Low-stress car travel for your pet

Planning a Christmas road-trip with your pet? Don’t stress! Check out these anxiety-reducing pet travel tips.

Safe travel

Ensure your pet is properly secured in the car. The safest option for dogs is usually restrained on the back seat using a safety-tested car harness and seatbelt attachment system.
For cats or smaller dogs, it’s best to use a properly-secured travel crate. Ensure this is large enough for your pet to stand up and lie down in comfortably, and has good airflow to prevent overheating.
Pet comfort

Take dogs for walks before setting off, so they’re more likely to rest comfortably on the journey.
Stop every two hours to offer your pet water and to take dogs for a toileting walk.
For long trips with cats, it’s best to plan in advance for toileting stops at least every four hours. Choose somewhere that you can set up a litter tray for them in a safe, confined area.
Reducing anxiety

Mildly anxious pets often benefit from applying a calming pheromone spray on their travel bedding 15 minutes prior to setting off. Spray brands include Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs.
Two-to-five days prior to the journey, consider starting your dog or cat on Zylkene, a natural calming supplement.
For more anxious pets, we’d advise an appointment with us for a discussion about the safest short-term, anti-anxiety medication options which may be appropriate.
Car sickness

Avoid giving your pet large meals for several hours prior to travel.
If your pet gets travel-sick, phone us to ask about safe and effective prescription anti-nausea medications for the journey.
Lastly, ensure your pet’s microchip registration details are up-to-date, and that they are wearing an ID tag or collar marked with your best contact number. Pets away from home can easily get disoriented and lost.

If you have any other questions regarding travelling with your pet, please phone our friendly team!