Pet Travel: Top Tips for Travelling With Dogs

Spending quality time with your family on holiday is something we all look forward to.

But there’s a big question on every dog owners mind – can I take my dog?

Thanks to airlines, products, accessories and a lot of pet-loving, it IS in fact possible to take your extended family member with you.

Travelling with dogs can be hard, of course, but we’ve put together some easy steps for you to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.  

First of all, let’s bear in mind your destination. Will your dog actually enjoy it? A Chihuahua isn’t going to enjoy a week of skiing in France and your Husky will not enjoy a weekend break in Dubai; so before you take steps to get them there with you, ask yourself whether they will actually be comfortable at your destination. Don't forget to have a look at our list of top dog-friendly destinations in Australia.

Next, let’s check your accommodation – do they allow pets? Does your hotel know you will have your dog with you? Are you at a pet-friendly campsite? If you answered yes to all of those questions, your last thing to consider would be how your dog will react in this situation.

Let’s assume your dog is well trained – don’t forget to add the factor of brand new surroundings. Take precautions such as home comforts; a toy, a blanket that they are familiar with if it all gets just that bit too much for them.

Travelling by Car

If you are travelling with dogs in a car, make sure you are well prepared. Long journeys aren’t great at the best of times for us, so assume the same for your pup.

• Always have a harness whilst driving. Remember, safety first.
• Stop every 2-4 hours for toilet breaks (that probably goes for you too!)
• If your dog suffers from car sickness, bring some remedies – your vet will be able to recommend you some for your dog.

And lastly...

It’s made the news multiple times, headlines in newspapers, shares on social media: leaving dogs in cars. Do not do it.

Travelling by plane

It is becoming more popular to take your dog overseas with you and more airlines are getting on board with this too. Some will allow you to have your dog with you in the cabin (in a carrier at all times) and some will only allow for them to travel in the hold.

Bear in mind your flight times and stopovers – make them as short as possible. 

If your airline is not accommodating, there are options for your dog to travel separately to you on a specialised aircraft. Of course, these also come with a higher price tag!

• Check your airlines' policies about travelling with your pup.
• Make sure all vaccinations are up to date.
• Double-check travel requirements for the country you are travelling to.
• Do not leave your dog unattended unless instructed to do so by the airline.
• Do not take your dog out of their carrier inside the airport.

Travelling with dogs on planes can be an enjoyable experience as long as you are prepared!

Don’t forget –your dog will need their own suitcase too! We’ve put together a checklist for you to ensure you don’t miss anything out:

• Pet Carrier
• Toys
• Food (if travelling by air, check with the airline what is allowed)
• Water
• Treats (if travelling by air, check with the airline what is allowed)
• Picture of your dog is a good idea (in case they get lost)
• Vaccinations and documentation
• Supplements and medication
• Collar with tag
• Sunscreen – YES!
• Blanket/towel
• Dog bags

And of course, anything else your pup cannot live without!

Remember, holidays are supposed to be a time of relaxation and a well-deserved break. If you are planning to travel with your dog, the more organised you are, the smoother your experience will go!