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Whilst in-car comfort is a high priority for London’s precious pooches, safety should also be a chief concern for those looking to buy a new car, or head out on the roads with their dog this Bank Holiday, according to dog and motor experts.

With thousands of Londers planning road trips and staycations with their- dogs across the August Bank Holiday, the heycar Paw-Court opened yesterday, to let pawrents in London try out a range of cars with their four-legged friends.

The pop-up trial gave prospective buyers a unique opportunity to test out potential purchases, in a dog friendly environment, along with a range of in-car safety equipment.

The importance of making the right car choice carries huge significance. According to the Highway Code, “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

While breaking the Highway Code doesn’t carry a direct penalty, those deemed to be distracted on the road could be fined £1,000 on the spot for ‘careless driving’.

The maximum fine for this is £5,000 and nine penalty points depending on the severity of the incident. In extreme cases, a driving ban and a compulsory re-test could also be enforced.

In an exclusive blog post ahead of the Bank Holiday on canine travel safety for heycar, Dog Behavioural Expert, Adem Fehmi said: “With our dogs joining us on more adventures than ever before, it is essential that we take steps to guarantee their comfort.

To select the perfect car, in the blog post, Adem advises “At minimum, your car should be spacious enough to fit all passengers in without your dog needing to sit in a footwell or on someone’s lap (more on the safest position later!), have air conditioning to ensure your dog’s safety on those warmer days, and have a large enough opening/access route for you to get your dog in and out of their designated space.”

It’s also important to secure your dog correctly to avoid falling foul of the law. On this, Adem points out “Having dogs secured is for everyone’s safety – the driver’s, other passengers and of course also your dog’s safety. There are many devices on the market to choose from. There are a range of products on the market now including dog seat belts, hammocks, guards, crates, and even carry cases. Not every device will be the best fit for your individual dog or your individual car so it is important to do your research and find what is safest and best for your needs.

Planning for breaks is also a step that shouldn’t be overlooked according to Adem, “Ask yourself, how often will my dog need to toilet and stretch their legs to be completely comfortable? Do they have any other needs that might affect how often they might need to get out of the car? Once you have considered the answers to these questions, check your route and plan regular dog friendly stops.”

With over 15 years’ experience of working with Dogs, Adem also put together the ultimate canine comfort checklist for pups and their people to consider before they hit the road.

Canine Comfort Checklist:

· Is your car safety device fitted correctly and comfortably?
· Packed your dog’s essentials?
· Checked the weather forecast and planned for the weather?
· Dog First Aid Kit to hand?
· Aircon gassed for those warmer weather trips?

Animal Charity, Woodgreen Pets Charity have also urged the public to consider how they travel this Bank Holiday with their dogs and provided their own advice to those considering a road-trip with their pooch. Wendy Kruger, Dog Behaviour & Training Specialist at Woodgreen Pets Charity advises: “As the bank holiday weekend approaches, many pet owners look to book dog-friendly stays. These simple tips will help make your travels fun and safe for our furry friends.”

Before you go away

Prepare for car rides: “It’s important,” Wendy advises, “to prepare your dog for car rides if they aren’t a regular passenger. Taking a few short drives in the weeks leading up to their trip will help them get used to the motion of the car and build a positive association with car rides.”

Practice reward-based training: “In new and exciting environments, basic training (like recall) can’t always be guaranteed, so we recommend practicing before you go away. If your dog doesn’t have a reliable recall, long-line leads and harnesses are a great way to allow more freedom whilst keeping them safe.”

During your travels

Be mindful in hot weather: “Dogs can be highly susceptible to heatstroke, especially with temperatures reaching above 20 degrees. Plan your holiday activities to accommodate the temperature, like walking early in the morning or in the evening. We always recommend checking the ground temperature with the back of your hand to prevent burned paws. If the heat is uncomfortable after five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog.”

Never leave your dog alone in the car: “Even on moderately warm days, cars can become dangerously hot within minutes.”

Coastal considerations: “If you’re heading to the beach,” Wendy reminds,” remember to bring fresh water for your dog to drink and limit their exposure to salt water which can be harmful when consumed. Be extra cautious around clifftops, as dogs may find it tricky to see the edge and stop in time – especially if they’re prone to chasing birds.”

Ahead of the upcoming bank holiday, to provide support for dog walkers in the London area, heycar has provided the 5 best places to take your furry friend for a walk.

First is Hampstead Heath, a wild park of woodland and meadows situated less than 4 miles from central London. It sprawls over 800 acres and has some of the most stunning and picturesque views London has to offer to you and your dog. Journey times to the Heath from central London, Kings Cross for example will be around 30-45 minutes. The main public transport options are the Northern line or the overground.

Second is Battersea Park, a 200-acre Victorian Park, built in the mid-late 19th century. It has large trees, ecological areas and large lakes if you or your pup fancy a swim. It is located in Battersea, South West London in London’s Wandsworth district. You can get to the park by Bus, Train or Tube.

Thirdly, Hackney Marshes is located in East London, and is an area of open space lying on the western Bank of the River Lea. It has large ponds and long trails to be enjoyed by you and your dog. The nearest overground stations are Hackney Wick and Homerton and the closest rail station is Lea Bridge.

The fourth option is Epping Forest, which forms a direct green link between London and Essex. It is 2,400 acres of beautiful ancient woodland and green that would be a refreshing and eventful day for you and your dog. To get there from London, you take the train to Loughton station, and from there, the bus 20 to Traps Hill, which is just a short walk to Epping Forest.

Fifth is the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which opened in 2012 to support the Olympic and paralympic games in London. The parklands and the surrounding spaces are open 24/7 and include beautiful gardens, wildlife walks and award-winning playgrounds that are extremely dog friendly. It also has beautiful rivers and trails that would make walks and play that much more scenic. It is extremely easy to reach as there are ten tube and train links including the brand-new Elizabeth line, as well as numerous bus and coach routes. It is also 40 minutes to all of London’s major railway stations.

Charlotte Ford, Head of Brand Marketing & Engagement, said: “We all know how chaotic packing up the family car can be before a road trip, so it’s easy to see why the dog is often an afterthought once the children and luggage are ready to go. But with such hefty fines on offer and even a risk of losing your licence, we want to help people to find the right car for all the family. With a selection available at the Paw-Court, we hope that it helped drivers to reconsider how they travel with their dogs this Bank Holiday.”