Travelling This Summer? Your Pet’s Safety Starts Before You Hit the Road

Summer holidays are nearly here, and I know many of you are preparing for sunshine, beaches, and long-awaited adventures.

If your pet is joining you, a little planning can make the difference between a smooth trip and an emergency detour.

Travelling with dogs and cats is absolutely possible. But keeping them safe, calm, and protected takes a little bit of thought.

Let’s walk through the most important steps for a stress-free and safe summer getaway.

Car Sickness or Travel Anxiety? Spot the Signs

Some dogs adore the car. Head out the window, tongue flapping, joy in full display. But for others, travel is frightening, disorienting, or physically upsetting.

Signs of distress include drooling, whining, trembling, pacing, or trying to brace themselves.
Some pets struggle with anxiety. Others experience true motion sickness.

Both problems can ruin your trip before it even begins.

Speak with us about how your pet reacts in the car. We can tailor strategies that genuinely help your pet feel safe and settled on the road.

Our team can support you with anti-nausea relief, identifying and managing travel anxiety, as well as practical strategies for safe travel.

For long-term anxiety concerns, we can also connect you with our trusted behaviourist, Yvonne Mann.

Your Car Sickness Game Plan:

Desensitisation
Start with short, positive car sessions.
Offer high-value treats without driving anywhere.
Reward calm behaviour generously.

Environment
A secure crate helps many pets feel stable and supported.
Others prefer a well-fitted harness for comfort and restraint.
Keep the car cool.
Use soft white noise or low music to reduce stress.

Feeding
Avoid large meals before travel.
A light stomach reduces nausea and vomiting.

Comfort Techniques
Bring familiar items such as bedding or favourite toys.
If possible, have someone sit beside them for reassurance.

Medication?
Ask your vet whether travel medication is right for your pet. For the right pet, this option is simply life-changing.

Tick, Flea, and Heartworm Protection Is Essential

If your journey takes you toward New South Wales or eastern Victoria, your pet will enter paralysis tick territory. These ticks can be deadly.

They attack the nervous system and cause rapid, life-threatening paralysis.

Heartworm risk also rises in warm, humid areas. Mosquitoes spread the disease. Heartworm can cause severe heart and lung damage.

Annual injections are available to protect against fleas, ticks, and heartworm. These vet-administered treatments are safe, convenient, and long-lasting.

They remove the burden of remembering monthly medications. Protect your pet before you leave. One simple visit can prevent some of the most heartbreaking summer emergencies.

Boarding Your Pet? Prepare Early

If your pet is staying in a kennel or cattery, check their vaccination status early. Vaccines need time to work. Don’t leave this until the day before travel.

Parasite prevention is also vital. Boarding environments increase exposure to fleas, worms, and mites. A current prevention plan keeps them protected throughout your trip.

Know Your Nearest Emergency Vet

When travelling with pets, know the nearest emergency vet before you need one. A quick Google search could save precious minutes. Keep local numbers in your phone.

And remember, Vetland Hospital & Emergency is open 24/7. We’re here for you anytime—whether you’re five minutes away or halfway across the state.

Flat-Faced Breeds Need Extra Care

Bulldogs, pugs, and other flat-faced breeds struggle in the heat. Anything above 24°C can be risky. Humidity increases the danger dramatically.

Keep these dogs cool, hydrated, and indoors during peak heat. Avoid exercise during warm hours. Heatstroke can develop quickly and become fatal.

Safe Travels, Happy Pets

Your pet’s safety matters as much as your own. With the right preparation, you can enjoy every moment of your holiday together—or apart.

Travel Essentials Checklist:

• Crash-tested harness or secure travel crate
• Vaccination records and health certificates
• Pet first-aid kit
• Regular rest stops for toileting and stretching
• Fresh water, collapsible bowls, and familiar comfort items
• Awareness of heat, dehydration, ticks, wildlife, and stagnant water

If you need help with travel prep, flea and tick injections, or a full pre-holiday check, our Vetland team is ready to help.