UK guidance is straightforward about the central point: when a dog travels in a vehicle, it should be suitably restrained. The product that keeps the seat clean is not automatically the product that restrains the dog, so it helps to separate comfort, access and legal guidance.
What the Highway Code says
Highway Code Rule 57, updated on 22 October 2025 and applicable in England, Scotland and Wales, says dogs and other animals should be suitably restrained so they cannot distract the driver or injure themselves or another person if the vehicle stops quickly. It lists a seat-belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard as possible methods.
The word “should” is important. Highway Code rules using “MUST” or “MUST NOT” identify a specific legal requirement, while other rules can still be relevant in court when responsibility is considered. This article is practical information, not legal advice.
A seat cover is not a restraint
A hammock, protective cover or hard-bottom extender can make the travel area cleaner and more usable, but it does not secure the dog by itself. The Backseat Base bridges the rear footwell and helps protect the interior; it should be used alongside an appropriate restraint chosen for your dog and vehicle.
Car steps solve a different problem
Folding steps help a dog get into or out of a high boot with supervision. The Artemis Car Steps create four smaller climbs and fold for storage, but they are an access aid, not a travel restraint or medical device.
A practical dog-car checklist
- Choose a suitable harness, carrier, cage or dog guard for the dog and vehicle.
- Fit and use the restraint according to its manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep the driver’s controls and field of vision clear.
- Secure loose luggage so it cannot move into the dog’s space.
- Use seat protectors and extenders for comfort and cleanliness, not as substitutes for restraint.
- Park safely on level ground before using access steps.
- Recheck the arrangement when changing cars or carrying passengers.
What to buy first
Start with restraint because that addresses the central travel requirement. Then identify the everyday friction: if the rear footwell reduces usable space, consider a hard-bottom extender; if a high boot creates an awkward leap, consider supervised folding steps; if the problem is only hair or mud, a simpler washable cover may be sufficient.
Clear product roles make safer decisions easier. Restraint manages movement during travel. Steps help with access. Covers and extenders protect the vehicle and shape the space. A good dog-car setup may use more than one of them, but no single accessory should be asked to do a job it was not designed to do.