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Understanding what travel means for our pets
A Q&A with Petstock Head Vet, Dr Gloria Ebeyer
For many of us, the idea of bringing a pet along on our travels is becoming part of the plan rather than the exception. Yet while the intention is based on companionship and inclusion, the reality for animals can be quite different. Changes in routine, unfamiliar environments, long car journeys, and heightened sensory stimulation can all contribute to significant stress for pets, often in ways that are not immediately visible to their owners.
What feels like a shared adventure for us may, for them, be a disruption to the stability and familiarity they rely on. Understanding that contrast is at the heart of travelling well with animals, and of recognising when a trip is truly in their best interest. To help us understand what this means in practice, we asked Petstock Head Vet, Dr Gloria Ebeyer where the risks and responsibilities really lie.
Holiday travel is often framed as exciting for humans, but what is actually happening for pets during these trips, particularly in terms of stress and behavioural changes?
Travelling with your pet should feel joyful, not stressful. With just a little attention to pet safety, it’s easy for owners to enjoy pet inclusive holidays. Pets are highly routine-driven, so sudden changes in environment, confinement during long car journeys and exposure to unfamiliar people or pets can trigger anxiety and behavioural changes.
Clinically, this shows up as restlessness, appetite changes, car sickness or withdrawal, and there’s also a measurable increase in lost pets and preventable health issues during peak travel periods. The key issue isn’t travel itself, it’s that owners tend to prepare for their own comfort, not the pets, so maintaining elements of routine and gradually introducing pets to travel conditions ahead of time is critical.
“… maintaining elements of routine and gradually introducing pets to travel conditions ahead of time is critical.”
What are the most common mistakes people make when travelling with pets, especially on busy holiday weekends?
The most common mistakes are all linked to owners underestimating how disruptive travel is for pets. Owners often don’t condition their pets to car travel or restraints, which increases stress and safety risks, and many change their diet while travelling, despite gastrointestinal illness being one of the most common holiday-related vet presentations. There’s also a tendency to let pets off leash in unfamiliar or regional environments, where the risk of injury, wildlife encounters or pets going missing is significantly higher. On top of that, access to veterinary care and pet supplies is often more limited outside metro areas, so failing to plan ahead can escalate minor issues quickly. Most of these risks are preventable with basic preparation and consistency.
“There’s also a tendency to let pets off leash in unfamiliar or regional environments, where the risk of injury, wildlife encounters or pets going missing is significantly higher.”
Anxiety is a recurring concern. How can solo travellers recognise early signs of stress in their pet, and what can they do in the moment to manage it?
Stress in pets is often subtle and builds over time rather than presenting as a single obvious issue. Early indicators include panting, pacing, increased vocalisation, changes in appetite or withdrawal, and these behaviours are commonly overlooked until they escalate. Maintaining familiar cues such as routine feeding times, bedding and known environments can significantly reduce stress responses in pets. In practice, the most effective intervention is to reduce stimulation rather than increase attention, so removing the pet from overwhelming environments and reintroducing familiar routines is more effective than trying to comfort them through interaction.
You mention the importance of preparation. If a traveller could only prioritise three things before leaving, what would make the biggest difference to their pet’s safety and wellbeing?
From a clinical perspective, preparation should focus on reducing risk exposure rather than convenience. Ensuring vaccinations, parasite prevention and identification details are up to date is critical, particularly when travelling through regional areas where risks like ticks or parasites are higher. Knowing the location and availability of veterinary services at your destination can significantly reduce response time in an emergency, which directly impacts outcomes. Finally, packing sufficient food, water and any medications for the full duration of the trip avoids unnecessary disruption, as diet changes and missed treatments are common drivers of preventable illness while travelling.
For solo travellers in particular, where there is no second pair of hands, what additional precautions or planning should they consider ensuring they and their pet are safe and supported on the road?
Solo travellers face a higher risk profile simply due to the lack of backup, which means planning needs to be more deliberate. Driver distraction is a key issue, so proper restraint using a crate or harness is essential for both safety and compliance, while route planning becomes more important in regional areas where distances between stops can be significant.
The temperature inside parked cars can exceed 30 degrees within minutes, even in mild conditions, making it critical that pets are never left unattended. More broadly, solo travellers should plan for regular stops every two to three hours for hydration and toileting and carry additional supplies to account for limited access to services, particularly outside metropolitan areas.
Pack familiar bedding, food and water, along with comfort items like toys or calming treats to help reduce stress. Photographer: Barnabas Davoti | Unsplash.
Dr Gloria’s top pet-friendly travel tips
> Choose genuinely pet-friendly accommodation.
> Holiday periods correlate with higher missing pet reports, so make sure you update your pet’s microchip and identification details before travelling.
> Use appropriate car restraints or crates.
> Pack familiar bedding, food and water, along with comfort items like toys or calming treats to help reduce stress.
> Identify the nearest emergency vet at your destination.
To learn more about ‘Petstock Vet’, visit the Petstock website here https://www.petstock.com.au/pages/petstock-vet