Holidays with dogs: how you can keep them safe

Published April 2025 | 5 min read
Expert contributor: Dr Rachel Reynolds, vet and registrar
Words by Donnay Torr

Holidays with your furry friend in tow can be fun. Here’s how to keep your dog happy, healthy and safe along the way.

For many of us, dogs aren’t just pets – they’re family. If you’re not keen on the idea of dropping your furry friend off at a kennel or getting a pet sitter, you may prefer to take them along with you when going on holiday.

But with adventure comes responsibility – and sometimes emergencies. “Typically, we see many cases of dogs with heat stroke, tick paralysis and snake bites over the holidays, along with dietary mishaps – things like chocolate, grapes, bones and toys,” says vet Dr Rachel Reynolds.

Luckily, a little preparation goes a long way. These tips will help make your next dog-friendly holiday a success for you and your pup.

Plan ahead for dog-friendly options

Do your research. Pet-focused social media pages and helpful tourism websites can be goldmines for advice about the best pet-friendly accommodation, parks, cafés and off-leash spots in the area.

Many Aussie caravan parks now also cater to dogs, offering secure runs and shady spots. If you’ll need dog-free time to explore, check whether your accommodation allows pets to be left alone (and if it’s safe to do so). Otherwise, research local pet-sitting services.

Consider the weather before booking your trip. Dr Reynolds cautions to always be sensible in the sun, in particular.

“Hot beaches and midday walks aren’t a good idea for your furry family. Imagine wearing a thick coat on a beach with no shade – that’s how hot it feels for them,” she says.

Her key tip for planning ahead? Identify and save the contact details of the nearest vet before you arrive at your destination.

Update your dog’s details

Check your pet’s microchip is registered and up to date. This is different from council registration, so confirm with your vet that the chip is active and correctly listed in a nationally recognised database, like Central Animal Records, Petsafe or the Australasian Animal Registry (AAR).

Considering pet insurance? HCF Pet Insurance^* can help with the cost of your dog’s eligible vet bills (providing up to 80% back) at home and while travelling in Australia, New Zealand or Norfolk Island. With a range of optional extras, you can pick a policy that’s right for your pet’s life stage and needs. HCF members can also save up to 15%^{^} on their policy. 

Check your policy to see what it covers in the areas you’re travelling to – and clarify any exclusions based on your pet’s age or pre-existing conditions. 

Book a pre-holiday health check

Dr Reynolds recommends a check-up for your dog before your trip, especially if they have ongoing health issues or haven't been to the vet in a while.

“Make sure vaccinations and flea and tick treatments are up to date. If your pet is on medications, don’t leave refills to the last minute, and check that you have enough to get you through the holiday period,” she says. 

For anxious pets, try calming tools like pheromone sprays, collars and anxiety shirts to ease the stress of travel and strange surroundings.

“Your vet can recommend medication options for dogs struggling with severe anxiety, as well as solutions for pups prone to car sickness,” says Dr Reynolds.

Pack the essentials

Dogs love routine, so pack their creature comforts to make things easier, including familiar bedding, toys, and food and water bowls.

If your dog has dietary needs, pack enough food for the entire trip, as their favourite brand might not be available locally. And don’t forget the essentials – medications, secure leashes and a dog crate or travel harness for safety.

If you’re doing a road trip, a secure pet carrier, travel bed or seatbelt-friendly harness will keep them comfortable and protected. Keep water, bowls and leashes handy for pit stops, and always leash your dog before letting them out of the car to avoid any unexpected adventures.

Dr Reynolds’ golden rule is never leaving pets in the car unattended.

“Cars heat up way faster than you think, even on mild days,” says Dr Reynolds. “Overheating can happen in minutes, and scared dogs may try to escape, causing injuries.”

6 ways to keep your dog safe on holiday

Where possible, keep your dog on a leash to protect them from local wildlife, help avoid dog fights and other hazards.

“It’s safer for everyone and shows respect for the local environment,” says Dr Reynolds.

Here’s what to look out for while exploring the beach or bush:

1. Watch for marine stingers: Jellyfish and bluebottles can sting dogs. “If you notice paw-licking, limping or redness, rinse with seawater [not fresh] and get to a vet if they seem unwell,” advises Dr Reynolds.
   
2. Monitor hydration and heatstroke: Dogs overheat much faster than us, so be proactive. “Keep water on hand, provide shade and avoid extreme heat. Watch for drooling, lethargy or wobbly walking – heatstroke can be life-threatening,” she says.
   
3. Know about snakebites: Symptoms can include swelling, weakness and your pup suddenly collapsing. “Keep your dog as calm and still as possible to slow venom spread, and head to the nearest vet,” she adds. “Do not try to capture the snake, but a photo for identification can help.”
   
4. Check for ticks: Use vet-recommended tick treatments before you leave, and check your dog daily – especially their ears, belly and between their toes. “See your vet ASAP if you find a tick or spot signs of tick paralysis: weakness, wobbly legs [especially the back legs first], a change in their bark or vomiting,” Dr Reynolds says. If possible, take a photo of the tick for accurate identification.
5. Protect them from fireworks: Create a calm, safe space indoors with white noise or soothing music, suggests Dr Reynolds. Anxiety vests, pheromones or vet-prescribed medication can also help.
6. Keep snacks packed away: “Keep chocolate, nuts, grapes and cake out of reach,” says Dr Reynolds. These foods are poisonous to dogs and can make them sick. In some cases they can even die from eating too much of them.
   

Leaving your pets at home?

If your pet can’t come along, getting a trusted sitter at home is often the most stress-free option. If not possible, reputable kennels are a great alternative, says Dr Reynolds.

“Look for clean facilities with qualified staff and good reviews, and visit ahead of time to make sure they understand your dog’s needs,” she adds.

Leave a care plan with feeding routines, behavioural quirks and emergency contacts to make sure things run smoothly.

We’re looking out for the whole family

At HCF, Pet Insurance means your furry family members can get the cover they deserve. We’ll help cover your pets with discounted rates, too. If you have a cat or dog, HCF Pet Insurance can help with unexpected vet visits, giving up to 80% back on eligible vet bills^*.