Taking a pet on the road: Dr Katrina Warren’s guide to travelling with a furry friend

WORRIED about leaving a pet behind when you hit the road on holidays? TV vet Katrina Warren shows you how to take a furry friend on your next great adventure.

Follow Katrina Warren’s guide to taking a pet on the road. Picture: Supplied.

LEAVING pets behind on holiday is a relatable struggle, but pet regret can be a thing of the past if you’re willing to hit the road with your four-legged friend. Much-loved Australian vet, television personality and pet travel expert, Dr Katrina Warren, shares her top tips for travelling with pets.

Avoid stress

You don’t have the worry of leaving them in the care of others. Many people simply do not travel because they don’t want to leave their pets in a boarding kennel or at home with a pet sitter. Taking them with you solves this problem!

Family fun

These days our dogs are valued members of the family and we love to include them in all aspects of our lives. Most people hate leaving them when they ago away and miss them terribly. Again, taking them with you solves this problem!

Feel safe

If you are travelling solo, having your dog with you can help you feel safe and they are also a great way to meet people as many people will stop to chat when you have a dog.

A dog can encourage you to exercise and explore new areas. Picture: supplied

Get active

Having your dog with you encourages you to get outdoors, exercise and explore new areas. Whether it is walking around the local town, running along a dog friendly beach or visiting a local dog park, having your dog by your side is a fun way to check out somewhere new.

Special bond

The more quality time you spend with your pet, the closer your bond will be. Holidays are the perfect time to relax and have some fun with your dog and create special holiday memories.

Road trip prep

Before you hit the road, ensure you check off the following items:

ID TAG — Make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag with a contact number that works where you are staying. This is the quickest way to ensure you will be reunited with your pet if they get lost. Prior to departure, I would also recommend checking that your pet’s microchip details are up to date with your current contact details.

FOOD — Pack your dog’s regular food as you may not be able to buy it at your holiday destination. A sudden change of diet can cause tummy upsets, which would ruin a trip away.

BEDDING — I always advise owners to pack your dog’s own bedding for them to sleep on, so they have a familiar home comfort and you know it will be clean. Other home comforts are also great, such as your dog’s favourite toy.

WATER BOWL AND LEAD — it is important to stop for regular toilet and water breaks. Make sure you always have your dog on a lead at these times as many dogs run away when they find themselves in a new environment. A portable water bowl is fantastic — I have a material one, which I can fold up and stuff in a pocket or bag when on the road.

FLEA TREATMENT — Your new environment may harbour fleas, so apply a flea preventive before you leave and apply as necessary on you travels.

Katrina Warren will share her tips and advice at Melbourne Leisurefest. Picture: Supplied

PARALYSIS TICK PREVENTION — If you are travelling to a coastal destination, phone ahead to the local vet at your destination and ask if paralysis ticks are prevalent in the area. Paralysis ticks are deadly and you need to start preventive treatment prior to departing for your holiday and continue while on holiday.

RESTRAINT — When travelling in a car, you must restrain your dog so they can’t be a distraction while you are driving. Confine small dogs in a crate and make sure large dogs are harnessed or wearing a seat belt or sitting behind a barrier. This prevents them from becoming flying missiles, should you have an accident.

Dr Katrina Warren is one of the featured guests at this year’s Melbourne Leisurefest, which takes place from 5-8 October at Sandown Racecourse. Accompanied by two loveable Australian Shepherd dogs, Pippin and Galaxy, Dr Warren will be at the event this Friday and Saturday to share her top tips and advice on travelling with dogs.

For more information about the showcase event, visit melbourneleisurefest.com.au.