Travel is better with a hound by your side. Whether it’s a quick coastal weekend or a longer road trip, getting on the road with a sighthound takes a little planning — and a lot of treats. I’m a greyhound parent to Pepper, and we’ve learned a few useful routines that make travel smoother (and way more fun). Let’s get you set up so your hound is comfy, calm and camera-ready — no tail-chasing required.
Prep First
Start early. A practice drive around the block helps smaller or newly adopted hounds adjust. Pack the essentials the night before: food, bowls, water, bedding, poop bags and any medication. Keep everything in one bag so you don’t end up digging through the boot for a bowl at the petrol station.
Crate or Car
Secure travel is calmer travel. For longer journeys, a well-ventilated crate gives a predictable space for resting. If you use a crate, line it with a comfy blanket your hound already sleeps on — familiar smells help them settle.
If your dog is a car-sitter rather than a crate dog, use a harness or secure barrier so they can’t move around the cabin while you’re driving. A short test drive with the same setup you’ll use on holiday is a simple way to check comfort and safety.
Collars & Safety
On the road, small things matter. A snug martingale collar sits well on sighthounds’ long necks and helps prevent slipping when excited at rest stops. We recommend pairing it with an ID tag and up-to-date microchip details. (Here’s our martingale collection if you want to see styles: martingale collars.)
Stop Smart
Plan regular breaks every 1.5–2 hours. Let your hound stretch, sniff and have a toilet break on grass rather than gravel or roadside. Keep lead length short in car parks and busy rest stops — safety first, sniff second.
Hydration & Food
Bring bottled water for the journey and offer small amounts regularly. On travel days, stick to your hound’s usual food, but offer slightly smaller meals before driving to reduce the risk of car sickness. If your hound is prone to sensitivity, ask your vet about motion sickness options before you leave.
Comfort Kit
Pack a compact kit: spare blanket, favourite toy, calming spray (if you use one), travel bowls, and a small first-aid kit. For sighthounds with thin coats, a lightweight coat for cool mornings and an extra towel for wet sand can be lifesavers on beach trips.
Overnight Stays
Book dog-friendly accommodation in advance and check sleeping arrangements. If your hound is used to sleeping in a crate at home, bring it — familiarity helps. Bring a night-light and place their bed where they’ll feel included, not isolated.
Health & Vet
Take a copy of your pet’s vaccination records and any medication instructions. For international travel or interstate trips, check local rules and recommended tick/flea treatments — especially in warmer months. Your vet can give tailored advice for sighthounds’ unique needs; they often have specific guidance for travel and exercise levels.
Pepper’s Tips
Pepper’s routine on travel day: a calm walk first thing, a small breakfast, a nap in a familiar blanket, and a short training game before getting in the car. It keeps her relaxed and makes re-entry at each stop easier. Simple but effective!
Useful Links
More of Pepper's travel snippet:
Final Notes
Short recap: prep, secure, stop, and comfort. Travel with greyhounds is absolutely possible — and deeply rewarding with a little planning. We hope these tips help you and your hound make great memories on the road. Happy travels — and send us a photo of your greyt adventure!
