I have a hatchback car and have no problems getting madam in or out of the back seat.  We have a seatbelt for her.  Was wondering though, is it legal/permissable for me to remove the back shelf, install one of those fence type things and let her ride in what is effectively the boot?

I appreciate that for longer journeys this would not be ideal - in case we had a rear end shunt/accident, but just for say trips to the beach ( 5 mins away) ?  more to keep wet sandy dog off seats than anything?

Would appreciate your views.

Thanks

The law in the UK states that there should be no distractions in the car eg loose children, dogs etc and so there is no reason for not doing this however if you have a large dog an off the shelf dog guard will not stand up to being hit by a hefty dog and you will still risk dog killing an occupant or itself or going through a windscreen and be run over etc.