Travelling With Your Dog: What to Consider Before You Hit the Road

I have travelled many times with Ginny and George, and especially in December, because what is a beach holiday without our dogs? Over the years we have done countless road trips across South Africa and more recently, we did a two-day trip down to Cape Town for a month together. Every trip teaches you something new, but one thing stays the same: a little planning goes a long way when you're travelling with your dog.

Dogs don’t just come along for the ride, they are part of the experience. And when they are comfortable and settled, the whole journey feels easier. 

Know How Your Dog Responds to Travel

Every dog is different, and how they respond to travelling can vary hugely— even between dogs in the same household.

George absolutely loves the car. He’s usually the first one in, sitting upright, ready and waiting as if he’s afraid we’ll leave without him. Ginny, on the other hand, is not a big fan. She can get anxious and uncomfortable, so I always try to make sure she’s as calm and supported as possible before we even pull out of the driveway.

If your dog gets nauseous or anxious during car trips, it definitely worth chatting to your vet before you travel. There are safe medications and supplements that can really help, and it makes a world of difference for dogs who struggle with longer journeys.

Comfort is key, familiar smells, a comfortable place to lie down, and a calm environment can help your dog settle much more easily.

Plan Your Route (and Your Stops)

When travelling with dogs, we always plan our route around regular stops. We aim to stop every two to three hours to let the dogs stretch their legs, have a drink of water, and get some fresh air.

Over the years, I have found some wonderful pet-friendly road side stops across South Africa. Over the years, I have come across some fantastic pet-friendly stops across South Africa. I especially appreciate places with enclosed dog areas, as it gives them the chance to run around and stretch their legs safely (if there are no other dogs around), without worrying about traffic or crowds. Here are a few favourites we’ve stopped at along the way.

Millys/ Astron Energy Stop – Mpumalanga (N4)

A firm favourite among dog parents heading to the Lowveld, Millys has a dedicated enclosed dog-friendly area where pups can run, stretch, and sniff around. A great first or last stop when heading to places like White River, Sabie, or the Kruger National Park.

Montrose Shell Stop – N3 (JHB → Durban route)

A highlight on the N3, Montrose Stop has a designated “Paw Stop” with two a fenced, grassy areas where dogs can play safely before you continue your journey. 

There are multiple Paw Stops along the N3 corridor between Johannesburg and Durban, ideal for regular breaks approximately every couple of hours.

Shell Stop - Queenstown, Eastern Cape

Another favourite among travelling dog parents, the Queenstown Engine Stop has an enclosed area where dogs can get out, walk, and move around safely. It’s perfect for trips along the N6 / Eastern routes, especially if you’re heading toward the Wild Coast or Port Elizabeth.

Riverside Lodge - Aliwal North, Eastern Cape

A fantastic stop with a clean, grassy dog zone complete with water bowls. The dog area is separate from the main play area, making it calm and easy to manage — perfect for letting dogs stretch their legs in a relaxed environment.

Chargo Farmstall – Graaff-Reinet

A great Karoo stop with a dedicated dog-friendly enclosure where pets can relax and move around safely. Ideal for breaking up long drives through the Eastern and Western Cape routes.

Farm stalls are often a great option, many are dog-friendly, spacious, and far more relaxed than busy petrol stations.

Our routine when stopping on the road:

• Try to park as far away from the road as possible, you do not want your dog running out into the road by accident. 

• Make sure your dog’s collar and lead are on before you open the car door, from the moment it opens, most dogs are ready to bolt.

• If you’re travelling alone, try to park closer to the centre of the stop so you can quickly run in and out while keeping an eye on your dogs. Leave the windows open and the car well ventilated.

I always let Ginny and George get settled first, a short walk, a sniff around, some water, before putting them back in the car. Once they are calmer and more relaxed, I quickly do what I need to do and we are back on the road.

It’s a rhythm you fall into, and once you do, it makes travelling together so much easier.

Research Local Vets Before You Travel

One thing I’ve learnt the hard way is how important it is to research veterinarians in the area you are travelling to before you arrive.

Before every trip now, I look up a few reputable vets near our destination and save their contact details on my phone. If you ever have an emergency, the last thing you want to be doing is scrambling to find a vet in an unfamiliar place while you’re stressed and your dog isn’t well. Trust me, I’ve been caught off guard by this in the past, and it’s something I never skip anymore.

Having those details saved gives you peace of mind and helps you act quickly if you need to.

Things to Expect When You Arrive

Even with the best planning, travel can be stressful for dogs, especially long car trips or changes in routine and environment.

It is completely normal if your dog doesn’t have much of an appetite on the first night after arriving, or if their stools are a little runny. New smells, new surroundings, and the excitement of travel can all take a toll on their system.

The most important things to focus on are:

• Keeping your pup hydrated

• Offering familiar, easily digestible food

• Letting them rest and settle at their own pace

• Keeping a close eye on their behaviour and energy levels

In most cases, things settle within a day or two once your dog adjusts. If anything seems unusual or persists, this is where having those local vet details on hand can make all the difference.

Essentials for Travelling With Your Dog

Over time, I’ve learnt that having the right essentials on hand can make all the difference when you’re travelling with your dog. These are some of the things I never travel without:

	Car back seat cover/ boot box– Keeps your car protected from muddy paws, sand, wet fur, and general adventure mess
	Comfortable, rub-free collar – A must for travelling with your dog. Choose something soft and secure for long days on the road, and always ensure your dog is wearing an ID tag with your contact details
	Natural flea spray – Especially important if you’re travelling to the coast or spending time outdoors
	Travel mat – Gives your dog a familiar, comfortable place to rest wherever you stop
	Paw balm – Perfect for soothing and protecting paws after long walks, hot sand, or rocky paths
	Natural dewormer – A gentle way to support gut health, especially for dogs who love exploring new environments. Changes in routine, water, and environment can upset digestion, and this gentle formula helps support gut health and keep tummies comfortable on the road.

Travelling with your dog isn’t always effortless, but it’s always worth it. With a bit of planning, the right essentials, and an understanding of what your dog needs, those long drives and holiday adventures become some of the best memories you’ll make together.

Because for many of us, December just wouldn’t feel the same without our dogs right there beside us.

With love,

Emma, Ginny and George