Driving with Your Pet: Rules and Tips for Safe Travel

We often travel with our pets by car—whether it’s for a one-off journey or a regular commute. While car travel may be the simplest option for us, it’s heavily regulated to ensure the safety and comfort of our four-legged passengers.

Before setting off, remember to pack your pet’s travel passport along with any other required documentation. Make regular stops, bring water in a travel bowl, and carry a small supply of food and any medications in an on-hand first-aid kit. In warm weather, a cooling mat can be a welcome addition.

My cat gets anxious on car rides. Pheromone sprays or wipes can help; ask your vet for personalized recommendations to make the trip easier.

Hit the road safely

You are legally responsible for ensuring your pet’s safety during travel—it’s governed by road traffic laws and requires appropriate safety equipment. (See our companion article: Traveling with Your Pet During Holidays: Which Mode of Transport Is Best?)

• If your pet travels in a small crate or pet carrier: it can be placed on the floor or the back seat; cages designed for transport feature cut-outs for seatbelts. If your carrier has no belt slots, secure it under a fixed point such as a luggage hook.

• Big dogs generally need large crates. Lower the crate into the trunk and anchor it using straps threaded beneath the rear seats—never transport smaller animals with a larger dog, as the crate must be proportionate to each pet’s size to prevent injury in the event of a hard stop.

• Partition grilles or nets may be used when your dog is too large for a crate; these are model-specific and create a barrier between the trunk and cabin.

• Pet seatbelts (safety harnesses) for dogs and cats can be bought online and in some auto shops. They attach to the car’s pretensioner in multiple points, just like a regular seatbelt, and allow your pet to sit or lie down comfortably. (See our article “Essential Accessories for Traveling with Your Pet During the Holidays”.)

French law requires that every passenger in a moving vehicle be securely fastened. An unrestrained pet can lead to a fine if stopped by authorities; secure pets on the back seat or in the trunk to minimize distractions.

In carpooling situations, look for “pet-friendly” listings; always inform the driver in advance. If your pet occupies a seat, you may need to purchase an additional ticket.

Time to stretch those legs

The destination matters as much as the journey, especially for our pets. With an animal on board, plan stops at least every two hours to let your dog (or leash-trained cat) exercise, drink, and eat. Short breaks keep everyone comfortable—and such stops are better received at pet-friendly motorway rest areas.

Did you know “pets-friendly” rest areas exist? Highways France-wide now offer purpose-built amenities for pets. Examples include:

• On the APRR/AREA network, when you enter your route on the app or website, use the “canine areas” filter to locate rest stops with large green spaces, complete with agility courses for dogs.

• On the VINCI network, dedicated guides detail pet-friendly stops with plenty of outdoor room to explore.

Never let your dog or cat roam freely at busy rest areas: moving traffic, other animals, and children can easily trigger panic. A safe, controlled release for short walks on lead is best.

Cars can be stressful for most pets. Preparation is key—a smooth trip starts with advance planning. Familiarize your pet by placing their crate in your living space days before the journey and placing familiar toys or blankets inside to create positive associations. A peaceful journey makes for a happy pet—and owner. Then all that’s left is to enjoy the ride.