Transportation and use of animals on roads

Horses and riders have every right to be on our roads. However, when you take a horse on the road you must have a clear understanding of and follow the Rules of the Road that apply to you. 

• If you’re riding a horse, you must stay on the left-hand side of the road, and follow the Rules of the Road such as obeying road signs and giving clear hand signals. 
• When you are leading a horse, you should walk on the left-hand side of the road and position yourself between your horse and passing vehicles. This helps prevent the horse from interfering with traffic. 
• When riding one horse and leading another, you must stay on the left-hand side of the road. You should ensure that the led horse is to the left of the ridden horse. That way, you’re positioned between the horse being led and the traffic.  
• You should wear a  high visibility vest and an approved riding helmet.  
• Before riding on the road, you should always tell someone where you intend to go and when you will be back. 
• If you are in charge of a horse on a roadway, you must make sure the horse does not block other traffic or pedestrians.
• It is best not to bring a horse and cart on the road at night. If you do, you should carry a lamp on the cart showing a white light to the front and a red light to the back. You should also wear reflective clothing and put suitable reflective equipment on the horse. 
• If the weather is bad, you should not ride on the road unless it is absolutely necessary. Motorists will already be experiencing difficult driving conditions and meeting an anxious horse may present a dangerous situation.

Most collisions on the road involving horses happen when the horse is struck from behind. Horses and their riders are extremely vulnerable in a collision and can be seriously injured or killed. 

The video below explains how to approach and overtake a horse on the road.

You should drive in a way that keeps you and your pet calm and safe. Avoid heavy braking, accelerating and steering sharply. Plan breaks if you are going to be travelling on a long journey. You should also avoid feeding your pet before a journey in order to reduce the chances of them becoming travel sick.  

Do not let your pet put their head out of the window as they may fall/jump out or hit their head on a passing object, injuring themselves or others. Grit and debris can also get into their eyes, nose and throat. 

For medium or large sized dogs, you should purchase a safety harness that attaches to the car seatbelt. This harness should go around your dog’s chest, back and shoulders and be securely attached to a fastened car seatbelt.  

When buying a harness, ask yourself the following questions:   

• Can I use this harness in my vehicle? 
• Is this harness suitable for my dog’s size and weight?  
• Does this harness fit my dog properly and comfortably? (you should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and the dog) 
• Will they chew through it?  

It is important to make sure that your dog can't get entangled in the harness, as this will be uncomfortable for them and could distract the driver.  

For smaller dogs, cats, and other pets, a carrier is a great option. This must be the correct size and should be held properly in place with a seatbelt or by wedging it firmly in the footwell.

Never put a carrier in the boot of a saloon car as your pet could suffocate. Avoid putting it unsecured in the boot of a hatchback or estate car, as the carrier will be thrown around as a result of harsh braking or a crash. 

A travel cage or crate is suitable for dogs and larger animals. It is important to make sure the cage is the correct size for your pet; the pet must have enough space to lie down and move comfortably.

Leave plenty of space around the crate to allow for ventilation, and ensure it is secured with the seatbelt. In a hatchback or estate (not saloon) car, a cage can be attached to anchorage points in the boot.  

A dog guard, installed between the back of the car and the boot, will keep your dog away from the driver and passengers but will not protect the animal in a crash. For some vehicles, accessory kits are available to help build a dog guard.  

Most pets should be placed in a carrier before you put them in your vehicle. If you're not using a carrier, keep them on a lead while they are getting in and out of the vehicle and ensure that they use the door on the pavement side.   

Never leave your pet in alone in a vehicle, especially on a particularly hot or cold day. This can be fatal.  

• Make sure that your pet will not be struck by any airbags if they go off.
• Try taking your pet on short journeys before gradually building them up to longer trips to get them used to travelling in your vehicle, and ensure you start travelling with them from a young age. 
• Keep your vehicle well ventilated. 

• Always slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching or overtaking animals. 
• If a person in charge of animals gives a signal to slow down or stop, you must obey it.  
• Avoid using your horn if animals are in front of you, as it might frighten them. 
• If you are travelling on a road where animals are common, you will see a warning sign like these: