Ten Tips for Doing Great Road Trips with Dogs in Australia

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For most Aussie dog lovers, leaving a fur baby at home while holidaying can be distressing, expensive in terms of minding fees, and not a prospect either party is likely to be all that keen on.

So, don’t! Travelling with your dog can be hugely rewarding — and a road trip with Rover is the ideal way to do it. It’s cost effective, generally low stress, and you’re likely to return home feeling more refreshed than if you flew solo. You’ll almost certainly be more active on the trip, and research suggests that spending quality time with a four-legged friend may improve your psychological wellbeing.

All of that said, there are a few new tricks even an old owner needs to learn before hitting the highway with their hound. Here are ten tips for doing great road trips with dogs.

1. Start with some practice trips

OK, let’s kick off with a disclaimer. We said road tripping with a dog is ‘generally low stress’, not necessarily ‘stress free’. Extended periods in a vehicle and unfamiliar surroundings can be unsettling for some animals. Yes, they’ll be happy just being with you, but the change of routine could result in unwanted changes in behaviour. If you plan to do a major road trip, start with some practice runs — full-day drives, overnight trips, and two- or three-day short breaks. Work your way up to a full-scale expedition and iron out any potential issues early on.

2. Find dog-friendly places to stay

While Australia is largely a nation of dog lovers, finding good pet-friendly accommodation options can still be a challenge. If you’re travelling in a campervan or caravan, you’ll obviously find it much easier than if you plan to stay in hotels. Read the fine print for the latter, as even properties advertised as ‘pet-friendly’ may actually require your dog to sleep outside. Airbnb and Stayz have sections devoted to pet-friendly homestays.

3. Research where you can and can’t go

Dogs love being outside and make great companions for beach days, bushwalks, and many other outdoor activities. That said, there are limits on where they’re welcome. For example, dogs are not permitted on many popular beaches and in most national parks. Do your research on where you can and can’t take them — and even when you can, keep them on the lead for their own safety. An unrestrained dog is more at risk of suffering a snake bite, picking up a tick, or snacking on something that might cause illness or worse. It’s far better to be safe than sorry when you’re miles from home or the nearest vet.

4. Safeguard against ticks in northern Australia

Speaking of ticks, they’re a subject you must discuss with your vet if you plan to travel north from southern Australia. Canine ehrlichiosis is a disease caused by the Ehrlichia canis bacteria, which is spread by various types of ticks. Dogs are at risk in much of Western Australia, South Australia, and New South Wales, and all of the Northern Territory and Queensland. Your dog should be on a protective tick medication and be wearing a tick collar. We’re not experts in this field, so please seek professional advice from a vet before setting out.

5. Pack well for your pooch

They may look self-sufficient, but dogs actually travel with a fair bit of baggage. You’ll need their food supply to begin with, along with food and water bowls, a bed and blanket, a leash and poo bags, old towels for an unscheduled dry-off, shampoo and a brush, assorted toys, treats, vaccination documents, any required medication, and the list goes on. Source a suitably sized plastic tub and store everything together in the one place. Put items back in the tub each time you use them to ensure that nothing goes astray.

6. Give your pet a safe play space

If you’re travelling in a caravan or campervan, pack a portable pet run and provide your shaggy sidekick with a secure place to take a break outside. Portable pet runs and outdoor dog kennels typically have a latched gate and come with stakes or pegs to anchor the run to the ground. They’re simple to assemble and disassemble, and will give you peace of mind while your dog laps up the fresh air and sunshine.

7. Keep your vehicle well groomed

By definition, a road trip with your pet will necessitate both of you spending extended periods in the car. And you can prevent your vehicle from looking like a dog’s dinner as the trip progresses with some simple daily maintenance. Start by purchasing an all-in-one wipeable seat cover to protect the upholstery, and give it a shake or wipe down at the end of each day. A quick wipe over of the arm rests and windows will complete the job. There may be accidents along the way, so have a clean-up kit on standby: wipes, tidy bags, and gloves if you’re super squeamish.

8. Add your dog’s details to a national register

Microchipping for dogs is mandatory in most states and the details can be used to reunite lost animals with their owners. That’s if the number is recorded on a microchip register and your contact details are up to date. Double check this before you depart. If you’re on a state-based register and heading interstate, it’s a good idea to add your pet’s microchip information to a national database (there are a couple of different ones to choose from).

9. Have a harness on hand

To the best of our knowledge (and please correct us if we’re wrong), it’s not actually a legal requirement in Australia to harness a dog travelling inside your vehicle (it is if they’re riding on an external tray). But just because you don’t have to, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. In the event of even a minor accident, an unrestrained dog could do itself and you a serious injury. Purchase a sturdy body harness and clasp that attaches between the animal’s shoulder blades and tethers it to the car seat. It is illegal in some states (and let’s face it, not the best idea anywhere else!) to let a dog ride on your lap while you drive. Check with the jurisdictions you’ll be visiting for local legalities.

10. Take regular breaks and stick to their schedule

Taking frequent breaks from behind the wheel will benefit both you and your barking buddy. You’ll stay fresh and alert, and they’ll relish every opportunity to stretch, have a sniff, and answer the call of nature. Drink plenty of water yourself throughout the trip, and keep them hydrated using a portable water bowl.

Feeding times are sacrosanct for dogs and not to be trifled with — road trip or no road trip. Try and stick to their usual routine in this regard — it will be less stressful all-round. That said, it’s a good idea to feed your dog breakfast at least two hours before the day’s departure and serve dinner after the drive has been completed. You’re less likely to have the results of a bout of motion sickness to deal with en route.

This post was published thanks to VidaXL.

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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of tips for doing great road trips with dogs? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

The information contained in this story is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice in any way. We make every effort to ensure this content is accurate, but we do not guarantee it. You should do your own research and seek the advice of professionals before acting or relying on any of the information provided in this story.

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