Travelling with Your Pet by Car: 10 Things You Need to Know

In India, a road trip isn’t just a journey, it’s snacking on the go, frequent stops for tea, non-ending arguments over whose song will play next, and windows rolled down as soon as you leave the town behind, for long stretches of highway.

This journey turns into an adventure when your pet joins the ride.

You start seeing through your pet’s eyes. You begin to notice things you may have ignored before, stray animals, butterflies, water streams, or chirping birds. Whatever catches your pet’s fancy suddenly catches yours too.

Whether you’re cruising from Pune to Mahabaleshwar or Delhi to Rishikesh, car travel with pets brings the freedom to explore on your terms. But it also brings with it the responsibility of a life that completely depends on you.

That’s why planning isn’t just important, it’s what makes the difference between a stressful trip and a joyful journey. In this article, we’ve gathered everything you need to know to make the ride smooth, safe, and memorable for both you and your furry co-traveller.

So, let’s begin.

1. Start Small Before You Go Big

Not every pet is naturally comfortable in a car. Begin with short drives around your area. 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and observe how your dog or cat reacts.

Do they:

• Pant heavily?
• Vomit or drool?
• Get restless or whine?

If yes, don’t worry. You just need to condition them slowly, with treats, praise, and calm energy. Gradual exposure builds their confidence, and yours too.

My cat used to shiver when we first started taking him on car rides. I had to hold him close the entire time. But eventually, he learned he was safe — and now, whenever we leave for a trip, he’s the first one to reach the door.

2. Carry Basic Pet Travel Documents (Just in Case)

Even though you’re not flying or crossing borders, Indian states can sometimes surprise you with checkpoints or hotel policies.

Keep these handy:

• Vaccination certificate (especially rabies)
• Pet ID tag with your contact information
• A photo of your pet on your phone
• Basic vet health card or booklet

Tip: According to the Animal Welfare Board of India, all pets should be vaccinated and identified, especially during travel.

3. What to Pack for a Smooth Pet Road Trip

Here’s a practical checklist for pet parents on wheels:

Essentials:

• Leash + collar or harness with ID (yes, even for cats. If you’re a cat parent, you probably already know: they don’t always respond when you call).
• Food, snacks, and water
• Portable water bowl
• Any medications your pet needs
• Soft carrier or crate for small pets

Clean-up Kit:

• Poop bags or foldable litter tray for cats
• Pee pads
• Tissues, wipes, sanitiser
• An old bed sheet or a car seat cover

Comfort Items:

• Blanket, small bed, or your T-shirt
• Chew toys or treat to stay calm
• Sunshade for windows (if the car gets hot)

4. Safety First: How to Secure Your Pet

An unrestrained pet in a moving car isn’t just unsafe it’s distracting and risky.

• Small pets can ride in a soft-sided carrier on the back seat
• Medium to large dogs can be secured with a pet seatbelt harness
• Never let your pet ride in the front seat or stick their head out of the window — as cute as it looks, it’s dangerous
• If your pet tends to roam, use a crate secured with seatbelt loops

Remember: sudden brakes, sharp turns, or even open windows can cause accidents. Keep them safe and close, but restrained.

5. Understand Your Pet’s Triggers

Some dogs bark when they see other cars or cows. Some cats meow nonstop when anxious. Understanding your pet’s common reactions helps you prepare.

• Play soothing music or white noise if they’re sensitive to outside sounds
• Don’t feed a large meal right before the ride, light snacks are better
• Some pets get motion sick. Ask your vet about anti-nausea meds if needed
• Be calm yourself, pets mirror your energy

6. Plan Pitstops — for You and Them

Every 2–3 hours, take a break:

• Walk your pet (on a leash)
• Offer fresh water
• Let them sniff around (it’s grounding)
• Park in shaded, calm areas
• Avoid busy dhabas or crowded highways if your pet gets overwhelmed.
• If you’re travelling long distances, pin pet-friendly cafes or fuel stations beforehand using Google Maps.

7. Overnight Stay? Always Call Ahead

Not all Indian hotels truly welcome pets, even if their website doesn’t say “no.”
Always call and confirm in clear terms. Ask whether pets are allowed inside the room, if there are size restrictions, and whether a leash or crate is required at all times.

You can also use these pet-travel-friendly options:

•  MakeMyTrip – use the “pet-friendly” filter under amenities
•  Airbnb India – many listings openly welcome pets; always message the host to confirm
•  Boutique homestays – often more flexible and understanding than big hotel chains

Pro Tip: Save screenshots or written confirmation via email/WhatsApp when booking. It can help avoid confusion at check-in.

Tips for Hotel Stays:

• Carry food and water bowls
• Bring disposable mats or sheets (baby changing sheets work well if you can’t find pet-specific ones)
• Clean up after your pet to leave a good impression
• Don’t leave them unattended in the room unless trained
• Keep your pet leashed in common areas

Be the kind of pet parent who leaves a good impression, it helps the next one

8. Prepare for the Unexpected

Indian roads often come with… surprises.

Prepare for:

• Sudden honks or herds of animals
• Crowded tolls and nosy strangers
• Long queues or detours

Always keep:

• Emergency vet contact saved
• First-aid kit (pet-safe antiseptic, gauze, etc.)
• Enough drinking water for both of you

9. Not Every Moment Will Be Perfect

You may face hiccups, vomiting, whining, or people staring at your pet like they’ve never seen one. But you’ll also experience:

• The joy of your dog watching the world roll by
• The soft weight of your cat falling asleep next to you
• The look of trust in their eyes as they realise: “I’m safe with you”
• That moment makes it all worth it

10. Click Photos. Capture Stories.

Take photos. Record videos. Post them later or just keep them for yourself. That blurry picture of your dog sleeping in the backseat? One day it’ll be your favourite.

Snap:

• Your dog’s first Tea stop
• Your cat is curiously staring out the window
• That peaceful nap with music and sun on their fur
• You’re not just driving. You’re building a story you’ll retell for years.

Final Tips Before You Hit the Road

• Never leave your pet in a locked car (even for a minute)
• Avoid travelling during extreme heat
• Early morning or late evening drives are usually calmer for pets, with cooler temperatures, less traffic, and fewer distractions.
  (Just make sure it’s safe and comfortable for you, too.)
• If your pet is anxious, consider natural calming aids (after consulting the vet)
• Be flexible, sometimes detours lead to the best memories

Final Thought: It’s Not About Perfection, It’s About Presence. Travelling with your pet is emotional, unpredictable, and beautiful. They may not read maps or Google reviews, but they give you something better: unconditional love. And that alone makes the journey worth it.

So, plan smart, pack light, and go. Hills, mountains, beaches and deserts are waiting, and your pet is ready to ride beside you.