We all love our pets, and the last thing we want is to get stranded with them during an emergency breakdown Here's everything you need to know about what to do if you break down with your dog, cat, or other pets in your vehicle.
Does The AA attend breakdowns when pets are onboard?
Yes, we’ll always attend to breakdowns when you have pets onboard. Our friendly patrols are happy to help you and your furry friends. We recommend keeping a pet carrier or crate in your car to make things easier for us.
This policy doesn't apply to horses and livestock, as we’re unable to accommodate larger animals.
What is the AA’s policy on assistance dogs and breakdowns?
We’ll do our best to help you and your assistance dog in a breakdown situation. It’s still down to the discretion of the individual patrol that comes out to help you (they may have an allergy, for example), but you can let us know that you have an assistance dog with you. We’ll then be able to tailor help for your specific needs.
What happens if the AA can’t take my pets during breakdown recovery?
We’ll always do our best to help you and your pets in any breakdown situation, but in cases where we can’t take your pets in the recovery vehicle, we’ll help to make alternative arrangements to get your pets back to safety.
What happens when you break down with pets on board
Whether you have pets with you or not, we’ll work hard to get you and your vehicle to safety. If we can’t repair your vehicle on the roadside, we’ll need to tow your vehicle. It is at the discretion of the patrol, and solely at the owner’s risk, to allow your pet to ride with you in the recovery vehicle or in the towed vehicle. In most cases, your pet will be accommodated in the recovery vehicle. However, on some occasions, they may need to ride in the towed vehicle due to individual health and safety reasons, like if one of our drivers has an allergy.
What happens when you break down on the motorway with pets onboard
If you have a breakdown on a motorway, let us know that you have a pet onboard – we may be able to send a patrol who’s comfortable taking your pet in their vehicle. To be on the safe side, always bring a pet carrier with you whenever you drive with a furry friend.
The Highway Code states:
Rule 56
Do not let a dog out on the road on its own. Keep it on a short lead when walking on the pavement, road or path shared with cyclists or horse riders.
Rule 57
When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.
Will pets be able to go in patrol or recovery vehicles?
We’ll always try to accommodate your pets, but it’s down to the discretion of the individual patrol that comes out to help you. In cases where our mechanic has an allergy, they may need to tow your vehicle with your pet inside rather than take it in the recovery vehicle. In situations where your pet can’t go in either the recovery vehicle or the towed vehicle, we’ll either help arrange alternative transport for you, or send out another patrol that can take your pet.
Can pets stay in the broken-down vehicle while it’s being repaired or towed?
Yes, though this will depend on the specific circumstances of the breakdown. For example, if your broken-down vehicle becomes unsafe for your pet to stay in, we can help arrange alternative transport.
What you can do before we come to help you if you break down with a pet on board?
Tell us about your pets
When you contact us during a break down, make sure you tell us if you have animals with you. This is especially important if you have an assistance animal, like a guide dog. We can then give you tailored guidance on what to do next.
Prepare for a breakdown
You never know when you might need breakdown cover, but you can plan ahead to keep your pet safe and secure if you do:
- Have a safe and well-ventilated crate or carrier in your vehicle.
- Have water, food and waste bags in case you need them.
- To avoid the risk of escape, leave your pet in the broken-down car.
- Save your vet’s number on your mobile for emergencies and also note the number of a vet at your destination.
If your vehicle breaks down, make sure you take your pet with you to a safe location, away from any traffic.
Need assistance? If you're an AA member, you can report your breakdown online or via the AA App, and we'll send a patrol to you.
If you're not member and need immediate support, don't buy breakdown cover online. Instead, call us for instant breakdown cover and we'll send a patrol to you.
Want more information on travelling with your pet?
For more tips and advice, check out our guide on driving with pets in the car.