Tips for road tripping with your pet

Pets are an integral part of many families, therefore more and more Queenslanders are opting for travel destinations that allow their furry friends to come along too.

While having your pet tag along on your holiday is an exciting idea, there are additional considerations to keep in mind when planning your trip. 

How will you secure your pet during the road trip?

We all know wearing a seatbelt is a crucial safety measure and while the road rules do not specifically require an animal to be restrained when travelling inside a vehicle, we recommend animals be restrained for their safety as much as ours.

Under Queensland legislation ‘It is an offence to drive with an animal in your lap or to drive when you don't have proper control of your vehicle’.

RACQ Education Officer Tiffany Boyd recommends the safest ways to restrain animals travelling inside your vehicle.

“For dogs, we recommend a harness rather than attachments that directly link to your dog’s collar, which secures your dog by connecting to the seat belt system,” Ms Boyd said.

“Dogs travelling in a wagon-type vehicle should be behind a cargo barrier or in a travelling crate.

“For smaller pets, we recommend they are transported in a travel crate.”

Ms Boyd said a properly restrained pet cannot move around extensively inside the vehicle and will reduce distraction to the driver.

“In a crash or under heavy braking, a properly restrained pet is less likely to become airborne, decreasing the risk of serious injury to the pet, the driver and other passengers,” she said.

“For an open vehicle such as a ute, pets should be protected in an enclosed cage that is securely attached to the vehicle.

“The cage must not cramp the dog, should be well-covered for protection from the sun, wind and rain, and be placed behind the cabin to minimise exposure to the elements.”

Queensland legislation states ‘if an animal is carried in the tray of a ute or in a trailer, it is classed as a load and must be safely restrained so that it can’t fall or move off the vehicle, or be injured by the movement of the vehicle.

How can I keep my pet comfortable during the road trip?

It is a good idea to make sure that your pet is used to travelling by car before you set off.

Make sure your pet has enough room to sit, stand, turn around easily and lie down in a comfortable position.

You should also make sure that there is enough ventilation and airflow.

Make a habit of stopping every couple of hours for a toilet break to avoid messy accidents in the car.

Never leave your pet unattended in a car even on winter days – animals can die or suffer serious injury very quickly from heat stress.

Have I packed everything my pet needs?

When you pack your bags, make sure you pack everything your pet will need too, including:

• Your pet’s regular food and treats.
• Bedding and/or a crate to sleep in.
• Food and water bowls (pack some water for the road trip too).
• Collar/harness and lead.
• Suitable vehicle restraint.
• Your pet’s favourite toys.
• Towels in case your pet gets wet.
• Bags to clean up after your pet.
• Your pet's medication.

In addition, make sure your pet has an identification tag on it and their microchip details are up-to-date.

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Is your pet’s health up to a road trip?

Make sure that your pet is healthy enough to travel and that all of their vaccinations, worming, flea and tick treatments are up to date before setting off.

If your pet takes any prescription medication, make sure that you have enough to see you through the holiday.

Even if your pet is healthy, it is a good idea to have the contact details of the local vet at your destination or vet clinics along the way (if it’s a long trip) in case you need to make an appointment.

Considering pet insurance for your furry friend? Choose RACQ Pet Insurance for care you can count on: Pet Insurance | RACQ

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