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Australians love their pets, rating among the highest in the world for pet ownership. We spend a lot of money on our furry and not-so-furry friends, racking up around $22 billion in pet-related expenditure in 2022 alone. Aside from the essentials like food and vet bills, we also love to shower our fur-iends with treats, accessories and toys, and increasingly, we are travelling with pets.
If you are one of the growing number of Aussies who can’t bear the thought of going on holiday without their beloved Fluffy or Fido, check out our top tips for making ensuring that your next trip is truly… pawesome🐾.
If you’re going to bring your pet along on your next adventure, it makes sense to choose a holiday destination that they will love as much as you do. Look for pet-friendly beaches and parks where you can enjoy quality time together, and seek out pet-friendly cafés and restaurants where they are happy to pamper your precious plus-one.
Some of our favourite Australian pet-friendly holidays include exploring the best beaches in Western Australia, bush walking in the Blue Mountains, camping on Kangaroo Island and vineyard hopping on the Mornington Peninsula. Australia’s national parks are pet-free zones, but there are still plenty of amazing wilderness areas that you can enjoy exploring with your pet.
As humans, we all look for different things in a holiday, and our pets are the same. If you tailor your holiday to suit your pet’s personality and preferences, you’re both more likely to enjoy a happy holiday.
There’s an ever-increasing selection of accommodation options, from laid-back holiday houses to luxury resorts, where pets are welcomed as special guests. Pet-friendly rooms come furnished with designer bedding and decadent in-room dining, while pet-sitting and pet-walking services make it easy to treat yourself to a spa treatment or pet-free meal.
Heading out on a road trip with your furry side-kick means plenty of time for bonding over amazing landscapes, fabulous foodie moments and to-die-for sunsets. Travelling by car gives you almost total freedom to ensure the best possible experience, making it easier to take regular comfort stops and tweak your itinerary when your travel buddy calls for a time-out.
Most domestic airlines and long-distance trains will happily carry a variety of domestic pets, from cats and dogs to mini pigs and small reptiles, as long as you meet their safety and welfare requirements.
Before you travel, and especially if they have any ongoing health concerns, take your precious pet to the vet for a check-up and to ensure that they are up to date with the appropriate vaccinations. If your pet is an anxious traveller or is prone to travel sickness, your vet may be able to recommend a calming supplement or medication to take the edge off.
Take regular breaks throughout your journey, offering water and bathroom breaks as needed. Never leave your pets unattended in a vehicle and know how to recognise that your pet needs a timeout.
We all have certain items that we consider essential for an enjoyable holiday experience, whether it’s noise-cancelling headphones, a good book or travel snacks. Packing for your pet’s comfort and enjoyment can help to ease any anxiety they may feel about being in unfamiliar surroundings. Remember to bring their favourite food and bowls, a comfy blanket or beloved toy, and any medications they require.
Ensure that the microchip company has your up-to-date contact details so you can be easily reached if you and your pet become separated.
Some pets feel safer travelling in a travel crate or car carrier, while others will happily snooze on their favourite blanket or enjoy the breeze from the open window. If your pet isn’t used to travelling, you can help them prepare for your shared adventure by taking shorter practice trips around your local area to ensure that they (and you) can enjoy the experience.
If you’re not certain that your pet (or you) will enjoy the experience, you could start with a weekend away a bit closer to home. It’s much easier to pull the pin on a holiday that’s not going well if you only need to pile into the car and drive a few hours to get home.
Following good pet etiquette is just as important when you’re on holiday as it is when you’re at home. Keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier when it’s appropriate, clean up after them, and be mindful of other travellers. Don’t let your pet damage the furniture, climb the curtains or dig holes in the lawn, avoid encouraging zoomies when others might be sleeping, and ensure that your pet is not disturbing or endangering local wildlife.
Travelling overseas with your pet requires more planning and logistics, but your personal travel manager can help you to navigate the red tape and regulations, arrange pet travel insurance and sort any import/export permits. You’ll also need to check what vaccinations are required, whether your pet will have a quarantine period (and what’s involved), and what’s involved in bringing your pet back into Australia. Many travellers opt to work with a specialised pet transport company to ensure that their precious pet has the best possible experience.
If you’re planning to take your dog or cat to New Zealand, you generally don’t need an import permit or quarantine period but they will have to undergo a post-arrival inspection. The same generally applies on the return journey, but be aware that the entire process can be quite time-consuming so be sure to plan well ahead.
With the right preparation, exploring the world with your pawtner-in-crime can be an unforgettable adventure filled with magical memories. Whether you’re planning a scenic road-trip or escaping to a pet-friendly paradise, your personal travel manager can help you plan your purrfect petaway.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
