Make travelling with your pet a treat

It’s no secret we’re a nation of animal lovers. According to a report by Animal Medicines Australia, there are around 28 million pets in Australia, with dogs proving the favourite, (~40%) followed by cats (~27%). They’re part of the family, so it’s no surprise that where we go, we want our pets to go too – whether it’s a quick trip to the shops or on a family holiday. So, we’ve dug deep and fetched some top tips to help keep your furry friends safe and secure while you travel.

Some dogs love the car, while others aren’t so keen. Your pet’s enjoyment of any trip in the car will largely come down to how secure they feel when you’re on the move. Regardless of their size, dogs should be harnessed or restrained for their safety and yours (especially those loving souls who’d prefer to sit on your lap in the front, even when you’re driving). It’s recommended for two key reasons:

1. If you need to brake heavily or swerve to avoid a collision, an unharnessed animal could become a projectile and injure themselves and other passengers.

2. A pet could distract you from what’s happening on the road by moving about or trying to get your attention. 

It's also the law in some states and territories that animals are restrained in the car. Because these rules vary state to state, check your local road authority for what might apply to you. 

So, how do you restrain them comfortably? Well, there are many different vehicle restraints for dogs available to choose from. Some car manufacturers offer pet harnesses as an optional extra with new cars, or you can find generic-fit options at pet supply stores. Some attach to your car’s existing seat belts, while others attach with a buckle that clips directly into the seat belt. Most can be used the back seat or boot space in an SUV or station wagon, with the restraints clipping to your dog’s collar or harness to secure them.  

Then there’s our feline friends. While some cats tolerate car travel, most don’t enjoy it, so many cat owners find that a travel crate is the safest way to transport them to different places and appointments.

When you’re on the road for any length of time, the recommendation is to stop every two hours to take a break and stretch your legs. The same goes for your pets. Give them a chance to relieve themselves regularly to avoid any unpleasant accidents. Pull over somewhere safe to minimise the risk of them running onto the road and remember to pack their lead or harness so you can keep them close to you in an unfamiliar environment. (This goes for cats, too.)

A mobile water kit is another on-the-go essential. It doesn’t have to be fancy, in fact a clean plastic takeaway container and a bottle of water (in case you can’t find a tap) is all you really need to help keep your pal hydrated. 

And of course, never leave any animal alone in a car for any length of time. The internal temperature of cars can rise quickly even in mild weather, and heat distress can kill animals in a matter of minutes.

If you’re taking your dog with you on holidays, take the time before you go to make sure their microchip details are up to date. There are many different microchip registries in Australia, so check whether yours is recognised nationally, not just in your state. This way, if your pet should wander off while you’re away you’ll both be able to be located and, hopefully, reunited quickly. 

The other thing to consider is pet insurance. If your pet has ever had an accident, you’ll know that vet bills can add up quickly.