Road trips with pets: Tips for a pawsome adventure

TOURISM NEWS - Nothing beats the freedom of a South African road trip, with its vast landscapes, from the rugged Drakensberg to the sun-soaked Garden Route.

Bringing your furry companion along can make the journey even more special.

We are sharing tips to ensure your road trip with your four-legged friend is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.

Pre-trip planning: Getting ready for the road

Before you load up the bakkie and hit the N2, a little prep is key. Book a vet visit to ensure your pet is fit for travel, with updated vaccinations, especially rabies, as some South African campsites and reserves require proof.

Ask for a health certificate if you’re crossing provincial borders or visiting areas like Kruger National Park, where regulations can be strict.

Research pet-friendly stops and stays along your route. Websites like Pets Welcome SA and TravelGround list dog-friendly lodges, guesthouses, and campsites, from the Winelands to the Wild Coast.

Map out pet-friendly spots like dog parks or open fields for breaks. Consider Harold Porter Botanical Garden in Betty’s Bay or the open spaces near Clarens in the Free State.

Pack a pet travel kit with essentials: food, water, collapsible bowls, a leash, waste bags, tick and flea prevention (crucial for rural areas), medications, and a comforting blanket or toy. Include a basic pet first-aid kit with antiseptic wipes, bandages, and tick removal tools, as ticks are common in grassy areas like the Karoo.

If your pet gets skittish, ask your vet about calming aids like herbal supplements or mild sedatives.

Safety first: Keeping your pet secure

Safety is non-negotiable on South Africa’s roads, where long stretches and sudden stops are common. Secure your pet with a crate or pet seatbelt to prevent them from distracting you or getting hurt.

Choose a well-ventilated crate that allows your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. For smaller pets, a soft-sided carrier buckled into the back seat works well.

Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, especially in South Africa’s scorching heat. Even with windows open, temperatures can climb dangerously fast, risking heatstroke. If you stop at a roadside padstal or fuel station, ensure your pet can join you or that someone stays with them in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Microchip your pet and fit them with a collar bearing your current contact details. South Africa’s wide-open spaces, like those in the Cederberg or Tsitsikamma, can tempt pets to bolt if startled, so a microchip boosts the odds of a safe return.

Comfort on the road: Making the journey lekker

Keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible to reduce stress. Feed them at their usual times, but skip heavy meals before driving to avoid car sickness, which can hit on winding roads like Chapman’s Peak.

Offer small sips of water regularly, especially in hot regions like the Northern Cape, using spill-proof bowls to keep your car clean.

Plan stops every 2-3 hours for toilet breaks and exercise. Places like the rest areas along the N1 or pet-friendly beaches like Muizenberg in Cape Town are great for a quick stretch.

Bring a familiar blanket or toy to make the car feel like home, and pack a long leash for safe exploring at stops.

For pets prone to motion sickness, keep the car cool and well-ventilated. Ginger biscuits (for pets) or vet-approved anti-nausea meds can help. Position their crate or seat to face forward, as watching the road can ease nausea for some animals.

Entertainment and bonding: Keeping tails wagging

A road trip is a chance to bond with your pet, so make it fun! Play some soothing kwaito or amapiano to calm nervous travelers. Research shows music can reduce stress in dogs.

Bring interactive toys like a squeaky ball or chew bone to keep them occupied during long hauls, like the drive from Johannesburg to Durban.

At stops, engage your pet with a quick game of fetch or a short training session to burn energy and reinforce good behavior. Reward calm car behavior with biltong-flavored pet treats to make the journey a positive experience.

If your pet is new to road trips, start with short drives around your neighborhood, for example, from Sandton to Fourways, before tackling a trek to the Drakensberg.

Destination tips: Exploring pet-friendly South Africa

South Africa is a pet paradise with plenty of dog-friendly destinations. The Garden Route’s beaches, like Plettenberg Bay’s Robberg Beach, often allow leashed dogs, while some, like Wilderness Beach, have off-leash hours.

National parks like Addo Elephant Park permit pets in designated areas, but always check SANParks rules, as leashes are mandatory in most reserves.

Seek out pet-friendly eateries, like cafes in Stellenbosch’s wine farms or braai spots in Soweto, where outdoor seating welcomes dogs. Carry a portable water bowl and treats to keep your pet happy while you enjoy a boerewors roll or bunny chow.

Respect local rules by keeping your pet leashed in public spaces and cleaning up after them. This ensures pet-friendly spots, like the trails in Tokai Forest or the boardwalks at St. Lucia, remain open to furry visitors.

A road trip with your pet across South Africa’s diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of Mpumalanga to the dramatic cliffs of the Western Cape, is a chance to create lifelong memories.

Handling emergencies: Be prepared

Know where to find 24-hour vet clinics along your route, especially in remote areas like the Kalahari or Eastern Cape. Apps like Vets Near Me can pinpoint clinics, such as those in George or Nelspruit.

Keep a pet first-aid guide handy, like the one from the SPCA, for minor issues like cuts or tick bites. If your pet shows signs of distress eg excessive panting, vomiting, or lethargy, pull over safely and seek a vet immediately.

Final thoughts: A road trip to remember

A road trip with your pet across South Africa’s diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of Mpumalanga to the dramatic cliffs of the Western Cape, is a chance to create lifelong memories.

With careful planning, a focus on safety, and a sprinkle of fun, you and your furry co-pilot can conquer the open road. So, pack the cooler box, grab the leash, and hit the tar. Your next adventure awaits!

Photos: Unsplash