Planning a road trip with your dog? Whether you're visiting family and friends, heading away for the weekend, or exploring somewhere new, bringing your dog along can make the adventure even more enjoyable.
However, travelling with a dog in the car requires a little extra planning, especially if you have a puppy or your pet isn't used to long car journeys.
From packing the essentials to keeping your dog safe and comfortable on the road, here's everything you need to know before setting off.
How to plan a road trip with your dog
When travelling with your dog, planning ahead is key to making the journey comfortable and enjoyable for both of you.
Before booking accommodation or hitting the road, make sure your destination is dog-friendly and that you're familiar with any rules or restrictions.
Some useful questions to ask include:
- Is the accommodation pet-friendly?
- Is the property securely fenced?
- Where will my dog sleep?
- Will there be children or other pets at the property?
- Are there any specific pet restrictions or rules?
- Are there dog-friendly parks, walking trails, or beaches nearby?
- Will there be enough shade and shelter for my dog?
New environments are full of exciting sights and smells, but they can also present unfamiliar hazards.
Taking the time to research your destination will help you prepare for potential risks and make sure you have everything your dog needs for a comfortable stay.
It'll also make packing much easier!
Tips for travelling long distances with your dog
Pack a bag for your dog
Just like you, your dog will need a few essentials to stay comfortable during the journey.
What to pack for the car:
- Fresh drinking water and a portable dog water bottle or bowl
- Poo bags, a lead, and some tasty treats for breaks
- A suitable car restraint, such as a crash-tested dog harness or properly secured travel crate
- A dog car seat cover or old sheet to protect your car's upholstery
- A familiar blanket or favourite toy to help your dog feel comfortable
- Cleaning supplies, such as paper towels, in case of accidents
If your dog is prone to motion sickness or travel anxiety, speak with your vet before your trip about suitable ways to help them feel more comfortable.
What to pack for your holiday:
- A properly fitted collar or harness and lead
- An identification tag with your current contact details
- Enough of your dog's usual food for the entire trip
- Food and water bowls
- Dog treats
- A comfortable dog bed or blanket
- A travel crate, if needed
- A few favourite dog toys
- Poo bags
- A towel and basic cleaning supplies
- Any regular medications your dog requires
- A pet first aid kit
It's also a good idea to make sure your dog's microchip details are up to date before travelling.
Get your dog familiar with car travel
If your dog isn't used to travelling in the car, it's best to introduce them to the experience gradually.
Start by allowing your dog to explore the stationary vehicle while it's safely parked, rewarding calm behaviour with praise or treats.
Once they're comfortable, try taking a few short trips around your local area before gradually increasing the distance.
This can help your dog become familiar with the sounds, movements, and sensations of travelling in a car.
Keep an eye out for signs of motion sickness or stress, such as excessive drooling, panting, whining, restlessness, or vomiting.
If your dog struggles with car travel, speak with your vet about ways to manage motion sickness or anxiety.
Avoid giving your dog calming supplements or medications without veterinary advice.
Keep your dog safely restrained in the car
Keeping your dog safely restrained while travelling is important for their safety and yours.
An unrestrained dog can distract the driver or be seriously injured if the vehicle stops suddenly or is involved in an accident.
There are several options for securing your dog during car travel, including:
- A properly fitted, crash-tested dog car harness attached according to the manufacturer's instructions
- A suitable travel crate or carrier that's securely fastened inside the vehicle
- Other purpose-designed vehicle restraint systems appropriate for your dog's size and the vehicle
Not all dog harnesses and travel accessories provide the same level of protection, so it's worth choosing products that have undergone appropriate safety testing.
Make sure any restraint allows your dog to sit or lie comfortably without moving freely around the vehicle.
Laws relating to transporting dogs can vary depending on your location, so always check the relevant road rules and animal welfare requirements before travelling.
Avoid letting your dog ride in the front seat
As much as your dog might love riding shotgun, the front passenger seat generally isn't the safest place for them.
In an accident, a deploying airbag could cause serious injuries to your dog, even if they're wearing a restraint.
Instead, secure your dog in an appropriate position in the back seat or a suitable, properly secured travel crate in the vehicle's cargo area.
Never allow your dog to sit on the driver's lap or move freely around the car.
It's also important to avoid letting your dog travel with their head hanging out of the window, as flying debris and other hazards can cause injuries.
Never leave your dog in a parked car
Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car, even for a short period.
Temperatures inside vehicles can rise quickly, including on mild or cloudy days.
This can put dogs at serious risk of heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.
Leaving the windows slightly open or parking in the shade doesn't make it safe to leave your dog inside.
If you need to stop somewhere that doesn't allow dogs, make sure another person can safely stay with your pet outside the vehicle or adjust your plans accordingly.
Plan dog-friendly stops along the way
Long car trips can be tiring for everyone, including your dog!
Plan regular stops so your dog has a chance to stretch their legs, go to the toilet, and enjoy a sniff around.
As a general guide, aim to stop approximately every two hours, although puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with particular health needs may require more frequent breaks.
It's helpful to research dog-friendly parks, rest stops, and walking areas along your route before leaving.
When stopping in an unfamiliar location, keep your dog on a lead and make sure they're secure before opening the car door.
Hot tip: Before setting off, save the contact details of a veterinary clinic near your destination. It's a simple precaution that can make things much easier if your dog needs medical attention while you're away.
Bring plenty of fresh water
Keeping your dog hydrated is important, particularly when travelling long distances or during warmer weather.
Make sure you pack enough fresh drinking water for the journey and offer your dog regular opportunities to drink during breaks.
A portable dog water bottle or collapsible bowl can make this much easier when you're on the go.
While drinking water from unfamiliar locations is often fine when it's clean and safe, bringing your own supply means you won't have to rely on finding a suitable water source along the way.
It's also important to keep the car at a comfortable temperature throughout the journey, with adequate ventilation and access to air conditioning when needed.
Get ready for your next road trip
Travelling with your dog can be a wonderful experience, and a little preparation can go a long way towards keeping everyone safe and comfortable. From choosing the right car restraint to packing their favourite essentials, planning ahead will help make your next adventure one to remember.
Planning a getaway with your pooch? Explore Petstock's range of dog travel supplies to find car restraints, travel bowls, carriers, and other essentials for your next road trip.