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If we had to transport a dog in our van I'd be looking a something like this:

http://www.fleecedogharnesses.co.uk/car/bergan-dog-car-harness-review/?gclid=CMfkke2J4bcCFeTLtAodznUAGw

Even if it meant, fabricating some sturdy fixing points in the habitation area. 

..and if I had the room, I'd use it in conjunction with something like this:

http://www.muddypaws.co.uk/dog-crates-cages/soft-dog-crates

(so if is was travel sick, it'd be "contained").

I'm sure I'd read somewhere, don't know where though, that to travel with unrestrained dog(s) in a vehicle was illegal?

 ( and just saying things like, "..he sits on my lap because he likes the view.." probably wouldn't count as a credible exemption ) 

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This lifted from the RSPCA website:

Under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997, you must not transport an animal in a way that causes, or is likely to cause, injury or unnecessary suffering to that animal. It is also important that a dog is suitably restrained in a vehicle so that it doesn’t distract the driver or injure them if the vehicle stops quickly (UK Highway Code). The RSPCA therefore recommends that dogs are both secure and comfortable during transport.

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Quote: Originally posted by pepe63 on 19/6/2013

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If we had to transport a dog in our van I'd be looking a something like this:

http://www.fleecedogharnesses.co.uk/car/bergan-dog-car-harness-review/?gclid=CMfkke2J4bcCFeTLtAodznUAGw

Even if it meant, fabricating some sturdy fixing points in the habitation area. 

..and if I had the room, I'd use it in conjunction with something like this:

http://www.muddypaws.co.uk/dog-crates-cages/soft-dog-crates

(so if is was travel sick, it'd be "contained").

I'm sure I'd read somewhere, don't know where though, that to travel with unrestrained dog(s) in a vehicle was illegal?

 ( and just saying things like, "..he sits on my lap because he likes the view.." probably wouldn't count as a credible exemption ) 

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Hi, Thanks very much for that pepe63 ... it's exactly what I was looking for. In fact it's been a while since I first posted the question so I've been looking at ideas. I knew I wanted to secure her in a harness for her safety and ours (not loose anywhere in the vehicle nor in a carrier/cage which wasn't secured = it could fly about in an accident!) but most harnesses (like from the AA) fix into a spare seatbelt post, which we don't have. Just yesterday I realised that, as my son is a keen moutaineer, I could make use of sturdy carabiners to attach the harness to the anchor points immediately beneath the passenger seat = she would be between us (though slightly behind) on her bed, for which there's plenty of room. Your links have reassured me this is an OK solution.

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LittleSole

Glad you've got some ideas now LittleSole..

A bit obvious but just bear in mind that the anchor points that you use, really need to be to the rear or at least in-line, of where your dog will travel.

If you're going to fix to the seat/seatbelt anchors(and the dog will travel "just behind you"),just be sure that you don't end up with too much "slack" strap in front them.

Personally,I'd also look at trying to use two anchor points,that are a little distance apart, that way it would sort of "trianglulate"  things, so they couldn't swing about in an arc..if that makes any sense)

As for DaveBeverley and their "nails" idea...yes I agree, what a bodge!...anyone would tell you that self tappers or bolts would make a better job..  

Quote: Originally posted by pepe63 on 19/6/2013

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Glad you've got some ideas now LittleSole..

A bit obvious but just bear in mind that the anchor points that you use, really need to be to the rear or at least in-line, of where your dog will travel.

If you're going to fix to the seat/seatbelt anchors(and the dog will travel "just behind you"),just be sure that you don't end up with too much "slack" strap in front them.

As for DaveBeverley and their "nails" idea...yes I agree, what a bodge!...anyone would tell you that self tappers or bolts would make a better job..  

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