Travelling with a dog sounds simple until you try to book a car for the two of you. You ring one firm and they say no. You ring another and they say yes, and then you spend the days before wondering what “yes” actually meant. Will the dog fit? Where do the bags go? Is he even allowed on the seat?
We are a chauffeur service in Nottingham, and dogs and other suitable pets can travel with us in our Mercedes Vito executive minibus. This guide covers why dogs get turned down, what the rules say, how to get your dog ready, and what to tell us when you book so the day goes smoothly.
Why some firms turn dogs down
Usually it comes down to space and the unknown. A small car is tight for a person, some bags and a big dog, and a driver who has never met your dog can’t know how it will behave once the car is moving.
That is the reason to book ahead. If you tell us about your dog before the day, we can say honestly whether the journey will work, instead of finding out at the door.
What the Highway Code says about travelling with a dog
Rule 57 of the Highway Code says dogs and other animals should be suitably restrained, so they can’t distract the driver or hurt themselves, or you, if the car has to stop suddenly. It names a seat belt harness, a pet carrier, a dog cage or a dog guard as ways to do it.
Rule 57 is guidance rather than a law in its own right, so you wouldn’t be prosecuted for breaking it alone. But police can still take action if a loose animal gets in the way of the driver, and insurers can take a dim view of an unrestrained pet if there is a claim. Either way, it is safer for the dog and for everyone in the car if the dog is secured.
If you already use a harness, carrier or crate, tell us when you book.
Assistance dogs are a different matter
Guide dogs and other assistance dogs are working dogs, not pets, and the law treats them that way. Under the Equality Act 2010, private hire operators and drivers must carry assistance dogs and cannot charge extra for them. Refusing to is a criminal offence.
So the £40 dog fare mentioned below does not apply to an assistance dog. If you are travelling with one, tell us when you book so we can plan the pickup properly.
Our vehicle: the Mercedes Vito
Dogs and other suitable pets travel in our Mercedes Vito, the executive minibus on our fleet. It takes up to seven passengers and has spacious luggage capacity, which helps when a family is travelling with a dog and a lot of bags.
Seats are only part of it, though. A large dog, a crate and four big suitcases need more room than a small dog and an overnight bag. So send us the numbers: how many people, how many pets and roughly how big, how much luggage, and whether you use a crate. We will tell you whether it works and what it will cost before you commit.
Getting your dog ready
A calm dog makes for a calmer journey, and a little preparation goes a long way when you are travelling with a dog. A few simple things help:
- Take your dog out for a walk and a toilet stop before we arrive.
- Bring water, a lead, waste bags and any medication your dog needs.
- Pack a familiar blanket or mat. The smell of home settles a lot of nervous dogs.
- Keep the lead on until your dog is in the vehicle.
If your dog gets anxious in cars, say so when you book. A direct journey, with no changes or stops in the middle, is often easier on a nervous dog.
Going to the airport with a dog
Check with your airline before you plan anything. Travelling with a dog on a plane is a very different thing from travelling with one in a car. Most UK airlines don’t allow pets in the cabin, and some don’t carry them at all. Assistance dogs are generally the exception. The fact that we can take your dog to the airport doesn’t mean the airline will take it on the plane.
If your dog is part of an airport journey, give us every address and your flight details when you book. For airport pickups we offer flight monitoring, so your arrival time is taken into account.
These guides can help with the planning:
- How early should you get to the airport
- East Midlands Airport drop-off charges
- Nottingham to East Midlands Airport: your options compared
You can also see our full airport transfer service and our East Midlands Airport transfers page.
Vets, groomers and family visits
Not every dog journey involves a suitcase. Vet appointments, the groomer and visits to family are all things we can help with.
A vet visit is where a direct private journey helps most. There are no changes, and no other passengers to think about if your dog is nervous or unwell. If the appointment is time sensitive, book ahead and tell us the appointment time.
For more, see what makes a chauffeur pet friendly and how pet chauffeurs work.
What a dog journey costs
Dog journeys with Intel Cars have a minimum fare of £40. The final price depends on the pickup, the destination, the distance and what you need, so give us the full details and we will confirm the fare before you travel.
What to tell us when you book
The more we know up front, the easier it is to plan. Send us:
- your pickup address and destination
- the date and time, or your appointment or flight time
- how many people are travelling
- how many pets, what they are, and roughly how big
- how much luggage, and whether you use a crate or carrier
- anything we should know about your dog, such as being nervous
Frequently asked questions
Is travelling with a dog in an Intel Cars vehicle allowed?
Yes. We provide pet-friendly journeys in our Mercedes Vito. Tell us about your dog when you book so we can make sure the journey is suitable.
Do you take every breed and size?
We can’t promise that. Safety comes first. If your dog is very large, aggressive or needs particular handling, tell us before you book so we can look at the journey properly.
Can I take a large dog?
Possibly, depending on the vehicle and the journey. Give us your dog’s approximate size, the number of passengers and your luggage.
Can I bring more than one pet?
It may be possible, depending on the animals, their size and the journey. Tell us how many and whether they use carriers or crates.
Can I take my cat?
It may be possible for cats and other suitable pets. A secure carrier is recommended. Tell us what animal you are bringing.
Do assistance dogs pay the dog fare?
No. Assistance dogs travel at no extra charge. Just let us know when you book.
Book a pet-friendly journey in Nottingham
Travelling with a dog in Nottingham? See our pet-friendly chauffeur service for the full details, or send us your journey straight away. Message us on WhatsApp at 07796 012450 or call 0115 778 0699, or use our booking page. Tell us about you, your dog and where you are going, and we will take it from there.
