Stress-Free Dog Travel Tips: Insights from a Border Collie

Well...hello there 🐾🐾 My name is Bella. I am a 14 year old (nearly 15!) Border Collie x and I travel with my Mum and Dad all over Australia in their caravan.🚛 

I've been travelling around this beautiful country for years now, from the red dirt of the Outback to the pristine beaches of Queensland, the rugged coastlines of Western Australia to the cool highlands of Victoria. Before they had a caravan, we used to travel in a camper trailer, so I've experienced all kinds of camping and caravanning adventures. I get to see so many new places and sniff out all kinds of messages and comments on posts 😂 Drives my Dad nuts cause I am always stopping to read post comments in every new town. But I always remind him - It's my holiday too Dad!! And I need to read my social media.

Anyway - there are hundreds of my doggie friends travelling with their families and apparently there is always lots of questions about how to have a dog-friendly road trip and what you should and shouldn't take with you when travelling with us furry guys. Whether you're planning your first camping trip with your dog or you're seasoned travellers looking for tips, I've got you covered. Well, I am getting to be quite the old lady now and have been doing this travelling gig for a few years, so let me tell you what you need to take. I will list this in my preferential order.

1. Food 🥩

Do not let this run out! I probably won't starve if it does - but you will have to share your T-bone steak with me or hurry to the nearest town. So be prepared. 

If your dog is a bit old like me, you might need special food like my Mum and Dad buy - low fat, extra fish for my arthritis, or sensitive stomach formulas. A small town in the country might not have any good stuff - only the cheap s*** as Dad says. (I'm old - but I'm their baby so I'm not allowed to swear). 

So when you are in a big town with a proper pet store like Petbarn, make sure you have enough stock of your doggo's favourite food. Mum and Dad always buy at least two weeks' worth ahead, especially when we're heading into remote areas. They learned this the hard way when we were in the middle of nowhere and I ran out of my special senior dog food. Let's just say that cheap supermarket kibble did not agree with my delicate digestive system, and Dad was not happy cleaning up the caravan at 2am.

Pro tip from Mum: Keep your dog's food in an airtight container or sealed bag to keep it fresh in the heat and prevent it from attracting ants or other critters at campsites.

2. Treats 🍗

I did say this list is in my preferential order! Now this is very important! There are just some things I refuse to do unless the treats are offered. Like - getting out of bed. I like a couple of yummies to start my day. Getting into the car after a beach walk? Treat please. Being a good girl while Mum and Dad set up camp? Definitely deserves a treat.

Again - Mum and Dad buy good Aussie made real meat treats - apparently they don't have plastic and colours and stuff that will give me a tummy ache and send me to the doc. And trust me you don't want to send your little guys to the doc - cause something all of us 4-legged people agree on is - that we are not cooperating with that guy. Unless of course they produce a treat...

Mum keeps treats in multiple locations: some in the caravan, some in the car, and always a few in her pocket for training and rewarding good behaviour. When you're travelling and your dog is in new environments constantly, treats are essential for positive reinforcement and keeping them calm and happy.

3. Food and Water Bowl

I like my own bowl for my food. It's a nice big bowl that holds all my food and any extras Mum might throw in to bribe me to eat 'dog food'. And I drink lots of water so I have a bowl in the caravan and they keep a little fold down one in the car so I can have a drink of water any time. Gotta keep that hydration up.

Travelling dogs need access to fresh water constantly, especially in the Australian heat. Mum learned to always offer me water at every stop, even if I don't seem thirsty. Dehydration can happen quickly when you're on the road, particularly in summer or in hot inland areas.

The collapsible travel bowl is brilliant because it doesn't take up much space and can be used anywhere - at rest stops, on beach walks, or at dog-friendly cafes. Mum also keeps a large water bottle specifically for me in the car so I always have fresh, cool water available.

4. Brush

Oh how I love sitting in the sun having Mum brush my black and white locks - just heaven! As she brushes me, she whispers words of love, like - this might stop Dad whinging about bloody dog hair everywhere my darling baby.

Regular brushing is even more important when you're travelling because you're in close quarters. Dog hair in a caravan gets everywhere - on the bedding, in the cupboards, stuck to the velcro on Dad's shoes. A quick brush every day or two keeps the shedding under control and means less vacuuming for Mum...oops, I meanDad.

Plus, brushing time is bonding time. After a big day of exploring new places, sitting quietly while Mum brushes me helps me relax and settle down for the evening. It's also a good opportunity for Mum to check me over for ticks, grass seeds, cuts, or any lumps and bumps that might need attention.

5. Balls and Toys

I am not one for over-exerting myself these days being the old lady that I am. But...I do find it hard to pass on a ball chase. All the better when another doggo is picking it up and I just stand beside them barking to show them where the ball landed. I did get banned from a couple of campground French cricket matches cause apparently I didn't give any of the human kids a chance to catch the ball. I mean, I was so good, I caught and dropped it straight back at the batsman's feet. These days I like to chase a tennis ball on a beach - there's nothing quite like the feeling of sand between my paws and the ocean breeze in my fur.

As for toys - I am putting this one in here for my doggie travelling friends. Being initially raised in a home with no fun and games, I never understood what toys were for. But a lot of my travelling friends love their toys and suggested I add this to the list.

Toys are great for keeping dogs entertained at campsites, especially during quiet time or when the weather isn't great for walks. A favourite squeaky toy or chew can keep your dog occupied while you're setting up camp or cooking dinner. Just make sure the toys aren't too noisy if you're in a caravan park with close neighbours - nobody wants to hear squeaking at 6am!

6. Dog Blanket and Jammies

I do not like being cold. And it is no good for my joints, so Mum says. And if I am cold, I pace the caravan all night tapping my nails on the floor, so Dad says. I have a blankey on my bed and one on the end of Mum and Dad's bed - but I really prefer the bit of blankey up near Dad's pillow. It seems to be so much warmer up there.

Trust me - it may be summer and hot in Queensland, but in Victoria the temperature might still plummet to 3 degrees overnight! And that is not good for my old joints. Mum and Dad learned to pack for all weather conditions because Australia's climate varies so dramatically depending on where you are.

My dog coat is essential for those chilly mornings and evenings, especially in the southern states during winter. Even if you're travelling in summer, nights can get surprisingly cold in some areas, particularly in the mountains or desert regions. A warm, comfortable blanket gives your dog their own cosy spot and helps them feel secure in unfamiliar places.

Mum also brings an extra blanket to put over my regular bed because different campsites have different surfaces - sometimes it's grass, sometimes gravel, sometimes concrete. The extra padding makes any spot comfortable for sleeping.

7. Flea and Tick Meds

Now I did say this list was in my preferred order. And I don't really care for the last few items, but according to Mum and Dad and the Doc, these are important and will help keep me alive - that's a good thing!

Mum cannot impress enough how important it is to keep flea and tick medication up to date - especially when it is hot and you're travelling through different regions. What works in your home area might not be enough when you're travelling through tick-prone areas.

Also in Western Australia and Northern Territory they make me wear this special Seresto flea collar. This collar protects me from deadly ehrlichiosis by controlling brown dog ticks for 4 months. So they snap one on me every time we head over to WA. Ehrlichiosis is a serious tick-borne disease that can be fatal to dogs, and it's spreading across Australia, so prevention is absolutely critical.

Mum keeps a record of when my flea and tick treatments are due and sets reminders on her phone so she never misses a dose. When you're travelling and your routine is different every day, it's easy to forget these things, but they're too important to skip.

Different parts of Australia have different parasite risks, so chat to your vet before you head off about what protection your dog needs for the areas you'll be visiting.

8. Leads and Collars

Everywhere we go - campgrounds, caravan parks, beaches, parks - there are signs saying dogs must be on leash. So do not forget them, or there will be no sightseeing for anybody!

Mum and Dad actually keep multiple leads: a short one for walking through towns and busy areas, a long one for beach walks and open spaces where I can have a bit more freedom while still being under control, and a spare one in case one breaks or gets lost.

My collar has an ID tag with Mum and Dad's mobile numbers on it, plus my council registration tag. When you're travelling, this is absolutely essential because if I somehow got separated from them, whoever found me would need to know how to contact them. Mum also has me microchipped with up-to-date contact details, which gives her peace of mind.

Pro tip: Check the local council rules for each area you visit. Some beaches allow dogs off-leash at certain times, some don't allow dogs at all, and some require dogs to be on-leash at all times. A quick Google search before you arrive saves disappointment and potential fines.

9. Poop Bags

What goes in, must come out! And the humans get cranky when they step in poop. Mum and Dad keep rolls in the caravan, in the car, in Mum's handbag, in Dad's pockets. They reckon if they don't have one on them, that is when I will do a big poop - so they are always prepared.

Being a responsible dog owner means always cleaning up after your dog, especially when you're travelling. Caravan parks and campgrounds will ban dogs if owners don't clean up after them, which ruins it for everyone. Plus, it's just common courtesy.

Mum uses biodegradable poop bags because we visit so many beautiful natural areas and she wants to minimise our environmental impact. She also carries a small bag to put the used poop bags in until she finds a bin, because not every walking track or beach has bins available.

10. Dog Bag to Carry it All

OK, Mum might have asked me to put this one on the list. She said it is very important to keep all my stuff in my own bag - cause sometimes it gets skanky. And she designed these really cool CamPaq bags for travel.

This Medium CamPaq bag is perfect for all my stuff - it's got lots of pockets so everything has its place. My food goes in the main compartment, treats and medications in one side pocket, leads and collar in another, toys and balls in another, and grooming supplies in the last one. The clear design means Mum and Dad can see at a glance if they've forgotten anything really important....like the Treats!!

Having all my gear in one dedicated bag means nothing gets left behind when we pack up to move to a new location. It also keeps my slightly smelly dog stuff separate from Mum and Dad's clean clothes and camping gear. The bag wipes clean easily, which is important because let's face it - dog gear gets dirty, sandy, and sometimes a bit whiffy.

The bag fits perfectly in the caravan cupboard or under the bed, and it's easy to grab and take with us when we go on day trips. Everything we need for a day out with me is in one place - so convenient!

**Final Tips from This Old Girl**

Have fun on the road doggo friends! Travelling with your humans is the best adventure. You'll see amazing places, meet wonderful people and other dogs, and create memories that will last a lifetime (well, a dog's lifetime anyway!).

A few extra tips I've learned over the years:
- Let your dog get used to the caravan or camper before you head off on a big trip. Mum and Dad let me explore it while it was parked at home so it felt familiar and safe.
- Stick to your normal routine as much as possible. I still get fed at the same times and go for walks at similar times each day, which helps me feel secure.
- Be patient with your dog in new environments. Some dogs (like me) adapt quickly, but others might be nervous or anxious at first.
- Always have your vet's contact details and your dog's medical records with you, plus research emergency vets in the areas you'll be travelling through.
- Take plenty of photos! Mum's phone is full of pictures of me at beautiful beaches, in front of big landmarks, and snoozing in the caravan. These memories are precious.

If there is anything I've forgotten, reply to this blog and let Mum know - she'll read them to me!

Don't forget to leave your social media comments on the walking posts 😉

**Join the Dog Travelling Community**

Speaking of social media - if your Mum and Dad are taking you on their travels with you, get them to join a couple of great Facebook groups my Mum and Dad are in. They get really useful info like where they can and can't go with me, best dog beaches, best dog-friendly campgrounds - and even hints on what to do if I get sick in the middle of nowhere.

These communities are incredibly supportive and full of experienced travelling dog owners who are always happy to share advice and recommendations:

- Travel with Dogs: Facebook Page
- Camping with Dogs: Facebook Page  

You can also get your Mum and Dad to Google "dog friendly camping near me" and "camping with dogs near me" to find great spots in whatever area you're visiting.

Oh, and I know you don't want to know about this one but - sometimes they want to go somewhere that you can't go 😲 I know right! Thankfully Mum and Dad don't do that too often, but when they do, Mum googles "dog daycare" and "pet boarding near me" to find a safe, fun place for me to stay for a few hours.

Happy Travels!

So there you have it - everything you need for stress-free dog travel around Australia. Whether you're planning a weekend camping trip or a months-long caravan adventure, being prepared makes all the difference. Your dog will love the adventure, the new smells, the different environments, and most importantly, spending quality time with their favourite humans.

Safe travels from this old Border Collie, and remember - it's their holiday too!

Mum says Hi 👋

*Looking for the perfect storage solution for your dog's travel gear? Check out our CamPaq Medium Bags - designed by travellers for travellers, with clear compartments so you can see everything at a glance.*

Mum says Hi
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