Who doesn’t love a road trip? Going on a trip is fun and exciting, especially when you get to bring your furry friend along! Travelling with pets is becoming increasingly popular, so with a bit of research you will have no trouble finding pet friendly accommodation! It is worth taking some time to prepare for your upcoming trip to ensure you and your dog stay safe and happy. Even if your dog is a seasoned traveller, check out our top tips to prepare yourself for a safe and relaxing trip!
Before you go
If this is your pet's first trip, we recommend doing a ‘practice run’ or a few shorter car trips to help them get used to it. This will mean you know what to expect, and give you peace of mind that you can leave for your road trip comfortably and without stress. It is hard to predict how your dog will react; some dogs love the car and settle quickly, and others experience anxiety and motion sickness.
Is your dog up-to-date?
Before you head off, make sure your dog is up to date with their vaccinations so they don’t pick up anything infectious e.g. Kennel cough. You should always make sure your dog is microchipped, and wears a pet identification tag that clearly shows your contact number in case you get separated. Depending on where you are travelling to, you should also ensure your dog is up to date with their flea and tick protection. The east coast of Australia for example is renowned for deadly paralysis ticks, so it is vital that your dog is protected.
In the car
When travelling in the car, it is important that your dog is restrained properly to prevent injury if you brake suddenly or are involved in a car accident. There are a range of restraint devices available for pets of all shapes and sizes. Restraints are a simple option that keep your pet in one position while driving, and make the trip safe, secure and comfortable. These are widely available and generally attach to existing seat belts or clip directly into the seat belt clip. If you are using a car restraint, we recommend a good harness to connect the restraint to.
Other pet parents choose to use a transport carrier or crate to keep their dog contained and safe. This allows your dog to lie down comfortably, as well as stand up, turn around and stretch. The Pet One Carrier is highly regarded as one of the best pet carriers available. This highly versatile pet carrier is easily assembled and airline approved, making it an ideal choice no matter how long your journey is.
Another option for car trips is Pet Booster seats, particularly smaller dogs. The PetSafe Happy Ride Booster Seat will elevate your pet to the perfect height so they can see out the window while being restrained. It features a quilted inner pad for an extra soft, comfy ride, as well as a safety tether that attaches to your dog’s harness, keeping them secure at all times. If you have an older dog who suffers with arthritis or joint problems, you can also purchase a dog ramp to assist your dog getting in the car.
There are also a range of Car Hammocks and Seat Covers that are designed to protect your vehicle, reduce mess and provide extra comfort. The Bono Fido Hammock is shaped like a hammock to form a secure cradle for your pet, and is easy to install by quickly locking into the headrest.
Anxiety
Yes, anxiety in pets is a thing, and travel can be a significant source of anxiety for many pets. There are a range of calming aids available that are designed to help pets who experience travel anxiety. If you do choose to use a calming aid, we recommend trying it out beforehand to find out what works best for your pet.
Adaptil is a popular choice amongst dog owners, as it releases an appeasing pheromone to promote feelings of calmness. Adaptil collars are particularly useful for travel, as the pheromone is released when the collar comes into contact with the dog, meaning it can simply be worn during road trips. There are also various calming chews available, which can be given prior to travel to calm the dog. Popular products include Vetalogica Tranquil Chews, PAW Complete Calm and Crooked Lane Naturally Calm Chews.
Natural Animal Solutions have created a product that is specifically designed for travel sickness. TravelEze is the perfect solution to make sure your trip is stress-free. It is an easy-to-administer liquid that has been formulated with high quality, herbal ingredients to help with travel anxiety. If your dog is experiencing extreme motion sickness, we highly recommend speaking to your veterinarian who may promote prescription medication.
Car snacks
Who doesn’t love snacks on a road trip? Packing treats for your dog on a road trip will not only make them happy, but provide a distraction and help to make the trip less stressful. We recommend packing treats that are easy for your dog to chew and mess-free. SavourLife Training Treats are a great option as they are not only tasty, but made with high quality ingredients. Vitapet Milky Sticks are another great choice as you can break off pieces in small or large pieces depending on the size of your dog.
Travel accessories
The car trip is only the beginning of a fun trip away with your pet! We have various travel accessories that will make your trip more comfortable for you and your pet. A travel bowl is a great addition to your suitcase to save space and ensure your pet always has fresh water. The Pet One Travel Bowl is lightweight and collapsible, and fits into any carry bag for easy transportation. Another option is a Travel Water Bottle, which allows you to carry water for yourself and share it with your dog by using the attached dog bowl.
Many pet owners have a dedicated travel bed for their dog to use when travelling. PetSafe has designed a travel bed that is specifically designed to fit in your car. The Happy Ride Car Dog Bed fits securely around the headrest in your car to provide your pet with a safe and comfortable journey. The Snooza Travel Bed is another popular choice as both a travel bed in the car and a portable bed for use at your destination. It has padded walls and a calming plush cushion to make a cosy, comforting space for your dog. You might also like to purchase a Travel Mat as another portable bedding option, ideal for your dog to hang out on while the humans have a picnic.
If you’re planning on taking your dog swimming or out on the boat, you might like to consider purchasing them a life jacket for water safety. The Doog Swim Towel is a must have for water fur-babies as its antibacterial properties will dry off your wet dog and keep smells to a minimum. For day-to-day use on your holiday, it is always a good idea to have a carrier to keep all your pets belongings. Ibiyaya have over 20 varieties of functional and lightweight carriers that make a great pet travel bag for your daily adventures.
Other handy tips
If you’re taking a long journey, be sure to take frequent breaks to give your furry friend a toilet and play break. Don’t forget to pack their regular food and treats, as well as a collar and lead, poo bags and any other toys and accessories you need. It is also a good idea to put together a pet first aid kit, incase of any emergencies. Always keep your dog on a lead in any unfamiliar environments so they are secure, and never leave them unattended in the car. Safe travels, we hope you and your pet have a fun and relaxing trip away!
