Top Tips for Stress-Free Pet-Friendly Travel in South Africa

I am not a traveler by nature, but that is another thing my dog, Soda, has made me reconsider. Slowly but surely, in an effort to give her the adventure life of her dreams, I am turning into an adventurer myself.

We have gone on some great getaways over the past three years, and it seems like I am always hungry for longer and more elaborate trips with my little companion. Recently, we went on an epic road trip from Pretoria to Cape Town and back again, with stopovers in the Karoo. The thousands of kilometers on the road have given me plenty of time to think about what I have learned about traveling with a dog, so here are some tips that would have helped me when I just got started.

Choosing the Right Pet-Friendly Accommodation

The key to a fun holiday experience with your dog is choosing the right accommodation for your needs. Booking a place that has other dogs roaming about when your dog is slightly reactive can turn what was supposed to be a relaxing getaway into a stressful ordeal really fast.

I find that it helps to make a list of “wants” and “needs” before you start your search and use that to narrow down the options. For instance, I strongly prefer places with private, fenced gardens, so that Soda can explore without me having to worry about where she is all the time. Luckily, the HolidayDOG website has handy filters to make this part of my search much easier! I can filter for accommodation with fenced areas and no resident dogs, as well as places with hiking trails, which is an added bonus for me.

Packing Essentials for Your Dog

I have found it incredibly useful to create a packing checklist for Soda’s things. We travel every month or two, and having a list makes me much less worried about forgetting something crucial. Make sure you pack the essentials: food, medications, water bottles, bowls, poop bags, first aid kit, leashes, collars/harnesses, and beds. Then pack as many nice-to-haves as you can: treats, toys, accessories, crate, grooming tools, etc.

You may even consider keeping a “vacation bag” packed and ready with all the things your dog would typically need, which you can just grab and go when the mood for a getaway strikes you at a moment’s notice.

Bringing a Portable Safe Space

Many dogs struggle with relaxing in new environments, even seasoned adventurers like Soda. Bringing what I call a “portable safe space” has been an absolute game changer. Soda is crate trained and considers it a safe space, so I always bring her collapsible crate that she can use if she feels insecure. I also bring her PETS furever K9 Travel Quilt, which has been reinforced as a safe space of sorts that we often use at restaurants.

For your dog, a portable safe space may be their comfortable dog bed or favorite blanket. Conveniently, the car is also a safe space for Soda.

Making the Car Ride Comfortable

A significant part of your holiday will most likely be spent in your car, whether it is driving to and from your destination or sightseeing around the area. Having a comfortable and practical setup for traveling with your dog is a lifesaver! I love using our PETS Furever Double Car Seat Hammock, and Soda does too. We both like being able to see each other and it protects my car from the inevitable mud and sand she will bring with her. The pockets are very handy for storing leashes and a collapsible water bowl, so they are easy to grab at rest stops.

Whichever travel setup you choose to use in your car, make sure your dog is comfortable with it before attempting a multi-hour road trip.

Planning Your Route

Before you head off on your journey, have an idea of how many breaks you and your dog would need. For us, it is about every two to three hours, but mostly because I need coffee and bathroom breaks. For a stress-free experience, look at the map of your route beforehand and identify potential dog-friendly stops at the intervals you would need.

I prefer finding farm stalls over petrol station rest stops because they are typically quieter and cleaner. Plus, you get to support local small businesses!

Enjoying Pet-Friendly Activities

Look out for fun, dog-friendly activities to do at your destination that match up with what your dog enjoys. I have had great success with asking the hosts at my accommodations for recommendations, especially if they themselves are also dog people. Making memories with your dog can take a “this is nice” holiday and turn it into a “THIS IS AMAZING!” holiday.

However, always keep your dog’s comfort levels as your top priority. I often end up eating in while on vacation instead of hitting up all the cool dog-friendly restaurants because that is what would be better for Soda’s comfort. And don’t forget to keep your dog hydrated at all times (as well as yourself)!

Staying Mindful of Your Surroundings

When you are living the holiday life and all thoughts are far removed from your regular daily stressors, it is still your responsibility to make sure that your dog is safe at all times. Be careful of them potentially overheating when hiking on a summer’s day or burning their paws on hot surfaces when you are walking to the beach. Also, keep an eye out for extra hazards in the environment, like snakes and ticks when staying in the bushveld, or discarded chicken bones when visiting a public city park.

Being a Considerate Pet Guardian

This means picking up after your dog, obeying the rules of the establishments you visit, and being mindful of other people and dogs. Have your dog under control at all times and do not let it interact with people or dogs that may not want to interact with it.

Traveling with a dog is a luxury, and establishments can choose to allow dogs purely at their own discretion. We always want to make sure that we are not the reason why an establishment chooses to ban dogs. The HolidayDOG website conveniently and clearly displays the pet policies of each of their listings, so you will know upfront what is expected of you and your dog. For example, if and when your dog should be leashed, rules about leaving your dog unattended, and whether they will be providing beds, bowls, or towels for your dog.

One of the most basic considerations we adhere to (regardless of the rules of our accommodation) is to always bring old sheets to cover the beds and sofas of the places we stay at. We want to leave paw prints in their hearts, not on their beautiful white linens!

Words by Zani Koen, owner of SODA. You can follow them on Instagram here. 

Were any of these tips something you have not considered before? What would you add to the list? We would love to hear your thoughts and travel hacks in the comments below. It might be something I have not thought of yet, and I love nothing more than improving my travel efficiency and experiences! 

Special thanks to PETS furever who supported this blog post by sponsoring the Car Seat Hammock and K9 Travel Quilt for Soda and Zani.