Tips for Travelling with Dogs, Cats and Horses

Taking your furry bestie on a holiday IS possible with good planning. First, visit this blog for an overarching view of just how achievable it is and to explore some of our tips to hassle-free holidaying pets.

Already read it? Continue on…

Because dogs, cats and horses tend to be the most likely travel companions, we’ve explored the possibilities with these animals in further detail below.

First, let’s look into your holiday pack list.

What To Pack for Your Pet

Your pets might not have a toothbrush to pack but there are plenty of other essentials they’ll need.

When holidaying with pets the first thing to remember is pets can get motion sickness just like people. So, be sure to have what you need on hand to deal with that situation (eg. ginger biscuits) should it arise.

Once that’s sorted, here are other key considerations:

• Cat harness or dog collar and with your pet’s name, address and contact details
• An extra lead (you can’t be too careful)
• Medications, labeled clearly with dosage and pet’s name
• Sun and fly protection for your horse
• Familiar toys, scratching posts, bedding, food and water bowl that smell like home
• A portable water bottle and collapsible bowl for the car
• Their regular food (plus a bit extra)
• Portable litter tray and their normal litter
• Litter bags and scoops
• Travel towels and extras to wrap in case they get sick or injured
• Grooming supplies
• Extra bedding and blankets, especially if you’re travelling to somewhere colder than home
• A recent photo of your pet (in case they go missing)
• This list of plants that might be poisonous to your pet

Stress-Less Road Tripping with Dogs, Cats and Horses

Getting a better idea of what’s needed to make your pet-friendly holiday a reality? Now let’s look into the ins and outs of travelling with some of the better-suited pets – dogs, cats and horses.

Holidaying with dogs

Because of their adventurous nature, dogs often make the best travelling companions. They travel light, they’re usually eager to explore new places and they never ask “are we there yet?” or complain about how long it takes to hike through the bush to your secluded cabin.

Holidaying with cats

While many cats don’t like to travel, some will relish the opportunity to explore the world with you. You only have to see these adorable photos of cats travelling to realise it can be done. You know your cat best and if a 10 minute round trip to the vet leaves you with deep physical and emotional scarring – then you’re probably better off calling a cat-sitter.

Holidaying with horses

Holidaying with your horse can be a wonderful way to bond with them while exploring more of our Aussie countryside. And a quick way to explore a wide open space like bushland or the coast! Is it time to let your mane loose and go strut your stuff on the beach together? You know they’ll never judge you for your bikini body.

Pet-Friendly Accommodation Options Aplenty

More and more, holidaying with pets is becoming a simple feat. Thanks to a plethora of pet-friendly accommodation options that cater for a wide range of pets, booking the right place is a cinch. Just remember to call ahead to double check what pets are accepted if it’s not clearly stated on the website.

Cat and dog-friendly destinations

• Holidaying with Dogs
• Holiday Paws
• Pet Check-In – Pet-friendly getaways
• Pet-friendly campsites and caravan parks
• Australian Explorer – Pet friendly index

Horse trails and animal-friendly accommodation

• Have Horse Will Travel – Destinations
• Seahorse Diamond Beach – Horse and Dog Friendly Accommodation
• Chapman Valley Horse Riding
• Plan your route with Horse Shed ‘n’ Bed

Top 5 Tips per Voyage-Friendly Pet

The key to stress-free car travel with your furry BFF is planning and safety. We’ve devised 5 essential tips for each of our focus pets.

Hassle-free travelling with dogs

1. Secure your dog with a dog carrier or harness that’s anchored securely to an existing seat belt
2. Tether them on the back seat, away from fatal front airbags
3. Prevent driver distractions with a pet barrier
4. Give them plenty of ventilation while you’re driving
5. Keep them comfortable with a hammock or pet bed on the back seat

Calm car travel with cats

1. Buy a cat carrier that’s large enough for your cat to hide in, but big enough for them to stand upright
2. Put a familiar towel or blanket inside to keep them comfortable
3. Secure the cat carrier with a seatbelt or tether in the boot so it doesn’t become a projectile
4. If the top of the carrier is open, covering it with a light blanket might help your kitty feel more secure
5. If your cat is distressed in the car or carrier, practicing driving short distances might help them become accustomed to it

Travelling long distances with horses

1. Avoid feeding your horse grains and concentrated feeds 12-24 hours before departing to avoid colic and gastric ulcers
2. Make sure your float is well ventilated to prevent excessive sweating and dehydration
3. Avoid heavy traffic as this can cause your horse more anxiety
4. Keep an eye on your horse for signs of stress and fatigue
5. Allow one full day of rest for one full day (8 hours) of travel

Dr Anita Barton share more info about travelling long distances with horses in this article.

Other ‘Before You Leave’ Checks

Round out your planning process with these final checks below before you take off on your pet + person adventure. And then… enjoy!

• Check your pet’s insurance to make sure it’s up to date
• Play with your pet or give them a good run so they get lots of exercise before you go
• Avoid giving them a large meal just before you leave, so they don’t have a full stomach in the car
• Make sure your pet is microchipped (if possible) in case they go missing while you’re away
• Ask your vet what first aid you should take with you
• We can’t say this often enough – make sure your pet is safe and secured so they’re well protected, and so you’re covered in an accident. Is it time for pet insurance?