Travelling with your pet by car: a calm road trip guide
From the first short drive to a long highway trip: safety, packing, motion sickness and keeping calm on the road.
In this guide
Road trips with pets can be wonderful, whether it's a weekend getaway or the long drive home for the festivals. A little preparation keeps everyone safe, calm and comfortable.
Get them used to the car first
If your pet only goes in the car for vet visits, they may connect it with stress. Build good associations first:
- Sit in the parked car with your pet and give treats.
- Turn the engine on, then off. Treat.
- Drive around the block.
- Gradually build up to longer drives that end somewhere fun.
Safety first
- Dogs: use a well-ventilated crate secured in the car, or a car harness that clips to the seatbelt. Keep them in the back seat.
- Cats: always travel in a secure carrier, belted in or placed on the floor behind a seat.
- Never let pets ride with their head out of the window. Dust and debris can injure eyes and ears.
- Never leave a pet alone in a parked car. In Indian heat, a car can become dangerously hot within minutes, even with windows slightly open. See heatstroke in dogs.
What to pack
- Water and a travel bowl
- Food, plus a little extra
- Lead, harness and ID tag with your phone number
- Poop bags, pee pads and paper towels
- Their bed or blanket (familiar smell helps)
- Any medicines, and vaccination records
- A towel and Waterless Dry Bath Spray for quick clean-ups on the road
- A favourite toy or chew
- Litter tray and litter for cats on long trips
Motion sickness
Some pets, especially puppies, drool, yawn, whine or vomit in cars.
- Feed a light meal a few hours before the drive, not right before.
- Keep the car cool and well ventilated.
- Face your dog forwards if possible.
- Take breaks.
- Ask your vet if it's severe; they can suggest options.
On the road
- Stop every 2–3 hours for water, a short walk and a toilet break, always on a lead.
- Keep the AC on and don't let the sun beat on your pet through the window. A sun shade helps.
- Keep the car calm: soft music, no sudden braking.
Arriving somewhere new
Set up their bed, water and a familiar blanket first. A few sprays of Calming Environment Mist on their bedding can help a new room feel more settled (check the label before using around cats). For cats, start with one quiet room; our cat settling guide explains how.
Questions pet parents ask
How can I stop my dog getting car sick? +
Feed a light meal a few hours before, keep the car cool and ventilated, take breaks and build up to longer drives. Ask your vet if it's severe.
How often should I stop on a road trip with my dog? +
Every 2–3 hours for water, a short walk on a lead and a toilet break.
Is it safe to leave my dog in the car for a few minutes? +
No. Cars heat up very quickly in Indian weather, and pets can suffer heatstroke within minutes.
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This guide is general information for pet parents, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, injured or you're unsure, please talk to your vet.
