Travelling with Pets

Here are some useful tips if you are thinking of travelling with your pets during the Easter break:

  

1. Planning your trip

- Means of transport and duration - air vs road

- Pets friendly accomodation

- Shopping for handy gadgets for your pet: water bottles, food & treats, toys, carry box, car harness, car seat covers, collar & leash, pet tags etc

- Training your pet to get used to the car eg fitting car harnesses on

- Plan your route and try to locate the nearest vet along the way just in case for any emergency

- Vet visit for a general health check and discussion:

i. to ensure animal is fit healthy for travel;

ii. to ensure using correct product to protect from tick paralysis esp visitation to the coastal areas,

iii. to see whether any medication (eg. sedation / anti-nausea) would make the trip more pleasant and less stressful to your pet

iv. get your animal microchipped as it is probably quite difficult for him/ her to find its way home if he /she gets lost

2. During your trip 

-  NEVER leave your pet in a car unattended as they can suffer from heatstroke and die

-  Stopping every coule of hours for a toilet break and a drink of water 

-  Rules and regulations

i. Police can fine a driver and issue dermit points if an animal is causing the driver to be not in full control of the vehicle, or if they are driving with an animal on their lap. The penalties are 3 demerit points and $344.

ii. The RSPCA can also issue fines under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act. If an animal is injured because it was unrestrained, owners face up to 6 months' jail and fines of up to $5500.