The UK is a pet-loving country, with 51% of Brits admitting they love their dog or cat just as much as their children.

When organising road trips and local staycations, four out of five dog owners say they bring their pet along, explaining it wouldn’t be a family holiday without the pooch.

What’s more, it's been found that pet companionship can ease feelings of anxiety, helping build a sense of self-confidence in people who are nervous about going out and about on their own.

But when taking your furry friend on a road adventure, there are some rules to follow. Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, the faff-free way to buy a car online, said: “Under Rule 57 of the Highway Code, dogs and other animals must be suitably restrained when travelling in a vehicle.

“This is to avoid them distracting you en route and – should you need to stop suddenly – to prevent injuries to both you and your four-legged passenger.

“The UK law also suggests using a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog guard or dog cage to keep your pooch safe aboard your used Ford or Audi at all times.

“Bear in mind that breaking Rule 57 is classed as careless driving, which could lead to fines up to £5,000 and 9 penalty points.”

So what dog travel accessories should you pack before hitting the road? 

Dog seat

Dog car seats are a true game-changer for puppies and small- or medium-sized pooches.

Designed for safety, a dog seat keeps your pet secure while the car is in motion, protecting them from potential bumps and jolts. It also provides your dog with a space where they feel safe and can snooze, meaning you can focus on the road ahead without worrying about their movements or comfort.

One of the most attractive advantages of dog seats is that they can . A forward-facing, elevated position allows your furry friend to look out of the window and benefit from better ventilation, alleviating symptoms such as drooling, panting and vomiting.

Sifting through dog seat options on Amazon with the best average customer reviews, the highest-rated product is the K&H Bucket Booster Dog Car Seat, with 86% of buyers awarding it a five-star score. Reviewers say their dogs “absolutely love it”, accommodating pooches who like to admire the scenery or take a nap en route.

Dog guard

Dog guards are a crucial accessory for your car if you’re taking a larger furry friend on your adventures.

Sheehan added: “Using a dog guard can be just as important as buckling up your seatbelt. It will help keep you and your pet safe on the road, preventing your animal from entering the passenger compartment in case of an accident or sudden braking.

“Also, unrestrained dogs might be tempted to climb into the front seat to sit next to their best friend. This can be dangerous as they might involuntarily obstruct your driving vision or interfere with the steering wheel.”

If you’re looking for a reliable, good-quality dog guard, purchasers on Amazon sing the praises of the 4.9-rated Travall Guard TDG1215, with reviews highlighting its solidity and good value for money.

Calming dog treats

Dogs aren’t always as excited about car journeys as their owners.

Travel anxiety in pooches tends to stem from the fear of not knowing what's happening or where they are going, meaning your friend might experience feelings of stress and anxiety. Common signs of travel anxiety in dogs include trembling, hiding, tail-tucking, pacing, panting, and even diarrhoea.

To keep your canine happy and safe, don’t forget to stock up on calming dog treats. The highest-rated food option on Amazon, Calm & Relaxed by Pooch & Mutt, might be just what you need to keep your dog’s worries at bay.

Dog harness

Dog harnesses are another important safety feature to pack for your long-distance journeys.

Sam said: “In a similar way to the safety accessories mentioned above, the main goal of a dog harness is to act as a seatbelt for your waggly friend, eliminating their ability to roam around the interior of the car while you’re on the move.

“All you need to do is fasten the harness clip into your car’s seat-belt buckle or strap it around the back-seat headrest.

“The beauty of some harnesses is that they’re multipurpose. As well as keeping your dog secure on the road, it can be used for walks once you’ve stopped for a break.”

With an overall rating of 4.8 on Amazon, the SlowTon Double Dog Seat Belt is the tangle-free harness with the best score on the marketplace. Buyers say it’s a “safe” and “handy” solution for drivers cruising around with one or two dogs in the back.

Foldable travel bowl

Keeping your furry companion hydrated and well-fed is vital, as it will help them stay calm and relaxed throughout the journey.

Before you set off on your adventure, pack some extra dog food – you might not be able to find your pooch’s favourite snacks en route.

If your dog’s food and water bowls take up too much space in the boot, you may want to invest in the Axgo 1PC Foldable Silicone Dog Bowl. This collapsible bowl is suitable for food and water and has a total score of 4.8 on Amazon.

According to travelling dog owners, the product is a “great travel bowl” that can also suit impromptu meals on walks and hikes. What’s not to like?

Planning a road trip with your four-legged friend? From dog seats and harnesses to calming treats to pop-up bowls, these pet accessories can help you navigate the roads of Britain safely with your pooch at the back.

Many thanks to Cinch for this great article