Traveling with Your Pet: Car Travel Tips for Dogs and Cats [+ Checklist]

ByGavin Levenstein

Short- and long-distance travelling can feel stressful for pets—especially if car rides only ever lead to the vet. This guide shows you how to make every drive safer, calmer, and more comfortable for dogs and cats, with step-by-step training, safety setups, motion sickness tips, break schedules, and a practical packing checklist.

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Before You Go: Prep and Training

A little practice at home makes the biggest difference. If your pet has learned to dislike the car or the carrier, we’ll gently reset that.

Getting Dogs Comfortable with the Car (step-by-step)

Many dogs are pushed away from cars as puppies or only ride to the vet. Let’s rebuild a positive association.

1) Create a calm zone next to the car

  • Park with doors open and engine off.
  • Scatter a few treats or feed meals next to the car so your dog chooses to approach.

2) Step up without driving

  • Feed treats with your dog sitting calmly in the back seat or boot area (hatchback), no engine.
  • Reward calm behaviour, then hop out. Keep sessions short and happy.

3) Add engine noise (not moving)

  • Start the car, reward calm, end the session. If anxious, go back a step.

4) Short, easy drives

  • Drive around the block and end somewhere fun (a short walk or play).
  • Gradually increase duration. Always end on a positive note.

Pro tip: Feed your dog a normal meal 3–4 hours before travel to reduce nausea, and offer water at stops.

Getting Cats Comfortable with the Carrier and Car

Cats often only travel for something stressful, so we’ll make the carrier a safe, everyday space.

1) Make the carrier part of home

  • Leave the carrier out days before travel, door open, lined with a warm, familiar blanket.
  • Feed near the carrier at first, then offer treats and meals just inside.

2) Build positive associations

  • Spray a cat pheromone (per label) in the carrier 15 minutes before use.
  • Add a worn T-shirt or the cat’s favourite soft blanket for familiar scent and warmth.

3) Short practice rides

  • Place the carrier on the floor behind the front passenger seat or seat-belt it onto the back seat.
  • Start with one- to two-minute drives, then gradually extend.

4) Keep it dark and cosy

  • A light cover over the carrier can help many cats settle, while ensuring airflow.

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Car Safety Essentials

Pets that aren’t secured can be seriously injured—and can also distract the driver.

  • Always secure your dog with a crash-tested harness plus seatbelt tether, or a secured crate.
  • Cats must stay inside a sturdy carrier, secured so it can’t slide or tip.
  • Never let pets ride on your lap or roam the cabin.
  • Never place a pet in the front seat where an airbag could deploy.
  • Never leave pets in a parked car.

Restraint Options: Harness vs Crate vs Carrier

  • Crash-tested dog harness

– Best for: Most dogs riding on the back seat. – Pros: Keeps dog restrained, allows some comfort, easy pit stops. – Consider: Choose a model tested for crash safety; use the included seatbelt loop/tether.

  • Travel crate (dogs)

– Best for: Dogs who relax in a den-like space; hatchbacks/boots with a barrier. – Pros: Limits movement; can protect in sudden stops. – Consider: Anchor the crate; use a non-slip mat and a breathable, warm blanket.

  • Cat carrier

– Best for: All cat travel. – Pros: Safest, reduces stress when cosy and partially covered. – Consider: Choose a rigid or well-structured soft-sided carrier with secure zips and good ventilation.

Where to Place Carriers and How to Secure

  • Best placements:

– On the back seat, threaded through with a seatbelt. – On the rear footwell behind the front passenger seat to reduce movement.

  • Avoid: Front seat with airbags, unsecured boot spaces, or stacking items on top of the carrier.

Heat and Ventilation

  • Keep airflow consistent but avoid blasting cold air directly at your pet.
  • In summer, pre-cool the car and offer water at every stop.
  • Never leave pets in a parked car—even “just a minute” can be dangerous.

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Long-Distance Travel

Feeding, Water, and Break Frequency

  • Dogs: Plan a stop every 2–3 hours to stretch legs, drink, and toilet on lead.
  • Cats: Offer water at stops; most cats prefer not to eat in the car.
  • Meals: For both pets, avoid a heavy meal just before driving. Feed a light meal 3–4 hours pre-departure, then resume normal feeding at your destination or overnight stop.
  • Hydration: Offer small amounts of water often. Spill-proof travel bowls help keep the car tidy.

Toilet Solutions

  • Dogs: Always on lead at unfamiliar stops. Bring waste bags and hand wipes.
  • Cats: Line the carrier with an absorbent pad and layer of newspaper. If they go, securely close all doors/windows before opening the carrier to replace the pad. For overnight stops, set up a litter tray in a closed room before letting your cat out.

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Anxiety and Motion Sickness

It’s not only the car—sometimes it’s how the experience feels. We’ll make it calm and predictable.

Signs to watch for

  • Dogs: Excessive panting, drooling, whining, pacing, vomiting.
  • Cats: Low growling, yowling, drooling, panting, hiding, vomiting.

Practical remedies

  • Training: Gradual desensitisation (steps above) is the most effective long-term fix.
  • Position: Face forward, secure well, and keep the ride smooth (no hard cornering or sudden braking).
  • Fresh air: Slightly open a rear window for airflow; avoid direct blasts.
  • Scents: Use cat pheromone spray in carriers; keep the environment scent-familiar with your pet’s blanket.
  • Nutrition: Light meals only before travel; ginger snaps or vet-advised supplements may help some dogs.
  • Vet support: For persistent anxiety or car sickness, speak to your vet about options such as Cerenia (dogs) or other prescribed aids. Always follow veterinary advice.

Disclaimer: Medical and safety advice in this article is general guidance. Please consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations for your pet.

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Packing List for Pet Road Trips [Checklist]

Documents and ID

  • Microchip number and proof
  • Vet records and vaccination book
  • Recent photo of your pet
  • GPS tracker charged and paired (long battery life helps on road trips)

Safety and restraint

  • Crash-tested dog car harness or secured crate
  • Cat carrier (rigid or well-structured soft-sided)
  • Seatbelt tether and/or crate straps
  • Window shade and a non-slip mat/blanket

Comfort and care

  • Warm, washable travel blanket
  • Spill-proof water and food bowls
  • Calming treats/sprays (as advised)
  • Waste bags, wipes, hand sanitiser
  • Disposable absorbent pads/newspaper (especially for cats)
  • First-aid basics and your vet’s contact

Food and routine

  • Regular food and measured snacks
  • Bottled water (if local water may upset stomachs)
  • Favourite toy/chew for comfort
  • Lead/harness (and a spare)

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What the Law Says

Laws vary by region. In many places, it’s illegal to drive with a pet on your lap or in a way that interferes with control of the vehicle. In South Africa, you must maintain proper control at all times; an unrestrained pet that distracts the driver can lead to fines or worse in a crash. The safest—and most responsible—choice is always a secured harness, crate, or carrier.

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Recommended Gear (shop the essentials)

Safer rides

  • Crash-tested dog car harness with seatbelt tether
  • Sturdy dog crate or well-ventilated cat/dog carrier
  • Window shade, non-slip mat, and a warm, washable travel blanket

Comfort and clean-up

  • Spill-proof travel water bowl or bottle
  • Disposable absorbent pee pads and wipes
  • Calming treats or pheromone spray (as advised by your vet)

Peace of mind

  • Infinity GPS Pet Tracker (long battery life for road trips)
  • ID tag with up-to-date phone number

Explore our store categories to find the right fit:

  • Trackers & Health
  • Essentials & Lifestyle
  • Dogs
  • Cats

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FAQs

Q: How long can a dog ride in a car without a break? A: Plan a stretch, water, and toilet stop every 2–3 hours. Puppies and seniors may need more frequent breaks.

Q: How do I calm a cat in the car? A: Make the carrier a familiar, cosy space in advance; use a pheromone spray; keep the carrier partially covered; drive smoothly; and consider vet-advised calming aids for anxious travellers.

Q: What size carrier does my cat need? A: Your cat should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. For long trips, prioritise ventilation, sturdy construction, and secure closures. If between sizes, size up slightly and add a non-slip blanket.

Q: Is it safe for dogs to ride in the boot/hatchback? A: Yes, if the area is secured with a crate or a barrier and the crate is anchored. Ensure good ventilation and never stack items that could shift in a sudden stop.

Q: Should I feed my pet before a long car ride? A: Avoid heavy meals right before departure. Feed a light meal 3–4 hours before leaving, offer water at every stop, and resume normal feeding when you arrive or during an overnight break.

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We hope this guide helps you enjoy smoother, safer drives with your best friend. If you’re unsure what to choose, our team is happy to help you pick the right harness, carrier, or tracker for your pet.

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