Buckle up furry friends
Heading out with your four-legged companion? Whether it's the beach, a Hobart cafe or a cruise through the Midlands, more Tasmanians are taking pets along for the ride.
With more paws in the passenger seat, it’s important to stop and think: are we keeping them safe along the way?
From busy city streets to winding regional highways, pets face real risks when travelling. In 2024, PetSure reported over 1,300 pet injury claims related to car accidents, with most incidents happening in urban areas.ˇ While Tasmania isn’t the worst-affected state, our growing pet-friendly lifestyle and mix of traffic conditions mean we can’t afford to be complacent.
Here’s how to help make every drive safe, secure, and stress-free.
Start smart
Buckle up - just like us, pets need to be properly restrained. A restrained pet is safer in a sudden stop and won't become a distraction or jump out the window. Use a:
Pet harness with a seat belt clip
Secure crate or travel carrier
Pet car seat for smaller animals
Start slow – New to car rides? Ease your pet into travel with short, positive trips. Think beach before vet! Bring treats, familiar toys, and take it at their pace. Avoid feeding right before you go and allow for play beforehand to reduce anxiety.
Out and about
Keep the leash handy - before opening your car door, clip your pet's leash on. Even quick roadside breaks can be dangerous near fast-moving traffic.
Train for the road - teach your dog key command to prevent dangerous behaviour near roads and traffic, like:
Stop - for sudden pauses near streets
Wait - at crossings or car doors
Leave it - to ignore distractions like bikes or dropped food
Windows up - fresh air is great but it's important to keep pet's heads inside. Dogs might love the wind in their fur, but by sticking their head out can be an injury risk and is therefore a no go. A little window crack is fine for airflow, but locking windows can prevent unexpected full openings.
Plan ahead
Pack essentials - if you go on a longer trip, remember to pack a pet kit and include leashes, food, water, snacks, their favourite toys, bedding and don't forget the poo bags.
Microchip and tag - make sure your pet's ID tag is up to date and their microchip details are current. If they get lost on the road, this is the fastest way to get them home.
Take regular breaks - stop every couple of hours for water, toilet time and a stretch. This will help to reduce restlessness and keep everyone in the car happy.
Don't leave them behind - the dangers of leaving pets in the car can turn nasty within a few minutes. Parked cars heat up fast, so it's a big no to leave them alone in the car.
Caring for your beloved pet also means ensuring their safety and happiness during travel. By following these steps, your journey with your four-legged pal can be both safe and enjoyable. After all, it's all about the adventure together, not just the destination.