Tips for Travelling with Your Pet

As Christmas and the summer holidays are right around the corner (YAY!), you may already be making holiday and travel plans. If you are staying in Australia, you might consider travelling with your furry family member. Not only does it save you money on a pet sitter or pet boarding, but it also makes your holiday more enjoyable and means you can stay somewhere longer without having to feel bad about leaving your beloved pet behind. 

But if you do bring your dog or cat along on your holiday, there are important factors to consider and preparation to ensure you all have a safe and happy time away. 

A Check Up at the Vet 

Ensure that you take your dog or cat to the vet for a complete health check-up before embarking on your trip. Make sure your pet is also up to date with their vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, intestinal worming, and heartworm prevention. 

Nobody wants a medical emergency while you’re on holiday! 

Make Sure Your Pet is Microchipped 

Having your pet microchipped will give you peace of mind in case they run off or become lost while you’re on holiday. 

Make a Grooming Appointment

If you usually get your pet groomed, it’s a good idea to get it done before you go away, so they feel comfortable before their big adventure, and you don’t have to worry about finding a groomer near your vacation spot. 

Practice Car Trips 

If you plan on taking a road trip, take your pet on lots of drives in the lead-up to your vacation. These car trips help them get used to the car and know what to expect. 

Invest in a Pet-Safe Car Restraint 

Just like humans, pets need to be kept safe while you’re travelling. These days, there are many pet restraint options available that will keep your pet safe and comfortable on long car trips. 

Do some research, read reviews and ask your vet for their opinion before deciding on one. 

Remember that some Australian states impose fines for pets that aren’t correctly secured in the car. 

Packing for Your Pet 

It’s important to pack everything your pet needs to stay happy, healthy, and safe during your holiday. 

Don’t forget to pack:  

• Food and water bowl 
• Food 
• Toys 
• Treats 
• Bedding 
• Vehicle restraint 
• A brush for grooming 
• A towel 
• A leash and harness 
• ID tags 
• Waste bags for clean-ups 
• Cat litter tray 
• Litter scoop 
• A bag of litter 
• A first aid kit (bandages, tweezers, gauze swabs, antiseptic wipes, a wound dressing, saline, and a shock blanket). 
• A pet-friendly disinfectant cleaner 
• A crate 
• A cage or pet carrier 

Motion Sickness 

Some animals may get motion sickness while they’re in the car. Some ways to reduce the risk of motion sickness include: 

• Avoid feeding your pet for about 4 hours before their trip. 
• Keep at least one window open for fresh air 
• Take short breaks for everybody to get some fresh air and stretch their legs 

Crate Training 

While you’re in an unfamiliar environment, you may feel more relaxed knowing you have a secure place to keep your pet, especially at night, so they are safe and don’t escape or get lost. 

If your pet isn’t used to a crate, here are some ways to crate train them: 

• Introduce them to the crate at home by placing them in it. Only leave them in it for a short time at first, and gradually increase the duration of time they are in the crate. 
• Keep their favourite bedding and toys in there. 
• Close the crate once your pets are comfortable in there. 
• Offer treats for good behaviour while your pets are in the crate. 

Know Where the Local Vet Is 

It’s a good idea to know all the local vets’ contact details, just in case of a medical emergency. 

The last thing you want is to be panicking and running around trying to find the nearest vet. 

Short Breaks 

When you stop for breaks, make sure you always take your pet out of the car as well, so they can get fresh air and stretch their legs. Keep them on a leash or harness, so they don’t run off. 

Do Your Research

Before you embark on your holiday, research local parks and spots that your dog will love, so you know where to take them while you are away. Also, research dog-friendly places to stop along the way. 

Other Important Tips to Think About 

• Taking more than one pet along for the trip: The more pets you take on holiday, the more complicated things may get. You need to ensure that both pets get along and that you have enough equipment and food. 
• Other forms of transportation: Most pet owners take their pets on road trips, which is the easiest way to travel with them. Different forms of transport, like air travel, are too complicated, and some airlines ban certain types of breeds. 
• Alternative arrangements: If you know you will be away for over a month, leave your cat with a cat sitter at home. Cats are generally happier in their own environment and may get too stressed while travelling.
  If your dog gets too stressed out in a new space, leave them with a pet sitter or take them to a boarding facility.
• Pet-friendly accommodation: This goes without saying, but if you are renting a holiday home or staying in a hotel, you need to check with the owner or hotel that it is pet-friendly.
  Don’t ever bring your pet along without getting permission first.
• Take out pet insurance before travelling: If you don’t already have pet insurance, it’s a smart idea to take out a policy, as there are always risks when travelling with a pet, no matter how prepared you think you are. 

At Potiki, we understand how precious your pets are. We also know that the unexpected can happen at any time, resulting in extremely high vet fees. These unforeseen circumstances are why it is best to be prepared with pet insurance. Potiki offer our customers flexible covers with excess and extras to give you and your family peace of mind. Visit our website to obtain a quick quote and explore our various coverage options. 

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