Holiday Road Trip Ready: How to Travel Comfortably With Your Small Dog or Cat This Summer
Summer holidays are just around the corner, and for plenty of Aussie families that means packing up the car and heading to the coast, the caravan park or the in-laws' place for Christmas. If your small dog or cat is coming along for the ride, a bit of planning now will make the trip calmer for everyone (and kinder on your car's upholstery).
Here are our practical tips for getting your pet road-trip ready before the holiday traffic kicks in.
1. Do a Few Practice Drives First
If your pet only ever gets in the car to visit the vet, a five-hour drive down the highway can be a big ask. Start with short, easy trips around the neighbourhood over the next few weeks, then gradually build up the time. Finish each drive with something your pet enjoys, like a walk, a play or a favourite treat, so the car starts to feel like a good place to be.
2. Give Them Their Own Spot in the Car
A pet roaming around the cabin is distracting for the driver and not much fun for the pet either. Give them a dedicated, secure space on the back seat or in a carrier, with a familiar blanket or toy that smells like home. Road rules about restraining pets vary between states and territories, so check the rules where you'll be driving before you head off.
3. Plan Your Stops Around the Heat
Australian summer days can get very hot, and cars heat up fast. Try to travel in the cooler parts of the day, keep the air-conditioning running, and plan regular breaks somewhere shady so your pet can stretch, sniff around, go to the toilet and have a drink. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, not even for a quick dash into the servo.
4. Pack a Pet Travel Kit
Keep everything your pet needs in one easy-to-grab bag: food, water, bowls, poo bags, a lead, any regular medication, a towel for muddy paws, and a copy of their vaccination details if they're staying somewhere like a boarding facility. If your pet gets anxious or carsick on the road, have a chat with your vet well before your trip.
5. Check Your Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Not every holiday rental or campground that says "pet friendly" welcomes every pet. Confirm the details with your booking, such as whether pets are allowed inside, if there's a fenced yard, and any size limits. Make sure your pet's collar ID and microchip details are up to date before you leave too.
Our Holiday Travel Picks
Two handy travel helpers from the 3Doz range to make getting from A to B easier with a small pet.
Waterproof Dog Car Seat Cover, Foldable
Designed for small dogs and cats, this single-seat car seat cover gives your pet their own cosy space on the seat. It's made from two layers of thick waterproof nylon that's strong and stain-resistant, so muddy paws, scratching and little accidents are much less of a worry for your car. It fits standard car seats with adjustable webbing and measures 45cm x 45cm x 58cm when set up.
Multi-Purpose Pet Bag Foldable Travel Carrier with Wheels
For the bits of the journey outside the car, like walking from the car park to your accommodation, this travel bag lets you easily switch between carrying and pulling your pet along on wheels. It's made from durable polyester with a secure zipper closure, measures 43 x 28 x 53cm, and folds away for easy storage when you're not using it. It also makes a thoughtful Christmas gift for a pet-loving friend who travels a lot.
Shop the Pet Travel Carrier with Wheels →
Hit the Road Ready
Practice drives, a dedicated spot in the car, well-timed stops and a packed travel kit all add up to a smoother, happier holiday journey with your best mate. Get your pet travel essentials sorted at 3Doz today, well before the Christmas rush, and enjoy the summer road trip together.