If you own a cat or dog, then chances are that sooner or later you will end up having to drive your car with your pet onboard. It could be for a visit to the vet or for a trip to see friends or family, but if your furry friend is traveling with you, then your thoughts will be focused on both comfort and safety.

Your pet needs an appropriate space in the car to travel and cannot be an afterthought. Never shut your pet in the trunk, where he or she will not be able to see anything and will become very distressed. Your cat or dog should either travel on the rear passenger seat or in the cargo area of a station wagon. Ensure that there are no other objects that could fall on your animal if you have to suddenly stop, and ensure that you cover the upholstery with an appropriate cloth or blanket to make it easier to clean up any unfortunate mess.

The biggest risk to your pet while traveling in a car comes from injury as a result of not being restrained. An unrestrained dog or cat can be hurled across the car with considerable force, with serious risk of injury or death to you and your animal. As such, it is vital that your cat or dog is restrained or contained safely during transit.

There are a host of different devices available, including special harnesses, seatbelts, seats or crates. The decision around which device to buy will depend on the size and temperament of your pet, but the key is to ensure that in the event that you have to brake suddenly, your dog or cat is safely restrained. Note that you should never attach a restraining device to your pet's collar, as a sudden jolt could cause injury or even death.

Dogs particularly enjoy the rush of fresh air that they can feel through a car window, but you should never let your pet ride with the head outside the car. Particles of dust or dirt could cause irritation or injury and, more seriously, your dog is at serious risk of a fatal injury if his or head collides with another object. Open the window enough to allow some fresh air in, but not enough that a head or nose can be poked out.

On longer drives, you should stop at intervals to give your pet a break and, for dogs, some exercise too. Ensure that you pay careful attention to how your dog exits the car so that he or she cannot run into traffic. Cats may not need to go for a walk but may still appreciate some exercise inside the car, just to get out of any restraints for a while. Always carry fresh water and snacks to whet their appetite, but avoid big meals for your pets until you have reached your destination to avoid travel sickness.

Your pet should never be left unaccompanied in the car, even for a few short minutes. If you need to leave the car, then take your pet with you to avoid distress and, in hot weather, any risk of heatstroke. It's also a good idea to carry a basic pet first-aid kit with you, which you should be able to buy at a pet store. Ensure also that your pet is wearing a collar and tag in order that he or she can be identified if the two of you become separated for any reason.

Looking after your cat and dog in the car is mostly a case of common sense. With some sensible precautions, there’s no reason why your pets can’t enjoy comfortable, safe and pleasant journeys with you.