Travelling with your dog can be a joy — but what happens if your car breaks down? Not all breakdown cover guarantees transport for your dog. It’s vital to know in advance what is and isn’t covered, so you and your dog both stay safe.

Here’s your expert guide — with links to each section.

Jump to:

• Why choose pet-friendly breakdown cover
• Which providers will take your dog home
• Bank accounts with breakdown cover
• What to keep in your car
• Expert advice

Why choose pet-friendly breakdown cover

Not all breakdown companies will transport your dog if you break down and your car cannot be fixed at the roadside.

Under UK law, assistance dogs (such as guide dogs) must be transported. But for pet dogs, policies vary.

If the recovery vehicle cannot take your dog, you could be left stranded — so it’s important to check your cover carefully.

Which providers will take your dog home

AA

The AA states:

"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." (Source)

✔️ The AA will either transport your dog in the recovery vehicle if safe to do so, or arrange alternative transport for your dog home.

RAC

The RAC says:

"Assistance dogs are allowed in RAC vehicles. In some cases, pets may also be able to travel in the patrol or recovery vehicle but this will be at the discretion of the patrol/recovery operator and solely at the owner’s risk." (Source)

⚠️ The RAC does not guarantee that pets will be transported. You must check with the driver. They do not promise alternative pet transport.

Green Flag

Green Flag says:

"Make sure you have adequate breakdown cover before you set off." They advise preparing for pet travel but do not guarantee transport of pets in the recovery vehicle or by alternative means. (Source)

⚠️ No guarantee your dog will be transported home.

Britannia Rescue (LV= customers and some bank accounts)

Britannia Rescue also states they will carry pets if safe to do so — otherwise it is the owner's responsibility to arrange pet transport.

⚠️ No guarantee.

Bank accounts with breakdown cover

Nationwide FlexPlus

Includes AA cover — so the same policy applies (AA will either transport your dog or help arrange alternative transport). (Source)

Monzo Max

Includes RAC cover — RAC policy applies. No guarantee of transport. (Source)

Barclays Travel Pack with RAC

Includes RAC — same as above. No guarantee of transport. (Source)

NatWest Black Account

Includes AA cover — so the AA’s pet-friendly policy applies. (Source)

What to keep in your car

Whether or not your provider guarantees pet transport, you should be prepared:

• A suitable dog harness or secured crate
• Water and portable bowl
• Leads and collars
• Blankets (comfort and warmth)
• Dog food / treats (especially if a long wait is likely)
• Poop bags
• Reflective jackets / torch (for human and pet visibility at night)

Remember: If the roadside is unsafe (for example, on a motorway), it may be better to keep your dog inside the car with you until recovery arrives — unless advised otherwise by emergency services.

Expert advice

The AA says:

"Pets should be kept safe and secure in the vehicle. If it’s not possible to carry them in the recovery vehicle, we will help you make arrangements for them to get home safely." (Source)

Dog behaviourist Tony Cruse advises:

"If your car breaks down, your dog may become stressed or anxious. Having familiar items in the car — such as their blanket or toy — can help settle them while you wait for recovery."

Final thought

In short:

• AA = best pet-friendly cover (will either transport or arrange for dog)
• RAC = no guarantee
• Green Flag = no guarantee
• Most bank accounts follow the underlying cover (AA or RAC — check your provider!)

Always check before you travel. Don’t assume your dog will be automatically transported. Ask your provider and consider adding pet transport to your planning.

Being prepared = peace of mind for you and your four-legged friend.