How to travel with dogs or cats in the car

At a glance: How to travel with dogs or cats in the car

• Make sure your pet is healthy before you travel, and bring any pet medication with you.
• Dogs need to be secure and not be able to jump on your lap while driving.
• Cats and puppies may be safer in a pet carrier.
• Stop for regular breaks with your dog for a leg stretch and a drink of water.
• Stick to normal mealtimes and your pet’s usual diet while away from home.
• If your animal is anxious in the car or gets car sick, speak to your vet for solutions.
• Never leave your pet alone in the car, even with the aircon on.

When your pet is part of the family, it’s only natural that they go with you on holidays. Exploring new places together is twice as much fun! But ensuring everyone is kept safe while you travel with dogs or cats in the car takes planning. President of Australian Small Animal Veterinarians Group Dr Julia Crawford says the first step is to check with your vet that your pet is healthy, that flea and tick treatments and vaccinations are up to date for your destination, and whether you need to take any of their medications with you. Then it’s time for the specifics.

How to keep your pet safe on the road

There are state-specific laws about how dogs should travel in vehicles, so research the rules for your route. “Ideally, cats and dogs are taught how to travel from an early age,” says Dr Crawford. “This may be training a cat to be happy in a cat carrier or having a dog used to a harness in a car.” Generally:

• Dogs must be secured, not able to distract the driver or obstruct their view, and never on the driver’s lap.
• A very small dog or puppy may be safer in a carrier than wearing a harness and, while there are no regulations regarding the safety of various harnesses, she recommends ensuring that your pet is comfortable and can be secured to the car seatbelt easily.
• The number one rule is to never, ever leave your pet in the car alone, even in air-conditioning.

How often should you stop for a break with a dog in the car?

While the amount of stops you plan will depend on your dog’s size, age and breed and the length of the journey, Dr Crawford recommends sticking to their home routine for walks and toilet breaks. “The best places to stretch legs are roadside parks and often the same spots that humans stretch their legs and use facilities,” she says. Try these other tips to make sure your dog has a comfortable travel experience:

• Stop for regular breaks and make sure your dog has a quick walk too, but cats are better left in their carrier unless they have a harness.
• Offer pets a drink at each stop. You should always travel with water and a drinking bowl for your dog, while many cat crates come with water dishes that you can top up from the outside.
• For food, stick as close as possible to normal mealtimes and pack their usual food – sudden changes in diet can lead to dodgy tummies.

How to deal with dog travel sickness

How does your dog travel? Take some test drives first, to see if your pup suffers from car sickness or anxiety and, if so, talk to your vet about possible solutions. “There are very effective medications available but it will depend on the breed, age and size of the pet. Some are available only by prescription,” says Dr Crawford. “There are also pheromones and pheromone collars available over the counter that can reduce the stress of travel for dogs and cats.”

Got a highly strung cat or dog?

Check out our article on how to calm an anxious pet.

Photo credit: Adobe Stock.   

*Pet products are not available in WA, except Bayswater, Cannington, Armadale, Kalgoorlie and Bunbury stores.