Road Trips & Relaxed Pets: Your Guide to Holiday Travel Safety

As the holiday season draws near, many families will be setting off for travel and planning to bring along their pets. Whether you’re heading off on a road trip or have booked some pet-friendly accommodation, planning ahead is key to a smooth, enjoyable journey for everyone—including your furry friends.

Our team has guided many pet owners through the ins and outs of holiday travel with pets, offering insights on car safety, managing travel anxiety, and finding pet-welcoming places to stay. With a few smart steps, you can make sure your pet stays safe, comfortable, and happy all season long.

Ready to discover some expert tips for a pet-friendly holiday adventure? Let’s get started!

When travelling by car, ensuring your pet's safety and comfort should be the top priority. Pets should never roam freely in the vehicle, as this can lead to distractions, injury in the event of sudden stops, or even accidents. Here’s how to keep them safe:

• Use a Pet Carrier or Restraint: Invest in a good-quality pet carrier or a seat belt harness designed for dogs. These devices help keep your pet secure during the ride, preventing sudden movements that could harm them. For cats, a hard-sided carrier lined with a comfortable blanket is the safest option.

• Avoid Leaving Pets in the Car: Especially during the summer holidays, it’s vital to never leave your pet unattended in a parked car. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly, even with the windows slightly cracked, putting your pet at risk of heatstroke.

• Frequent Breaks: On long road trips, plan to stop every two to three hours to allow your pet to stretch, relieve themselves, and hydrate. Just like humans, pets need regular breaks to stay comfortable during long journeys.

• Hydration and Snacks: Bring plenty of water and your pet’s favourite snacks to keep them hydrated and satisfied. A travel water bowl or bottle is useful for quick stops along the way.

• Comfort and Entertainment: Make sure your pet is comfortable by bringing along their favourite blanket, toys, or chew items. Keeping them occupied and surrounded by familiar scents will help reduce anxiety during the journey.

Finding the right accommodation is crucial when travelling with pets. Not all hotels, motels, or holiday rentals welcome animals, so it’s essential to plan ahead and choose pet-friendly options.

• Research Pet-Friendly Stays: Websites like “Take Your Pet” offer directories of pet-friendly hotels and accommodations across Australia. Some even offer pet-friendly amenities like special bedding or on-site dog parks. Facebook groups like Travelling with Dogs are also a wealth of information.

• Check Policies: Before booking, confirm the property’s pet policy, including whether there are breed or size restrictions, extra fees, or specific rules like keeping pets off furniture.

• Pack Essentials: Bring along everything your pet will need during the stay, including food, water bowls, bedding, and any medication. Having familiar items from home can ease anxiety in an unfamiliar environment.

• Respect House Rules: When staying in a pet-friendly accommodation, it’s important to respect the house rules. Keep pets leashed in common areas, clean up after them, and avoid leaving them alone in the room for extended periods, as this can lead to stress or disruptive behaviour like barking or chewing.

Travelling can be stressful for pets, especially during the holiday season when schedules and environments change. Keeping your pet calm and comfortable will make the journey more pleasant for both of you.

• Calming Aids: If your pet tends to get anxious during travel, consider using calming aids such as pheromone sprays, calming collars, or supplements like Zylkene. Consult your vet before using any products to ensure they’re appropriate for your pet.

• Gradual Acclimation: If your pet is not used to car rides or travel, it’s a good idea to get them accustomed to it gradually. Start with short trips around the neighbourhood, rewarding them with treats and praise to create a positive association.

• Create a Familiar Space: Bring along your pet’s favourite blanket, toys, or even an item of your clothing that carries your scent. Familiar smells can be incredibly comforting to pets in unfamiliar environments.

• Avoid Feeding Just Before Travel: To prevent motion sickness, avoid feeding your pet right before setting off on a long trip. A light meal a few hours before the journey and frequent water breaks should help keep their stomachs settled.

Holiday travel often involves gatherings, food, and celebrations that can pose additional risks to pets. It’s important to prepare your pet and your environment to ensure everyone has a safe and stress-free time.

• Keep Dangerous Foods Out of Reach: During the holidays, there are plenty of festive foods that can be harmful to pets. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, alcohol, and fatty meats are all common holiday foods that should be kept out of reach.

• Fireworks and Loud Noises: Many holiday celebrations include fireworks, which can be terrifying for pets. Create a safe, quiet space for your pet at your destination where they can retreat if the noise becomes overwhelming. Playing calming music or white noise can help drown out frightening sounds.

• Have an ID and Microchip: Make sure your pet has proper identification, including a collar with tags and an updated microchip, in case they get lost while travelling.

Whether you’re hitting the road or staying at a pet-friendly spot, ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety is the best way to make holiday travel enjoyable for everyone. If you need further guidance or have any specific questions, reach out to us—we’re here to help you prepare for a safe, happy journey with your pet this holiday season!