How to go caravanning with your pet

Pets are part of the family, so it’s only natural many of us want to take them on the road with us when we start caravanning. Here are a few things to consider if you’d like to take your pet with you in the caravan.  

We want to make sure our pets are going to stay happy and healthy along the way. Before you go, think about the following:  

• Is your pet comfortable with car travel? Dogs can get car sick and cats often find travelling in the car extremely stressful.  

• Is your pet in good health?  

• While travelling, your pet will need to be restrained for your protection as much as theirs with a harness, cargo barrier or secured carrier. Some states/territories require pets to be restrained by law, so check these requirements ahead of time. Additionally, cats and birds can benefit from having a blanket over their carrier. 

• Are they up to date with vaccinations and tick/worm treatments? Make sure you carry a copy of all vaccination records. 

• Do you have an adequate supply of your pet’s medications (if applicable)? How will you refill these on the road?
  

• Is your pet’s microchip info up to date?  

• Do they have a collar with your name and number on it? If not, consider getting one. If your pet goes missing, this will help you become reunited sooner.  

• Make sure they get their daily exercise. Good for your health too!  

• Make sure you’ve got a sturdy water bowl that won’t splash around while you are driving but your pet can access as needed.

• Make sure your pet’s toilet needs are accounted for. For cats, a litter box that can be secured and with a cover on it to prevent spillage. Carry plenty of spare litter and scoop/change it regularly. For dogs, stop regularly for toilet breaks and carry plenty of bags to collect and dispose of poo.
  

• Take a break every two hours and allow your pet to stretch their legs and relieve themselves as necessary.  

• Be mindful of hot concrete or bitumen burning their feet. If you can’t walk barefoot on it, neither can they. 

• Make sure your pets have somewhere shady to rest and access to plenty of water while outdoors.  
  

• Never leave your pet unattended in a car or caravan during the day. Vehicles get hot really fast, even if you have provided shade and water and have cracked open a window. If your pet overheats, it could end up with heatstroke or organ failure, or even die.

If you’re planning to stay in a caravan park, make sure that pets are allowed. Most caravan parks won’t allow animals to be left alone on premises without supervision as they can disturb other residents and potentially cause damage.  

It’s a good rule of thumb to check if the areas and events you’re going to – for example, national parks, beaches and markets – will allow pets. 

If you need to head out for the day or evening and have to leave your pet behind with the caravan, consider getting a pet sitter to supervise in your absence. Online pet-sitting classified services such as PetCloud, Pawshake, and Mad Paws, or you can ask around locally. This may be challenging in more rural or remote areas. 

Create a designated space for your pet with its bed, litter box, water and food bowls in a dark and comfortable part of the caravan. Consider a portable enclosure to allow them to enjoy the outdoors when you’ve stopped. You might also like to get them a cooling pad for hot days.  

Not all pets will have the right disposition for travelling. Here’s how to know:  

• Are they OK with car travel? Many pets become very stressed by car travel. If you’re not sure, take your pet on a short test journey and see how they respond to the car.  

• Is your pet easily stressed or anxious? If the answer is yes, taking them with you could be extremely traumatic for them and it may be best to leave them behind.  

• Is your pet OK around other people or animals? If your pet is prone to aggression, this could become a big issue.  

• What are your pets like near water? This is especially important if travelling in places where crocodiles could be present. You don’t want your pet jumping into a croc-infested river. 

• Will they come when called? You don’t want to be chasing after them.  

• Are they happy to be left on their own? There may be periods of time while you shower or cook dinner away from the van. Will your pet be OK or will they become stressed?  

• Are they noisy? This won’t be an issue if you’re staying somewhere away from other people, but if you’re in a caravan park, it could disturb your neighbours.  

• Are they OK on a lead? Most accommodation or outdoor areas will require dogs to be on a lead, so it’s important your pet is comfortable with this.