Safe travels with furry friends: your guide to Bolt Pet

Travel should be seamless for all, including your four-legged companions! 

With the recent introduction of Bolt Pet in the UK, we’ve created an easier way for animal lovers and their pets to move around comfortably and safely.

And speaking of safety, we teamed up with Blue Cross, the animal welfare charity, to hear their top tips for travelling with household pets. 

For feline friends

Cats are known for their independence. But when it comes to travel, they appreciate familiarity and security. 

Blue Cross suggests the following to make car rides less stressful for cats:

• Use a robust, well-ventilated basket or carrier, as cats can escape from cardboard carriers.
• If the carrier’s made of wire, use a cover for privacy, ensuring enough ventilation.  
• There should be one cat per carrier (except for a mother and her unweaned kittens under 8 weeks old). 
• For longer journeys, ensure they can access a litter tray, food, and water. 
• Placing the carrier in a secure dog crate during a planned stop is a good solution, as this provides extra space for a litter tray and bowls while keeping the cat safely contained.
• Secure the carrier with a seat belt, or wedge it safely at the back so it can’t move.
• Never transport cats in the boot or loose in the car’s front footwell.
• If it’s a hot day, ask your driver to keep the car well-ventilated and/or cool.
• Never leave your cat inside a car on a hot day, as the interior temperature can rise fast.

For canine companions

Dogs often love car trips, but here’s some guidance to keep your companions safe and happy in transit:

• Always carry water. 
• Take a clean blanket for your dog to lie on comfortably.
• Use a well-fitted harness or travel crate — this prevents distractions for the driver and keeps your pet safe in case of sudden stops.
• Familiarise your dog with the car by letting them explore it while you load your things.
• Begin with short drives before building up to longer trips. 
• Reward positive behaviour with treats and praise.
• Ensure your dog’s comfortable and has enough space.

Remember — dogs should never be left in cars on a hot day as they can quickly overheat, which can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety. 

When travelling in the heat, monitor your dog more carefully and frequently. Even if you and your dog are seasoned travellers, it’s important to watch out for certain behaviours.

If your dog displays any of the following, monitor the situation and consider pausing the journey:

• Excessive panting 
• Travel sickness
• Pacing
• Tail tucked between legs
• Vocalisation
• Lip licking
• Excessive yawning
• Ears back 
• The whites of the eyes show excessively 
• Raised paws
• Chewing the lead (which can act as a stress reliever)
• Displaying behaviours they wouldn’t usually, e.g., excessive sniffing or scratching.

For other smaller pets

If you’re travelling with other small pets like guinea pigs, rabbits, or rats, similar guidance applies:

• Use a secure, suitably sized, well-ventilated carry case or cage, as pets can escape from cardboard carriers.
• If the carrier’s made of wire, use a cover for privacy, ensuring enough ventilation.  
• Make sure that the carrier has appropriate food and water.
• Secure the carrier with a seat belt on the seat if it’s large enough. If not, wedge it safely at the back or hold it on your lap so it can’t move.  
• If it’s a hot day, ensure the car’s well-ventilated and never leave the pet in the car if you stop for a break.

General tips

• Pets shouldn’t be transported when temperatures could pose a risk.
• Pets shouldn’t be left unattended in vehicles.
• You can play music and radio stations at a low volume to muffle internal and external noise. Talking stations and classical/calming music are suitable but loud music and sports stations should be avoided. 
• Pets from different households shouldn’t travel together unless they know each other.
• Cats and dogs should wear a collar and tag with the owner’s address and contact number.
• If you plan to travel with a large-sized dog, kindly notify your driver through the app before the trip.
• You can bring a maximum of 2 small animals, such as a small to medium-sized dog, a cat, or any other animal classed as a domestic pet. When travelling with two pets, be mindful about the total number of passengers in the car. 
• Seek veterinary advice if your pet’s unwell prior to travelling or if you know your pet gets anxious while travelling.

We hope you’ll consider these tips the next time you travel with your pets using Bolt!

Remember that all pets are unique, so consider their needs and comfort levels when travelling. By following these tips, you can make your next adventure with your furry friend safe and stress-free!

Ready to head out? 

We’re offering a £5 discount to the first 300 users entering the code BLUECROSS* into the Bolt app. If you don’t have the app, just tap here. 

Photos of budding animal co-pilots are strongly encouraged. Don’t forget to tag us @bolt_uk!  

*Offer valid for the first 300 users in all cities where Bolt operates. The promo code is valid until 31/03/2023 (23:59) or whenever all 300 codes are used. Promo codes are activated on a first-use basis — entering a code and saving it for later doesn’t guarantee redemption. Bolt’s Passenger Terms Of Use apply.