Road trips with your dog: simple tips for safer, more comfortable travel

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet about your pet’s individual health needs. Accurate as at 5 October 2026.

Whether it’s a quick trip to the park or a weekend away, there are plenty of reasons you might travel by car with your dog. A little preparation can help make the journey safer and more comfortable for everyone.

From choosing an appropriate restraint to planning regular breaks and packing a few essentials, there are some simple things to consider before you set off.

Here’s how to help your four-legged passenger travel safely and comfortably, wherever the road takes you.

Table of contents

• Why safe car travel matters
• Start with an appropriate restraint
• How to help your dog travel comfortably
• Simple habits for safer journeys
• What to pack for your dog
• Pet insurance and its role in your dog’s care

Why safe car travel matters

Even a dog who’s is typically calm and comfortable travelling by car can move unexpectedly during a journey. Appropriately restraining your dog can help reduce distractions for the driver, prevent your dog from jumping from a moving vehicle, and may provide protection if you need to brake suddenly or are involved in an accident.

It’s also worth knowing that rules for travelling with dogs in vehicles vary between states and territories. If you’re crossing borders, check the relevant road rules and animal welfare requirements for where you’re travelling before you set off.

Start with an appropriate restraint

There are different ways to safely restrain a dog in a vehicle, and it’s important to consider an option that’s appropriate for your dog and your car.

• A vehicle restraint or harness that has passed safety and crash testing. A properly fitted vehicle restraint or harness can be used to secure your dog in the back seat. A car harness may be different from the harness you use for walks, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fitting and securing it.
• A crate or carrier. Dogs can also travel in a well-ventilated crate or carrier that’s passed crash testing and is properly secured in the car. It should be big enough for your dog to stand with their head up, turn around and lie down comfortably.
• A cargo barrier. In some vehicles, a cargo barrier or dog guard can separate your dog from passengers. However, a barrier alone may not adequately restrain or protect your dog in an accident.

One important heads-up: plenty of pet travel products on the market haven’t passed any safety or crash testing, and these may not prevent injuries in an accident. There’s no formally recognised Australian standard for crash testing these products yet, so it pays to do your due diligence and choose carefully.

How to help your dog travel comfortably

Not every dog takes to car travel straight away. If yours is still getting used to it, gradual, positive experiences can help them become more accustomed to travelling by car.

If your dog is anxious about being in the car, start by spending time together next to and inside a stationary vehicle and rewarding calm behaviour to help build positive associations. Once your dog is comfortable with this step, start with short journeys and slowly increase the distance and duration of travel, using positive, reward-based training.

For longer trips, plan ahead so your dog has access to water, regular breaks, and opportunities for toileting and exercise in safe locations.

Bringing familiar bedding, toys or another familiar item may also help your dog settle during the journey.

If your dog becomes unwell, distressed, or regularly experiences motion sickness when travelling, speak with your vet for advice before your next trip.

Simple habits for safer journeys

A few simple habits can help make car journeys safer and more comfortable for your dog:

• Plan regular stops. On longer drives, allow time for toilet breaks, water, and some exercise in a safe location to break up the journey.
• Leash up in new places. Unfamiliar places can bring unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. To help prevent dogs from running off or getting into trouble, keep them on a leash when getting them in and out of the car.
• Check your dog’s identification details. Make sure your dog’s microchip details are up to date before travelling. An identification tag with your current contact details attached to their collar can provide another way for someone to contact you if you become separated.
• Keep heads and paws inside. As much as some dogs might enjoy poking their head out of the window, it’s safer to keep them appropriately restrained inside the car.
• Never leave your dog unattended in a car. Cars can heat up very quickly, even when the weather doesn’t feel particularly hot. Leaving the windows open doesn’t prevent the temperature inside the car from rising, so never leave your dog unattended in the vehicle.

What to pack for your dog

A little planning can make longer journeys easier. Depending on where you’re going and your dog’s individual needs, consider packing:

• Fresh water and a bowl
• Your dog’s lead and harness
• Poo bags and a towel
• Any medication your dog may need
• Familiar bedding, toys or other familiar items
• Your dog’s usual food if you’ll be away at mealtimes
• A pet first aid kit

If your dog needs medication while you’re away, make sure you have enough to last for the duration of your trip and follow your vet’s instructions regarding dosage and timing.

Pet insurance and its role in your dog’s care

Road trips with your dog are all about making memories and enjoying the journey together. a little preparation can help to keep them safe and comfortable along the way. But even when you’ve planned ahead, unexpected injuries and illnesses can still happen.

Depending on your cover, pet insurance may help cover a portion of eligible vet expenses if your dog becomes injured or unwell.

With RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can also customise your dog’s cover to suit their needs and your budget, with annual cover limits up to $35,000, benefit percentage options up to 90%, a zero excess option, and a wide range of optional extras.

And with every policy contributing to vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives, it’s protection with purpose. For your own pup and thousands of others across Australia.

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your dog, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.

Disclaimer

As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.

References

[1] RSPCA Australia. Do I need to restrain my dog when travelling in my car? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/do-i-need-to-restrain-my-dog-when-travelling-in-my-car

[2] RSPCA Australia. What do I need to know about taking my dog on a road trip with my family? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/pets-and-holidays/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-taking-my-dog-on-a-road-trip-with-my-family

[3] RSPCA Australia. How can I protect my dog from heatstroke? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/how-can-i-protect-my-dog-from-heatstroke

[4] RSPCA Australia. Why is it important to ensure my pet is microchipped? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/pet-ownership/why-is-it-important-to-ensure-my-pet-is-microchipped