does anyone put their dogs in the boot while towing?
just got a new (to me) towcar, a 2.2hdi c5 estate, and have put a dog guard up so i can just chuck them in the boot area (with load cover retracted of course). they are both smallish dogs - cocker spaniels.
what im wondering is can i just put them in there or do i have to tether them in some way? is there any laws i have to comply with?
simon.
------------- just cos you got the power, that don`t mean you got the right...
Our dogs have always travelled in the boot and just settle for the journey. The RSPCA do recommend a harness which connects to a spare seat belt buckle when a dog is on a back seat, only to reduce the pooch being propelled forward in a collision.
I'm not aware of any legality when in the boot, especially as you've a guard in place.
Best place in my opinion. We have 2 big dogs in our Passat estate boot, with VW dog guard fitted (they destroyed a couple of the fit any car type). This means they can't jump over and distract us when driving.
The only thing I would like is a rear door guard too, as when we get to a site they are so excited and I worry they will jump out as soon as I open the door. We have tried attaching a lead to the dog guard and clipping it on to their collars before we open the tailgate, that works.
We have had to put spring assisters on the back of the car, 2 adults 2 teenagers and 56 kg of dogs takes a toll, even when not towing a van!
Quote: Originally posted by Max-and-Paddy on 16/4/2010
Have you thought of the consequences if someone hit you from behind when you have the dog/s in the boot area?
Nora
Damn right, those dogs better not damage crates of beer as they're being flung around.
my sentiments exactly. i was going to secure my precious cargo on the back seats with the seatbelts. there is also side impact air bags in there too, so that should help!
------------- just cos you got the power, that don`t mean you got the right...
he have 2 large dogs one is 4 stone other is 7 stone, we also have C5 estate, they travel in the boot fine, obv we have a dog guard. in my view its best place for them, no chance of getting them on the back seat they are too big. the boot is safest for them and us. ok if car hits back no different to hitting the side of us. also no different to all the cars with 7 seats 2 being in the boot !!!!!!!!!
Our 2 dogs travel in the boot of our Mondeo Estate with a dog guard. They also have an old single quilt as a bed which is a perfect fit and a huge flat floor to lay out on or sit up and watch the other cars go by. They could also be harnessed to the tie down eyes that are in most estates nowadays.
My sister used to travel in her carry cot in the boot of the old Austin Maxi in the days when seat belts were for poofs and lead and asbestos were good for you!