There’s something special about packing the car, hitting the open road and having your dog along for the adventure.

Whether it’s a weekend away, a trip between cities or a much bigger Australian road trip, travelling with your dog means there are a few extra things to think about.

Where will you stop? Does your accommodation really welcome dogs? Have you packed enough of their usual food? And what happens if you suddenly need a vet somewhere along the way?

It might sound like a lot, but travelling with your dog doesn’t need to be complicated. A little preparation before you leave can make the journey safer, easier and much more enjoyable for both of you.

So, before you load the car and call, “Come on, we’re going!”, work your way through this Wagly road trip checklist.

Before You Leave: Is Your Dog Ready for a Road Trip?

Some dogs only need to hear the car keys, and they’re waiting at the door. Others would much rather stay exactly where they are.

If your dog isn’t used to long drives, don’t make an eight-hour road trip their first big adventure.

Start with a few shorter drives and gradually build up the time they spend in the car. This gives them a chance to become familiar with travelling and gives you an opportunity to notice any signs of anxiety or motion sickness before you’re hours from home.

Bring along something familiar, such as their favourite blanket or bed, and try to keep the car calm and comfortable.

If your dog really struggles with car travel, speak with your vet before you leave. They can help you work out the safest approach for your individual dog.

Plan a Dog-Friendly Route

When we plan a road trip, we tend to think about where we’re staying and what we want to see when we get there.

Travelling with a dog means thinking about the bits in between too.

Where can you safely stop? Where can your dog stretch their legs? Are there dog-friendly places near your accommodation? And are dogs actually allowed at the places you want to visit?

Don’t assume somewhere is dog-friendly simply because it’s outdoors. Rules can vary between parks, beaches, reserves and other public spaces.

Accommodation can be just as varied.

One place might happily welcome your dog inside, while another may have restrictions around size, number of pets or where dogs are allowed.

A quick check before you book can save a lot of frustration when you arrive.

What Should You Pack for Your Dog?

Dogs somehow seem to require almost as much luggage as their humans.

Before you close the boot, check that you have:

• Enough of your dog’s usual food for the trip, plus a little extra

• Fresh drinking water

• Collapsible food and water bowls

• Lead, collar or harness

• An appropriate car restraint or secured travel crate

• Their bed or favourite blanket

• A familiar toy or comfort item

• Any regular medication

• Pet first-aid supplies

• Waste bags — lots of them

• A towel for wet, sandy or muddy paws

• Current identification details

• Relevant vaccination and health information

• A recent photograph of your dog

Taking enough of your dog’s usual food is particularly important on a longer trip. Their favourite brand or variety might be easy to find at home but not so easy to track down in a small town several hours away.

And yes, take the favourite toy.

Even if it’s the squeaky one that will almost certainly make an appearance at 2 am.

Keep Your Dog Safe in the Car

Your dog needs a safe place in the car just like everyone else.

Use an appropriate restraint, travel harness, carrier or secured crate that suits your dog and vehicle. Travel requirements can vary depending on where you are, so check the relevant rules for the states or territories you’ll be travelling through.

Make sure your dog has enough ventilation and can settle comfortably without distracting the driver.

And there is one rule that shouldn't change no matter where you're travelling:

Never leave your dog unattended in a parked vehicle.

Cars can become dangerously hot very quickly, even when the weather outside doesn’t feel particularly extreme.

If you need to stop somewhere your dog can’t accompany you, plan so someone can remain safely with them.

Keep the Water Handy

Fresh water is one of those things you don’t want to realise you’ve forgotten when the next town is still an hour away.

Carry plenty for your dog and keep a collapsible bowl somewhere easy to reach rather than buried under everything else in the boot.

Try to keep your dog’s normal feeding routine fairly consistent too.

Road trips already bring plenty of new smells, places and experiences. Familiar food and routines can provide a little bit of normality in the middle of all that adventure.

Don’t Forget the Rest Stops

You might be happy driving for hours to reach the next destination. Your dog may have other ideas.

Plan regular stops so they can toilet, have some water, stretch their legs and enjoy a sniff around.

On longer driving days, stopping around every couple of hours can be a useful guide, but there’s no one schedule that suits every dog. Puppies, senior dogs and dogs with particular health needs may need more frequent breaks.

And keep the lead handy.

Even a dog with excellent recall can become distracted somewhere unfamiliar when there are new smells, people, wildlife and surroundings to investigate.

Is Your Accommodation Really Pet-Friendly?

There’s pet-friendly... and then there’s pet-friendly.

After a long day of driving, the last thing you want is to discover that your dog can stay at the property but isn’t actually allowed inside.

Before booking, check exactly what the property's pet policy includes.

You might want to ask:

Can my dog stay inside?

Is there an additional pet fee?

Is there a secure outdoor area?

Can my dog be left at the property if I go out?

Are there size or other pet restrictions?

How many pets are allowed?

Are there dog-friendly walking areas nearby?

Taking your dog’s usual bed or blanket can also help when you're moving between different accommodations. A familiar smell and sleeping spot can make another new place feel a little more like home.

Check Before You Explore

Australia has no shortage of beautiful beaches, parks, forests and walking tracks.

Unfortunately, your dog won't be welcome at every one of them.

Pet-access rules vary between locations, so check before you set out for the day. Some areas may allow dogs on-leash, others may have designated dog-friendly sections, while some won't permit dogs at all.

It only takes a few minutes to check and can save you arriving somewhere with an excited dog only to discover you need a completely different plan.

Think About Your Dog’s Health Too

One easy thing to forget when planning a road trip is that your dog’s health needs can change depending on where you're heading.

Different parts of Australia can present different environmental and parasite risks, so if you're travelling a long distance or heading somewhere unfamiliar, have a chat with your vet before you leave.

Make sure you have enough regular medication for the whole trip too. Taking a little extra where practical can be useful in case your plans change or your return home is delayed.

If your dog has an existing medical condition, keep their important health information somewhere easy to access.

Hopefully you won't need it, but you'll be glad you have it if you do.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Nobody plans a road trip expecting an emergency.

Still, a few minutes of preparation can make a difficult situation much easier to manage.

Before you leave, make sure your dog’s identification details are current and keep a recent, clear photograph on your phone.

It’s also worth knowing where veterinary services are available around your destination and along longer or more remote parts of your route.

Pack a basic pet first-aid kit too, but remember that first aid doesn't replace veterinary care when your dog is injured or unwell.

Hopefully the biggest emergency you encounter will be discovering someone has rolled in something questionable five minutes before getting back into the car.

That’s where the extra towel earns its place on the packing list.

Make the Journey Part of the Holiday

It’s easy to become focused on reaching the destination.

But when you’re travelling with your dog, the journey can be part of the adventure.

Allow yourself a little extra time.

Stop somewhere for a sniff.

Find a dog-friendly place to stretch your legs.

Take the ridiculous roadside photo.

Your dog doesn’t know you were hoping to arrive by 4 pm. As far as they're concerned, they’ve been invited on one enormous adventure with their favourite people.

Sometimes slowing down makes the road trip better for everyone.

Your Quick Wagly Road Trip Checklist

Before you leave, check that you've:

✓ Planned dog-friendly stops along your route
✓ Confirmed your accommodation's pet policy
✓ Packed enough of your dog's regular food
✓ Packed plenty of fresh water
✓ Packed bowls, bedding, toys and waste bags
✓ Organised an appropriate car restraint or travel crate
✓ Packed medications and pet first-aid supplies
✓ Checked your dog's identification details
✓ Saved a recent photograph of your dog
✓ Considered health needs relevant to your destination
✓ Identified veterinary services along your route
✓ Checked pet-access rules for places you plan to visit
✓ Planned regular breaks on longer driving days

Then there’s only one thing left to do.

Pack the car and enjoy the adventure.

How Can Wagly Help With Your Road Trip?

Travelling with your dog becomes much easier when you can plan the trip around their needs too.

Wagly can help you discover pet-friendly places and useful pet services, making it easier to include your dog in your travel plans.

And if there’s something you really want to do that isn't suitable for your dog, having access to pet-care options means you don't necessarily have to choose between missing out and taking your dog somewhere they won't be comfortable.

Because a genuinely pet-friendly holiday isn't about taking your dog absolutely everywhere.

It's about making sure they're considered in the plans too.

FAQs

How often should I stop when travelling with my dog?

Regular stops give your dog an opportunity to toilet, drink, stretch and have a break from the car. Around every couple of hours can be a useful guide on longer trips, but adjust this to your dog's age, health and individual needs.

What should I pack for my dog on a road trip?

Pack their usual food, water, bowls, lead and harness, appropriate vehicle restraint, bedding, waste bags, medication, relevant health information, identification, first-aid supplies and a few familiar comfort items.

Should I take my dog to the vet before a long road trip?

If you're travelling a significant distance, visiting unfamiliar areas or your dog has existing health needs, it's worth discussing your plans with your veterinarian. They can advise you about your individual dog's health and preventative care needs.

How do I know if accommodation is really pet-friendly?

Don't rely on the words "pet-friendly" alone. Check the property's individual pet policy, including where your dog is allowed, whether there are additional fees or restrictions and whether they can be left at the accommodation.

What if my dog doesn't like travelling in the car?

Start with shorter, positive car trips and gradually build up the length of the journey. If your dog experiences significant anxiety or motion sickness, speak with your veterinarian before attempting a longer trip.

Can I take my dog everywhere when travelling around Australia?

No. Pet-access rules vary between parks, beaches, reserves, attractions and other locations. Check the rules for each place you plan to visit before arriving.

Final Thoughts

Travelling Australia with your dog can create some wonderful memories.

And while there may be a little more packing and planning involved, it’s worth it when your four-legged travel companion gets to be part of the adventure.

Plan your route, check your accommodation, pack the familiar essentials and prepare for those little just-in-case moments.

You don’t need every minute of the trip planned.

You just need to make sure your dog’s comfort, safety and needs are part of the plan.

Then pack the car, find somewhere new and enjoy the journey together.

Related Reading

Looking for more helpful pet care advice? Explore these related Wagly articles to help you make informed choices for your pet.

Signs of Heat Stress in Dogs Every Pet Owner Should Know

What Is a Pet Passport and Why Should Your Dog Have One?

Pet Boarding vs Pet Sitting: Which Is Right for Your Dog?

Looking for trusted pet care? Wagly makes it easy to connect with experienced Pet Professionals who can meet your pet’s individual needs. Explore the Wagly app or website today to find the right care for your pet.

Until next time

The Wagly Team