Australians love the great outdoors and we share that passion with our pets. With more and more accommodations around Australia becoming pet friendly, taking the whole family on a trip is now easier than ever. Whether you’re new to pet travel, traveling Australia with a dog, or a frequent fur baby flyer, it’s important to understand that pet travel needs planning to be enjoyable and stress-free for both human and animal.
Before the trip
Make sure your pet’s vaccination, flea or worming treatments are up to date. In fact, airlines may insist on proof of vaccination before booking their flight. It may also provide some added peace of mind on your travels. For longer trips, a vet check-up may also be worthwhile.
If your pet is microchipped, make sure their details are all current. Having recent photos of them on you may also be handy, just in case. But you probably have plenty of that already!
Travelling by car
Whether by family car or pet carrier service, here are a few things worth considering to make sure your pet is comfortable for their road trip.
- Encourage toilet time and avoid feeding for 2 hours before travel.
- Be sure to use appropriate restraints and carriers.
- Cats can crawl into inconvenient spaces, so travelling in a carrier is advised.
- For pet carriers, line the inside with familiar bedding to help settle them.
- Make sure their spot is well ventilated with shade if they need it.
- Pack a suitcase full of their favourite treats, toys and comfort items.
- For longer trips, it’s worth planning regular stops for toilet breaks.
- Always have a leash or restraints on hand when letting them out of the car.
- Have water and bowl easily accessible.
- And never leave them unattended in a closed car!
Flying with your pet
Qantas and Virgin have detailed requirements for flying with pets, so we recommend checking their policies before booking, and following their guidelines for fuss-free travel. Animals with shortened or flattened noses may also need special consideration before the flight.
As most pets will be flying unattended, it’s important that they’re comfortable in their carrier. For that reason, a larger carrier is recommended, and one that is IATA certified. (International Air Transport Association).
Before the trip, you might want to have their carrier open and out in the main living area so they feel more comfortable with it. Along with familiar bedding, it may also help to pack in an item of clothing with your scent on it, to help them feel at ease.
If you’re using a pet carrier service, they will advise on how best to prepare your pet for domestic or international travel.
Service dogs
Service or assistance dogs do have a special dispensation to travel alongside their human companion, so please check your airline’s specific requirements prior to booking your trip.
