One of the big attractions of car clubs is convenience. You don’t need to worry about buying, insuring, or maintaining a vehicle—you just book one when you need it.
But if you’re a dog owner, there’s another practical question to think about: can your four-legged friend come along for the ride?
The answer depends on which car club you’re using, but there are some common rules and expectations that most operators follow.
What the Main Car Clubs say About Dogs
Most UK car clubs don’t outright ban pets, but they do set conditions. The biggest point is that dogs are usually only allowed if they travel in a secure pet carrier or are properly restrained.
This isn’t just about keeping the car clean for the next driver—it’s also a safety issue. An unrestrained animal can cause a distraction or even an accident if they move around while you’re driving.
For example:
- Zipcar allows pets as long as they’re kept in a carrier.
- Enterprise Car Club has a similar policy, with an emphasis on ensuring no fur or dirt is left behind.
- Smaller regional clubs often follow the same approach, though it’s always worth checking their website before booking.
The consistent theme is that car clubs expect the vehicle to be returned in the same condition you picked it up.
Cleaning and Responsibility
Even if pets are allowed, the responsibility for cleaning up afterwards sits with you. Most car clubs have strict terms around cleanliness. If the next person finds the car covered in dog hair, mud, or paw prints, you could face a cleaning charge or even a fine. That goes for lingering smells that need to be shampooed out, too.
This means you need to plan ahead. If you’re taking your dog in a car club car, think about:
- Using a pet carrier or a boot liner to minimise mess.
- Carrying a blanket or seat cover if your dog is too big for a carrier.
- Bringing a lint roller or wipes to do a quick clean before you return the car, and maybe some odour eating air freshener if your dog is a stinker!
It may feel like extra hassle, but it’s far cheaper and less stressful than getting hit with an unexpected bill. It can cost around £30 if a car club feels you have left the car dirty or smelly for the next person, depending on the car club you use.
Assistance Dogs are Different
One important distinction is for assistance dogs. By law, service animals such as guide dogs are allowed in vehicles, and car clubs cannot refuse them. They also can’t charge you extra for cleaning related to an assistance dog.
If you use a service animal, it’s still good practice to leave the car tidy, but you’re protected from penalties in this situation. They don’t have to travel in locked travel cages either.
However, if your assistance dog should damage the car, then the car club is allowed to charge you for the repair.
Things to Check Before Booking
If you’re planning a trip with your dog, make sure you:
- Read your car club’s pet policy – it should be available on their website or in their app.
- Book the right type of vehicle – larger cars or vans may be better if you’re travelling with a big dog.
- Factor in cleaning time – give yourself ten minutes at the end of your booking to vacuum or wipe down if needed.
A quick check beforehand saves awkward surprises later on.
Keeping Car Club Cars Dog Friendly
Yes, you can usually take dogs in a car club car—but only if you follow the rules. Use a carrier or cover, keep the vehicle clean, and return it in good condition. Assistance dogs are always allowed, but for pet dogs, the responsibility is firmly on you to keep them secure and well behaved.
Car clubs are built on trust between members. As long as everyone treats the cars with respect, including when travelling with pets, the system works smoothly for everyone.