How to Travel Safely With a Whippet: Our Favourite Car Harness

Pointy Faces
4 days ago
3 min read

Summer is the perfect time for road trips, adventures, and holidays with our pointy faced companions. Ensuring their safety while travelling isn’t just about comfort, it’s also a legal

requirement. We’re no strangers to road trips with sighthounds. Olive, our lurcher, has joined us on journeys through France, Spain, Scotland, and countless trips around Wales.

Here’s how to prepare for a safe and enjoyable road trip with your sighthounds.

1. Secure Your Whippet with a Crash-Tested Harness

Sighthounds are known for loving their comfort. For small to medium sized breeds, the back seat can be the perfect spot if it’s safe. That’s where a crash-tested harness comes in. We highly recommend the Ruffwear Dog Car Harness. It’s designed to keep your dog

securely restrained while allowing them to sit or lie down comfortably. Its low seatbelt

attachment helps reduce risk during sudden stops or accidents, all while ensuring comfort over long distances.

Why we love this harness:

Crash-tested for safety
Padded wide chest panel allows for weight distribution in case of sudden stops
No extra attachment or clips needed as the seatbelt fastens directly into the harness, minimising entanglement and slack

2. For Larger Sighthounds

For larger sighthounds, the car boot may be a better option. Use a crate or install a boot

guard to keep them secure and compliant with UK regulations. For extra comfort add a thick bed or cut foam to size and cover with a washable cover or blanket.

3. Understand Legal Requirements

In the UK, the Highway Code states that dogs must be suitably restrained in a vehicle so

they cannot distract the driver or cause injury if the vehicle stops quickly. Using a proper

harness or a secured crate complies with these regulations and ensures everyone’s safety on the road.

4. Prevent Car Sickness

Whippets can be prone to motion sickness. To help:

● Avoid feeding your dog right before the trip

● Ensure good ventilation in the car

● Start with short journeys to acclimate them

● Ask your vet about anti-nausea options if needed

5. Plan Regular Breaks

On longer trips, schedule regular stops every couple of hours. This allows your Whippet to stretch, have a drink, and take a break from the car. Regular breaks help reduce stress and restlessness and are enjoyable for humans too. They’re also great opportunities to explore scenic spots along the way. Some of our best walks have been spontaneous detours discovered during road trips!

6. Pack the Essentials

Make sure you pack a travel kit for your Whippet including:

Water and a travel bowl
Food and treats
Lead and poop bags
Comfort items like toys or a blanket
A dog towel for wet walks or muddy paws
Any medication they need

Being well-prepared helps you avoid unnecessary stress mid-journey.

7. Make Car Travel Positive

Reward calm behaviour with treats or praise so that your Sighthound learns car journeys can be a good thing. Over time, this positive reinforcement can help reduce travel anxiety.

If travelling through areas with low pollution, crack open the window a little to allow for sniffs. Sniffing is calming for dogs and helps them learn about their surroundings.

Regular sniff breaks and walk stops go a long way toward making car travel something your Whippet will look forward to.