Road-Tripping With Your Pet in South Africa

Whether it's a Drakensberg getaway or a coastal holiday, taking your pet along can be a joy — as long as you plan for their safety and comfort. Here's how to make the journey smooth.

Safety in the car

• Secure your pet — a well-fitted harness clipped to a seatbelt, or a crate. A loose pet is a danger to everyone in a sudden stop.
• Never let dogs hang their heads out of the window at speed, however happy they look.
• Never leave a pet alone in a parked car — it heats up fatally fast in our climate.

Keeping them comfortable

• Feed lightly before travel to avoid car sickness; some pets do better on an empty stomach.
• Stop every couple of hours for water, a stretch and a toilet break.
• Bring familiar items — their bed, a favourite toy, their usual food.
• For anxious or car-sick pets, chat to your vet beforehand about safe options.

Before you go

• Check the vaccination certificate is up to date and the microchip details are current.
• Confirm your accommodation is genuinely pet-friendly and note any rules.
• Look up the nearest vet at your destination — just in case.

The payoff

A little preparation turns a stressful trip into a happy adventure — and there's nothing like watching your dog discover a new beach for the first time.