Things to consider when travelling with pets in the car

But what about when we've got furry friends or canine companions on board?

It's not illegal to drive with your pet inside a car in Australia. Being the kind of person who’d prefer to be behind the wheel with your pet on your lap is risky, though, as it will definitely lead to significant fines and loss of demerit points.

Driving with your pets in cars doesn’t have to be a stressful or dangerous thing. In fact, with some planning ahead and careful consideration, it can be a pretty fun adventure.

Here’s a couple of things to consider when travelling with pets in the car.

It’s important to have an effective harness when travelling with your pets. This prevents injuries from happening in the event of an abrupt stop or collision, and keeps you from being distracted while driving.

A small or medium-sized dog would benefit from a chest plate with a pair of straps that cross over their back, pet baskets, or booster seats. A larger dog would need a vest-like system that looks similar to a deflated life jacket.

Keep the age and weight of your pet in mind to make sure you find a product that fits like a glove on them and protects them in the event of a minor crash.

Making sure your pet eats a meal before getting in the car (if it’s a long trip) will help, as well as a snack kit.

Regular breaks at two hour intervals will allow them to stretch and take toilet breaks, avoiding discomfort or accidents from happening.

Hydration is important, too: bring along extra bottled water. You can recycle ice cream bowls or use travel bowls for water if you need to pull over for tap access, too.

Pets love sticking their heads out of windows––the joys of people-watching, soaking up sunshine and inhaling the heavenly smell of bakery and burger joints along the way.

But there are hazards to be aware of, too, especially when it comes to the potential for eye injuries, the potential to be hit by another car, or getting caught up in airborne contamination.

Investing in a pair of goggles or window pet vents will help keep your pets safe while giving them an opportunity to make the most of the great outdoors.

Worst case scenario: you lose your pet while out on the road. To make sure your pets have every chance of safely finding their way back to you, Keep collars on, with up-to-date details including your home address and phone number.

Microchipping your pet, while more expensive, is a great investment in case collars and tags get lost (just make sure that the details you have stored on the database are up-to-date, too).

The official rules, demerit points and fines charges for drivers tend to differ between states. To find out what rules apply in your state or territory, you can contact your state or territory transport department.

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