What You Need to Know About Travelling With Your Dog in Your Ute

Your dog is your best friend. He’s been with you through thick and thin. He’s there for you through good times and bad. He’s your loyal companion, no matter what. Given all of the things your dog is to you, and all of the things that he does for you, it only makes sense that you want to bring him along on the road of life - both literally and figuratively. Think of all the adventures you will have, just you, man’s best friend, the open road, and your ute.

Before you load your dog into the back of your ute and head out on the road, it’s important for you to do your research and find out exactly what is legally required for you as a dog owner when you are travelling with your dog. The laws in your state are put in place to help protect your dog and abiding by these laws will keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come and remaining compliant with state laws will help you avoid a hefty fine.

Be Wary of Travelling With Your Dog in the Tray of Your Ute

When you and your dog are out on the open road - you in the driver’s seat and your best friend riding in the back - nothing beats the look of pure glee on his face. The wind blows his ears back and you’d swear he’s got a big ole’ grin on his face. With the joy a car ride brings to your best friend, it might be hard to imagine the potential dangers associated with travelling with your dog in the bed of your ute.

When your dog is in the tray of your ute, he’s exposed to the elements. As you’re driving, he’s vulnerable to being struck by tree branches and other debris. In addition, when you are travelling with your dog in the summer, the tray of your ute might get too hot for him and he could experience heat stroke. Likewise, in cold weather, especially rainy and wet weather, the bed of your ute might be too cold.

All of that being said, the single greatest danger to your dog when travelling in the back of your ute, is falling out while you’re driving.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Your Ute

In New South Wales, when you are travelling with your dog in the back of your ute, state law dictates that he must be restrained, either with a lead or using a cage.

Keeping your dog safe, however, isn’t as simple as tethering your dog when he’s in the back of your ute. The lead you use must be of a length that will allow your dog to sit and lie down, but should not be long enough that your dog can reach the sides of your ute, climb onto the ute’s cabin, or extend himself out over the side of the ute’s tray.

In most cases, a tether that is too long is actually more dangerous than leaving your dog untethered. A lead that is too long could result in your dog falling out of the back of your ute and being dragged along beside your vehicle. It also presents a choking hazard.

When tethering your dog to the back of your ute, be sure to use a swivel at the point where the lead attaches to your dog’s collar and where it attaches to the bed of your ute. Using swivels will help to keep from your dog from getting tangled up in the tether.

Traveling With Your Dog in a Cage

A cage, or enclosure for your dog is also a great option if you want to take him out on the road with you. If you opt to travel with your dog in a cage, ensure that it is the proper size for your dog. His enclosure should also be well covered to keep him safe from wind and rain. Lastly, his enclosure should be positioned behind the cabin of your ute and secured in place. This will keep your dog safe from exposure to wind and dust and it will keep his crate from shifting and moving as you travel.

Important Things to Consider When Travelling With Your Dog

In addition to what we’ve explained above, there are a few other steps you should take to ensure your dog has a comfortable ride:

• If it’s hot out, cover the metal bottom of your ute with blankets or floor mats to prevent your dog from burning his feet.

• If you have tools, or other equipment that will be travelling in the bed of your ute with your dog, ensure these are secured so they won’t dislodge and injure your dog if you go over large bumps.

• Don’t use choke chains to secure your dog. If you go over a large bump, brake suddenly, or take a sharp turn, your dog could lose his footing, topple over and choke himself. Instead, use a quick-release collar.

• When travelling with your dog in the bed of your ute, watch out for pedestrians. It’s important to keep your dog from interfering with pedestrians and to keep pedestrians from bothering your dog as well.

You have the responsibility to care for your K9 companion and to know the rules and regulations associated with travelling with your dog in the back of your ute. For more information about keeping your dog safe, please visit the roads and maritime website.