Long, hot road trips are a staple of the Kiwi holiday season. While it can be challenging enough for the human whānau, extra care and attention is needed if you're taking the family pet (and many do).
Southern Cross Pet Insurance has seen some of the downsides when pet-prep is lacking, and it's issued some tips for Kiwis planning to travel with car or dogs. It's also supplied us with a few cautionary tales and what they cost (yes, it most certainly is trying to encourage you to buy insurance), so check them out at the bottom of the page.
Don't leave your pet in the car
An obvious one, but so often ignored. Even with the windows wound down, a car can heat up extremely quickly when stationary. On a 21°C day, the inside temperature of a car can reach 32°C after 10 minutes and 40°C after 30 minutes. Don't do it... unless you have a car with remote air-con that you can leave blasting... or a Tesla with Dog Mode.
Use a cat carrier
Put pussy in an approved cat carrier. Include water to drink in a high-sided bowl and something soft to sleep on. A cat wandering around a moving vehicle is a major distraction.
Tether your dog or crate it
Most vehicles have a way to anchor things in the boot; use a quality leash and use it to secure your pooch. Since 2018 there has been legislation in Aotearoa that dogs on the tray of ute need to be retrained, but not inside a moving vehicle; do it anyway.
Pets get carsick
Some cats and dogs loathe travelling, and can get carsick, just like children and some adults. If this is your pet – they could potentially benefit from a little sedation to keep them calm. Seek advice from your family vet and follow the instructions to the letter.
Water, water everywhere
Carry plenty of water and a water bowl or a dog-friendly drinking bottle when you travel too. And stop at regular intervals to let them stretch their legs and do their business (on a leash – cat or dog).
Southern Cross Pet Insurance: costly countdown of car-related dog claims since 2019
$6472: Bull terrier, lame after falling out of car window
$6155: Labrador fell off truck, LH cruciate
$5000: Curly coated retriever, lame leg after jumping out car window
$2651: Jack Russell Terrier, fell out car window, injuries to elbow, face and upper incisor
$2604: Mastiff Cross Staffordshire Bull Terrier, jumped out of moving car, lame and abdominal pain
$2500: British Bulldog, fell off motorcycle, lung contusions/fracture
$2500: Labrador Cross, fell off truck, multiple wounds and fractured tooth
$2500: Labrador Cross, lame after jumping from car, partial CCL rupture
$1949: Border Collie Cross Huntaway, fell off truck, stick injury to groin and swollen
$1636: American Bulldog Cross, jumped out of moving car, dew claw and nerve damage