Traveling with Pets: Your Guide to Stress-Free Adventures
Ready to hit the road with your furry family? Traveling with our pets can be such a rewarding experience, but it does take a bit of extra planning to make sure everyone’s comfortable and safe. Whether you’re taking your dog on a hiking trip or bringing your cat along for a weekend getaway, we’ve got all the tips you need to make traveling with your pets an absolute breeze.
Getting Your Pet Travel-Ready
Before we even talk about where you’re going, let’s make sure your furry friends are ready for the journey:
Comfort is Key: The last thing you want is for your pet to be stressed during travel. Make sure they’re familiar with their carrier or car seat in advance. Set it up at home with their favourite blanket or toys and let them explore it on their own terms.
Vet Check-Up: A quick visit to the vet is a good idea before any big trip. Make sure your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccinations. For longer trips or plane travel, ask your vet if a calming solution might be helpful to reduce any anxiety they may have during a long trip.
ID Tags and Microchips: Always, always double-check your pet’s ID tag. Ensure it has your most recent contact information. If they’re microchipped, make sure those details are updated too. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when you’re far from home.
Pack Smart: Don’t forget to pack your pet’s essentials—food, water, collapsible bowls, a lead, poop bags. If your pet is on medication, pack enough for the entire trip (and a little extra, just in case).
Hitting the Road: Car Travel Tips
For most pet parents, car travel is the easiest way to get around. Here’s how to keep things safe and smooth:
Secure Your Pet: For dogs, a seatbelt harness or a pet booster seat can make the journey both safer and more comfortable. Cats should always travel in a secure, well-ventilated carrier—never loose in the car.
Take Breaks: If you’re on a long drive, don’t forget to take breaks every few hours! While your dog can stretch their legs and take care of business, some felines might enjoy a little time outside their carrier too, especially if they’re harness and lead trained. Just find a nice, quiet spot where they can safely explore and take in their surroundings. Those little moments can really help keep your furry friends happy during the journey!
Car Sickness: Some pets get a little queasy on the road. To help with this, avoid feeding them a big meal right before you leave, and if necessary, your vet can recommend travel-friendly solutions.
Keep it Cool: Make sure the temperature inside the car stays comfortable. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, even with the windows cracked—it heats up much faster than you think!
Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodation 🏡
Luckily, pet-friendly accommodations are more accessible than ever. Here are a couple of popular options plus some tips to help you find the perfect spot for you and your furry travel buddy:
- Bannisters by the Sea (Mollymook, NSW): Enjoy stunning ocean views and luxury at this coastal retreat, which offers pet-friendly options. Perfect for a relaxing beach getaway with your dog or cat! Learn more here.
- The Brunswick (Brunswick Heads, NSW): This charming location welcomes pets and offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for enjoying a relaxing getaway with your furry friends. Learn more here.
- NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort (Merimbula, NSW): Bring your furry friends along for a fun getaway at this pet-friendly resort, where you can enjoy the stunning Merimbula Beach. Dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds are welcome, with up to two pets allowed per site. Learn more here.
- Airbnb Options: There are countless pet-friendly Airbnb options across Australia for your getaway. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth stay for you and your feline friend:
- Always check with the host regarding their pet policy before booking.
- Look for listings that specifically mention pets are welcome.
- Consider properties with enclosed yards for outdoor exploration.
- Read reviews from other pet owners to gauge how pet-friendly the space truly is.
- Exciting news for pet lovers! Virgin Australia has signaled its intent to become the first airline in the country to offer pets in the cabin flights. This groundbreaking service, set to launch within 12 months and will allow small cats and dogs to fly alongside their owners on designated domestic routes.
- Research Airlines: While pets currently travel in the cargo hold on all Australian flights, Virgin Australia is planning to change that. They will be the first to allow small pets in the cabin. Until then, airlines like Qantas and Virgin Australia continue to offer pet transport via their cargo services. Learn more: Qantas and Virgin Australia.
- Book Early: As with cargo transport, cabin travel will likely have limited space for pets, so it's best to book as early as possible. Don’t forget to check whether you’ll need a health certificate from your vet, as this is typically required for pet travel.
- Get the Right Carrier: For Virgin Australia's planned cabin service, pets must be in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Until the service launches, ensure your pet’s carrier meets the cargo transport standards, which require enough space for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Prep Your Pet: To help ease any travel anxiety, tire your pet out with some playtime before the flight. Packing a familiar toy or blanket that smells like home can provide extra comfort, whether they’re flying in the cabin (when available) or in the cargo hold. It’s also a good idea to seek advice from your vet about anxiety medication if your pet tends to get particularly stressed during travel.
Making the Stay Stress-Free 🐶🐱
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, the key is making sure your pet feels comfortable in a new space:
Create a Safe Space: Whether in a hotel room or an Airbnb, set up a little corner that’s just for your furry friend. Use their favourite blanket or toys to make it feel like home.
Stick to Their Routine: Pets thrive on routine, so try to stick to their normal schedule for feeding, walking, and playtime as much as possible. It’ll help them feel more settled.
Explore Together: If your dog loves exploring, check out nearby parks or walking trails. Cats might prefer sticking close to their new temporary home, but a bit of playtime can help them adjust.
Travel with Confidence!
Traveling with our furry friends can be such a fun and rewarding experience, and with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be stressful. By ensuring your pet is comfortable, safe, and secure, you can enjoy your time away together without a hitch.
Whether you’re taking a road trip or flying off to a new destination, your fur family deserves to be part of the adventure. So, pack those treats, grab their favourite toys, and get ready for a journey full of happy memories! 🐾
We know pets are family—because we are pet lovers too!
At Pet Store Collective, we design timeless pieces that celebrate the special bond between you and your furry friend.
Each collection is thoughtfully designed to ensure your pet feels as good as they look, with a focus on comfort, security, and style.
Our mission is to create pieces as vibrant as your pet’s unique personality—designs that can be cherished and worn for years to come.
From our family to yours, thank you for being part of this journey. We’re so happy you’re here and can’t wait to share in those special moments with your furry friends.
With love,
Ashleigh, Moe + 🐱 Leo & Luna 🐾