ON YOUR LAP?
No. It's illegal to do so in Australia and most of the world. For example, in New South Wales, the maximum fine for driving with a dog or pet in your lap is $2200 and four demerits points if you do it in a school zone at the marked time.
Logically speaking, driving with a dog in your lap is just an uncomfortable experience for everyone involved. A dog will sit on an uneven surface - your legs - with very little wiggle room, which may strain their joints excessively. Meanwhile, your dog's weight may restrict circulation in your legs, causing them to seize up while driving. Overall, it's simply too risky to be driving with a dog on your lap.
DRIVING TIPS TO CALM YOUR DOG
If your dog has never travelled in the car with you, it may initially be anxious and frightened. Furthermore, they may even have a preconceived idea of what a car ride entails, which is usually a trip to the vet. This is called "classic conditioning" and since most dogs dislike vets, they may be less than enthusiastic to jump in the car with you. Below are some driving tips to calm your dog down before a long ride.
FAMILIARISE AND DESENSITIVE YOUR DOG TO CARS
If your dog is new to cars, start slow with the car parked and turned off. Ensure the environment around you and your dog is calm, quiet and familiar to them. Bring them to the area inside the car where they will sit, and join them for a few minutes simply sitting together and enjoying each other's company. This action communicates to your puppy that the car is safe.
When they have started to calm down, reinforce the behaviour by praising them and providing reward treats. After a few sessions of this exercise, start the car and drive around your local block to get them used to the moving motions.
CONDITION YOUR DOG TO FEEL LESS ANXIOUS ABOUT CARS
If your dog already associates cars with a negative feeling or experience, rewarding your dog's choice to move towards the vehicle is vital to addressing its fears. Don't try to force them closer with a leash – this will only make them more anxious.
Instead, build their confidence by praising each step they take to the car. Have the car door open and reward their progress through praise and positive reinforcement.
PREVENT CAR SICKNESS IN DOGS
Like humans, dogs can also experience motion sickness especially if they've never been in a car. Unfamiliar sounds and whizzing noises from vehicles can be overwhelming to start with. Puppies are generally more prone to car sickness but typically grow out of it after around one-year-old.
🐾 To reduce car sickness, follow the steps below to help keep your dog's tummy at ease:
🐾 Keep the temperature inside cars cool
🐾 Lower the windows to give them fresh air
🐾 Limit your dog's food and water intake a few hours before your drive
🐾 Consult your local vet about anti-anxiety medication
🐾 Exercise your dog for about 20-30 minutes before the drive to decrease stress.
WHERE SHOULD YOUR DOG SIT IN THE CAR?
The best places for your dog to sit in your car are in the backseat or boot area. Not only do these spaces have ample room for them to move, sit and lie down, but it also ensures your dog won't distract you during driving.
Regardless of which area you place them in, a seatbelt is essential for maintaining your dog's safety during the drive. For medium-sized dogs, opt for a plush car seat with an Isofix safety belt to keep them completely secure.
Do not leave your dogs in a parked car as well, especially if it's a hot day. Dogs are incredibly susceptible to heatstroke.
LAWS PER AUSTRALIAN STATE
Below is a breakdown of the laws for travelling with your pets in the car.
VICTORIA LAWS FOR DRIVING WITH A DOG IN THE CAR
It is illegal to:
🐾 Put dogs in the boot of a sedan car
🐾 Leave animals unattended inside a car for more than 10 minutes, especially when outside temperatures are at or above 28 degrees celsius
🐾 Have your dog not tethered or caged if in the back of a ute or trailer
🐾 Secure your dog on the metal tray of a ute or trailer when outside temperatures are at or above 28 degrees celsius, without access to an insulating material to prevent them from making contact with the metal surface.
NEW SOUTH WALES LAWS FOR DRIVING WITH A DOG IN THE CAR
🐾 You can be fined and acquire demerit points if your dog is causing you to not be in complete control of the vehicle
🐾 You are not allowed to drive with a dog in your lap. Those caught carry a penalty of three demerit points and $338, rising to $422 in a school zone.
🐾 Drivers, motorcyclists, bike riders and passengers must not lead their dogs on a leash while they are in movement
🐾 Pets must be seated in an appropriate area of the vehicle
🐾 A jail sentence is possible if the dog is injured because it was unrestrained in the car. If an animal is injured as a result of being unrestrained, owners also face up to six months jail and fines of up to $5,500 under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
🐾 Drivers caught with unrestrained dogs can acquire fines of more than $400
QUEENSLAND LAWS FOR DRIVING WITH A DOG IN THE CAR
You are legally required to ensure your dog is safe during travelling inside a vehicle or on the tray of a trailer car. Otherwise, a maximum penalty of $8,625 applies.
Transporting any dog or animal in an unsuitable container or vehicle is also cruel, especially harmful to its welfare. This may include:
🐾 transporting the animal with too few or too many other animals or with an incompatible species
🐾 not providing the animal with appropriate breaks - water breaks, food breaks, pee and toilet breaks
🐾 confining the animal in a way that causes heat stress or other pain
🐾 Significant penalties of up to $275,700 or 3 years in prison apply for animal cruelty.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA LAWS FOR DRIVING WITH A DOG IN THE CAR
🐾 The dog cannot be in a location or position in the car where it can distract the driver. They must be securely restrained
🐾 If your dog is injured due to being unrestrained while driving, you can be fined $5000 and even face jail time
🐾 If you're a motorcycle rider, your dog can't be between you and the handlebars. They are not allowed to be in any position that may hinder your bike control. If you must bring them on your bike, the only place they can sit is in the back
SOUTH AUSTRALIA LAWS FOR DRIVING WITH A DOG IN THE CAR
🐾 It is not illegal to drive with your dog unrestrained, but it's strongly advised to secure them with a seatbelt and car seat to prevent injury
🐾 It is illegal for your dog to be on your lap while driving
🐾 It is required that dogs must be securely tethered to your vehicle if they are driving in the tray of a ute
NORTHERN TERRITORY LAWS FOR DRIVING WITH A DOG IN THE CAR
🐾 It is not illegal to drive with your dog unrestrained, but it's strongly advised to secure them with a seatbelt and car seat to prevent injury
🐾 It is illegal for your dog to be on your lap while driving
🐾 It is required that dogs must be securely tethered to your vehicle if they are driving in the tray of a ute
TASMANIA LAWS FOR DRIVING WITH A DOG IN THE CAR
🐾 Your dog must be restrained and secure in a vehicle
🐾 They cannot sit in the lap of the driver
🐾 Dogs must be properly tethered to a ute