With many of us taking our dogs away on holidays, there are some important tips and planning reminders, brought to you from our seasoned road trippers who travel around with dogs on a regular basis, most recently travelling from Brisbane to Geelong, around 3500kms!

Safety & Security

Secure your dog in the car. There are many options from variocage to crate and seatbelt to cargo barrier, so whatever you choose ensure the best safety and security that works for your dog, your car and you. Make sure your dog’s collar/harness is secure, and they can’t back out of them at rest stops or at your destination.

Make sure your pet has ID on them and microchip details are up to date. 

Practice your dog's 'wait' cue so they don't exit the car before you are ready at rest stops.

Pro tip: Take extra collars, leashes and harnesses both for emergency and if one gets wet and sandy at the beach. Don't forget to include a long line.

Your First Aid Kit should include pet supplies such as tick removers and your pet's medication including any flea/tick meds.

Hydration!

Take water and water bowl – sounds obvious, but make sure your pet stays hydrated on hot days travelling. If your pet has a sensitive tummy, take 'home water' with you for the trip. If they typically don't drink when travelling take electrolytes or coconut water, watermelon or cucumber snacks.

Pro tip: Pack extra towels and bedding – for unplanned accidents, beach visits and muddy/rainy stops.

Factor in extra breaks along the way. Just like us, it’s good for pets to get out and stretch their legs every couple of hours. Plan ahead and choose rest stops with plenty of shade and grass and not too close to the highway.

A Word on Rest Stops

Unfortunately, many rest areas are typically littered with rubbish including things dogs like to scavenge for! Be on the look out, keep your dog on a lead and brush up on your dog's 'leave it' cue before your trip.

Car Sickness

Refer to our car sickness article if you need tips!

Food

Sounds obvious but make sure you take enough food (plus a bit extra) for your dogs. Or make sure you can purchase food once at your destination. If planning a camping trip or remote trip, make sure your dog is used to dried food in case you can't freeze/refrigerate food. There are some excellent freeze or air dried options as a back up if you feed raw. 

You can also buy small car freezers which plug into an adaptor in the car, very handy for travelling with frozen food.

Pro tip: Don't forget to pack your dogs food and water bowls.

When at your destination be sure to be aware of leash laws in the area.

Safe and happy travels!