You can already picture it. The tailgate opens, the suitcases are neatly stacked, the leash is ready by the door, and your dog senses exactly what's about to happen.
Vacation.
Perhaps you're driving towards the forests of the Ardennes. Perhaps it will be hiking through the Black Forest, a stop at a French lake, or a long drive to Italy. For you, the pre-trip excitement often begins with booking. For your dog, the vacation truly starts once he gets into the car.
And that's exactly where things often go wrong.
Because what may feel like “oh, it's fine” in the Netherlands could suddenly be a problem abroad. Several European countries have rules for transporting dogs in cars. Sometimes these rules are very specific. Sometimes they simply state that your dog must not hinder the driver or cause danger.
In all cases, the same starting point applies: a dog moving freely in the car is not a good idea. Not for your dog, not for you, and not for other road users.
In short: Traveling through Europe by car with your dog? Always check the rules of your destination and the countries you'll be traveling through. In many countries, your dog must be safely secured or transported in a way that doesn't distract the driver. Consider a dog seatbelt, travel crate, dog barrier, or a secure travel spot that fits your car.
Which travel destination fits your route?
Do you drive to Germany, France, Spain, Italy, or further into Europe? Choose a fixed spot in the car that suits your dog, your car, and of course your dog.
There is no single European rule that states, “This is how every dog must be transported in every car.” Within Europe, the rules vary by country.
Some countries view having a dog in the car primarily as something that must be properly secured. Other countries emphasize that the driver must not be obstructed. In practice, this often amounts to the same thing: your dog must not be allowed to move around freely in the car, sit on your lap, or be able to jump, slide, or move forward while the car is in motion.
Therefore, it's smart to not only look at what's legally allowed at a minimum, but at what's safe and practical along the way. Especially on long holiday trips, busy highways, mountain passes, traffic jams, and warm intermediate stops.
In the Netherlands, there is no specific law that prescribes exactly whether your dog must be in a crate, wear a seatbelt, or sit behind a partition. However, your dog must not pose a danger or cause a nuisance while the vehicle is in motion.
That may sound like a lot of leeway, but it doesn't mean it's a good idea to let your dog run loose. If your dog jumps forward, comes up to your feet, pushes against your arm, or shoots across the car during an emergency stop, you immediately have a safety issue.
In Belgium, too, the principle is that as a driver, you must maintain control and your dog must not pose a danger. Therefore, anyone driving towards the Ardennes for a weekend of hiking would be wise to transport their dog on a leash or in a secure enclosure.
Germany is a popular vacation destination for dog owners. Think of hiking in the Black Forest, lakes in Bavaria, or a stopover on the way to Austria or Italy.
But Germany is also a country where your dog should not just sit loose in the car. According to the German approach, a dog in the car is considered cargo that must be properly secured. This means your dog must be protected from shifting, falling over, or flying through the car in an emergency stop or evasive maneuver.
In practice, you therefore use a DogSeat, travel crate, transport box, or dog carrier. A dog traveling unrestrained may result in a fine.
Are you going to England, Scotland, or Wales with your dog? For example, for a road trip through the Cotswolds, hiking in the Lake District, or a cottage by the coast? Then the British rule is quite clear: dogs and other animals must be suitably secured in the car so they cannot distract the driver or injure themselves or passengers during sudden braking.
The Highway Code mentions, among other things, a dog harness with a seatbelt, pet carrier, dog crate, or dog guard as ways to transport animals safely.
Please note: The Highway Code is not a casual vacation checklist, but a set of traffic regulations. If your dog is loose and causes a distraction or danger, it can lead to problems during a traffic stop or in the event of an accident.
Practical choice
For small dogs who want to stay close, a fixed spot on the front seat (Luna Cruise) or back seat (Harvey Lounge) comfortable. For larger dogs, a rear seat is usually a better choice.
Spain brings to mind sunshine, beaches, and long evenings outdoors. But the drive there is often a long one—especially if you’re driving through France and then continuing on toward the Costa Brava, the Basque Country, or Andalusia.
The Spanish traffic authority, the DGT, advises very clearly: never travel with an animal loose inside the car. A loose animal can pose a risk to itself, the passengers, and emergency responders following an accident. The DGT also states that animals must not interfere with the driver.
So, for Spain, it's wise to always transport your dog secured or separated. Consider a DogSeat, bench, dog transport crate, or dog guard. Additionally, let your dog never in the back of a hot car. Spain has strict animal welfare regulations, and heat is no minor issue there.
For many Dutch people, France is still the go-to vacation destination. Whether you’re driving to the Dordogne, Brittany, the Alps, or further on to Spain, you must follow French traffic laws.
In France, the main emphasis is on maintaining control of the vehicle. Your dog must not obstruct your view, restrict your freedom of movement, or distract you. A dog that roams freely in the car, jumps between the seats, or tries to crawl onto your lap can therefore be a problem.
That’s why it’s a good idea to transport your dog in a secure or enclosed carrier even in France. Not because every dog is required to be in the same type of carrier, but because you, as the driver, need to maintain control.
A fun but practical example:
A lunch break by a French lake sounds relaxing. But when your dog jumps into the back seat wet, excited, and off-leash, the ride suddenly becomes less peaceful. Having a designated spot in the car also helps keep your interior cleaner.
Italy is beautiful with a dog. Think of mountain villages in South Tyrol, hikes around Lake Garda, or quiet agriturismos outside of peak season.
For transportation in the car, your dog must not obstruct the driver. If you are traveling with multiple dogs, stricter rules apply: multiple dogs must be transported safely, for example, in a crate, behind a partition, or in a separate compartment.
In addition, Italy is a country where you also need to be careful outside of the car. A muzzle may be mandatory or requested on public transport or in certain public places. Always check this in advance for your destination.
Practical choice
If you're traveling with one small dog, a DogSeat might be a good fit for the back seat or front seat. If you're traveling with multiple dogs or a larger dog, be sure to check the back seat or trunk.
Austria and Switzerland are popular countries for active holidays with dogs. Mountain lakes, hiking trails, fresh air, and plenty of time outdoors. But the roads are also different: bends, altitude changes, tunnels, and sometimes long descents.
Here too, in practice, your dog must not hinder the driver and must not cause danger. A loose dog is particularly inconvenient on mountain roads. At every hairpin bend, your dog has to find its balance. That is tiring and unsettling.
Therefore, provide a fixed spot with firm cushions where your dog can lie, lean, and stay calm, such as the Royal Deluxe. Especially with dogs that get carsick easily or build up anxiety in the car.
Denmark, Sweden, and Norway often feel spacious and dog-friendly. Long beaches, forests, and quiet vacation homes make these countries attractive to dog owners.
Yet, "dog-friendly" doesn't mean your dog should travel loose in the car. The distances are long and the trips can be tiring. Here too, the rule applies: prevent your dog from bothering you or injuring themselves during sudden braking.
For dogs that need a lot of space, the trunk often a good choice. For smaller dogs, the backseat or front seat pleasant, provided the place is stable and safe.
The rules don't stop once you get off.
In many countries, there isn't a simple nationwide rule that applies everywhere. Municipalities, nature reserves, beaches, and campgrounds can all have their own specific rules.
Please pay special attention to:
✓ Leash law in cities and towns
✓ Leash required in nature reserves
Seasonal rules on beaches
✓ Muzzle rules on public transport or crowded public places
✓ Rules for certain dog breeds
Campsites or holiday parks with their own house rules
Are you going hiking in the Black Forest, the Ardennes, or a national park in Austria? Then expect that leashes are often mandatory or strongly advised, especially to protect wild animals.
Most vacation routes go through multiple countries. To get to Italy, you often drive through Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. To get to Spain, you usually go through France. To get to Croatia, you might drive through Germany, Austria, and Slovenia.
The safest approach is therefore simple:
Always transport your dog in a way that prevents them from moving freely around the car.
This way you're on the safe side in almost every country. Moreover, it gives your dog more peace and you less distraction.
For example:
A travel crate or transport box
✓ A dog guard or partition
✓ One DogSeat
A fixed travel spot that fits the car's location
✓ A combination of comfort and secure fastening
Check before departure:
Does your dog have a European pet passport?
Is your dog microchipped?
Is the rabies vaccination valid?
Have you checked the rules for your destination?
Have you also checked the rules for transit countries?
Is your dog safely secured or shielded in the car?
Does your dog have enough room to lie down?
✓ Did you include water, breaks, and warmth in your planning?
Do you know if there are local leash or muzzle rules?
There is no general European rule that is exactly the same everywhere. In many countries, your dog must not obstruct the driver or cause danger. In countries like Germany and the United Kingdom, securing your dog safely or providing suitable restraint is clearly stated.
That is usually not a good idea and can cause problems in different countries. A loose dog can distract you, shoot forward when braking, and in some countries can lead to a fine. Therefore, transport your dog secured or enclosed.
That depends on your dog, car, and destination. A small dog can often travel comfortably with a designated spot and a seatbelt. Larger dogs often travel better in the backseat or in the trunk. At DogSeat we are convinced that with our different solutions for every dog and every car, we have multiple suitable options that combine safety, comfort, and design.
Yes. If you drive to Italy, Spain, or Croatia, you will often pass through multiple countries. You also need to comply with the rules of those countries along the way.
Check the current information with official or specialized sources such as LICG, ANWB, Europa.eu, and national traffic authorities like GOV.UK, ADAC, or DGT.
A vacation with your dog isn't just about the destination. Of course, you'll think about that vacation home in the Ardennes, that hike through the Black Forest, or that first morning at Lake Garda.
But first there is the ride.
And that ride often determines how relaxed your vacation begins. Therefore, check the rules, choose a fixed spot in the car, and ensure your dog can travel comfortably and safely.
Because your dog is not just a loose bag in the back. He's part of the journey. Safe from the first to the last mile.
