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Travelling in Australia with Pets: Tips for a Happy Journey

In partnership with Joanna Tovia
A woman sits in the back seat of a van with her two dogs at a beach in Perth.

As any pet owner knows, pets bring us so much joy that doing life without them doesn’t bear thinking about. It’s easier than ever to take a dog or cat on the road, or even fly across the country, but there are steps you can take to prepare your pet for the journey and keep them safe while you’re both away.

According to a survey conducted by Animal Medicines Australia, 70% of Australian households have a pet – 48% have at least one dog, and 33% have at least one cat – with the vast majority reporting that their pets positively impact their mental and physical health by keeping them moving and boosting their mood. Why wouldn’t we take them with us on holidays?

Getting ready to go

Along with up-to-date flea/tick prevention, veterinarian Dr Moss Siddle recommends making sure pets have been wormed to ward off roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm while you’re away. A 2022 University of Melbourne study showed almost 50% of surveyed dog parks in Australia had dog faecal evidence of intestinal worms, while 100% of dog parks surveyed in North Queensland had evidence of intestinal parasites.

If you’re going to be travelling for an extended period, be sure to note when vaccination boosters are needed or get them done before you leave home. “Vaccines for Parvovirus, Infectious Hepatitis and Distemper are essential, particularly if you’re going to an area where an outbreak has been confirmed or is endemic (Parvovirus in Alice Springs, for example),” Dr Siddle says.

Although it’s unlikely to be fatal if contracted, canine cough vaccination is also recommended if your dog is going to have contact with other dogs or you’re going to places where other dogs may have been, he says.

“In certain high-risk areas, it is advisable to vaccinate against leptospirosis,” Dr Siddle adds. “The risk is high with a specific strain in the Mackay region of North Queensland and other strains further north.”

What to pack when travelling with your pet

Pet-friendly accommodation often provides bedding, pet bowls and even toys, but bringing familiar items from home can help your pet settle more easily into a new abode.

Dr Siddle advises packing a small first-aid kit that contains a long bandage with a safety pin to fasten it, some tweezers (to pick out grass seeds, ticks, or leeches), electrolyte solution suitable for pets (such as Lectade), ear cleaner solution (available from vets or pet shops to use after swimming/baths to get water out of the ears and help prevent infections) and a grooming comb or brush if the pet is long haired to prevent matted fur.

“Alternatively, shave them before going on holiday – this minimises the chances of missing ticks attached to the skin as well,” Dr Siddle says.

If you’ve been to the beach or they’ve had a swim in a creek or dam, take towels to dry them off after a wash with their regular shampoo.

Hitting the road with pets

No one thinks they’re going to have an accident when they set off on a road trip but securing your pet with a harness or in a crate will reduce the likelihood of serious harm (to you and them) if it does happen and minimises driver distraction.

According to a 2024 survey, 21% of drivers in Australia travel with unrestrained dogs in the car (but only 4.5% travelling with cats). Of those who do secure their dogs, more than half rely on a collar-to-seat belt attachment, risking severe injury in an accident.

Dr Siddle recommends taking a 20-minute break every two to three hours for toileting, water, and exercise but advises against letting pets eat too much before or during travel lest they become nauseous and vomit. “Nausea will be more common on winding roads or going up and down hills,” he says. “Leaving the back window open a little for some fresh air for the pet may help reduce nausea but if the pet is prone to travel sickness, some anti-nausea medication from the vet is a good idea.”

Air travel with pets

Virgin Australia announced in March 2024 that, subject to regulatory approval, it would be allowing small dogs and cats to travel with their owners in the aircraft cabin However there are rules about the size and breed of dogs and cats allowed, and the service will only be available in certain rows on specific routes.

Pets can travel in crates in the hold on most airlines, but Australian regulations prohibit some breeds of dogs (pitbulls) and cats (domestic/non-domestic hybrid breeds) from travelling. Airlines also require pets to be over eight weeks old, meet certain weight limits, and have a vet health check before flying.

“Plane travel is always stressful,” Dr Siddle says, adding that some pets find it more stressful than others. “Breeds with short noses (brachycephalic) like Pugs and French Bulldogs are at higher risk during plane travel due to their short noses causing severe lack of oxygen if they hyperventilate and their increased propensity to produce and inhale saliva.”

Anti-anxiety medication that doesn't cause sedation before and during long plane trips can be a smart move, he says.

Flying with your dog can be a big adventure, and you want to make sure your pooch has a safe and smooth trip. Here are a few tips to help make the journey as stress-free as possible for both of you:

  • Keep in mind that dogs prone to anxiety or stress, especially separation anxiety, may not be great candidates for flying.

  • Make sure your dog's carrier is the right size for the airline and that it meets their requirements.

  • Avoid feeding your dog too much before the flight to prevent an upset stomach. A long walk before the flight will help tire them out and make them more comfortable.

  • Include something with your scent, like a piece of clothing, or a favourite toy to provide comfort during the flight.

Where to stay with your pet

If you like a little luxury when you travel, you’re in luck. A growing number of five-star and boutique hotels allow dogs, with some even providing pamper packs and in-room dog dining menus.

Shandos Cleaver, Travelnuity blogger and author of dog-friendly travel guide Off the Leash, has travelled to 35 countries with her dog.

“When I travelled around Australia in a campervan, there was no question about leaving behind my miniature dachshund, Schnitzel. After all, he’s part of my family and where we go, he goes too,” Cleaver says.

She recommends contacting hotels and motels directly before booking to double-check rates and rules, including if there are weight limits or limits on the number of pets you can bring.

“Generally, pets cannot be left alone in rooms, so double-check with the hotel for recommendations on what to do for dinner and breakfast,” Cleaver advises.

If you’d rather stay in a holiday home, booking sites such as Stayz, Airbnb, and others have pet-friendly filter options, but Cleaver suggests making sure pets are allowed inside before booking, and that the yard is securely fenced. “Check the photos or previous reviews if in doubt,” she says.

Around 75% of holiday parks allow dogs, but some have blackout dates during peak periods. Just like the facilities can vary greatly for humans at caravan parks, the same goes for dogs. “Some caravan parks also provide facilities for dogs, ranging from fenced dog parks to dog washes and even dog-sitting services,” Cleaver says. “Keep an eye out for caravan parks located next to dog-friendly beaches and off-leash parks.”

Prevent your pet from getting lost

Vets say it isn’t uncommon for pets to escape the confines of holiday accommodation when their owners are out – a dodgy gate latch or hole in the fence is easy to miss. Veterinarian Dr Leigh Davidson says pets get lost for reasons ranging from accidental escapes out an open car door, to being spooked during fireworks, loud parties, or thunderstorms. Even in off-leash areas, keeping dogs tethered can be a precaution worth taking. “When walking in an unfamiliar area it’s best to keep them on a leash in case their natural hunting instincts cause them to chase an animal and lose sight of you,” Dr Davidson advises. When lost pets end up at the vet, it can be difficult to identify them. “While most pets have a microchip, many microchip contact details are not up to date,” Dr Davidson says. “Now is the perfect time to log in to your state’s pet register and double-check that your contact details are input correctly.” A collar with a tag etched with your phone number is essential for dogs and cats, or why not go one step further and equip your pet with an Airtag or GPS collar? These can be connected to your phone so you can track their location in real time.

What to do in an emergency

Travelling with pets in Australia is not without danger, especially in summer, when pets can suffer from heat stress and burnt paw pads (hold your palm to the road or footpath for five seconds to check how hot it is before walking your dog) and everything from snakes to ticks and sandflies are more prevalent. If you’re holidaying at the beach, dogs can get sick from ingesting salt water or seaweed and injuries can be caused by anything from fishhooks to altercations with other dogs. Food-related illnesses also ramp up in summer, when dogs are more likely to consume toxic substances such as alcohol or get seriously sick from ingesting chocolate, sultanas, or fatty foods such as ice-cream, pork crackling, or gravy. In the bush, aside from expected dangers from ticks, snakes, and leeches, Dr Siddle warns pet owners to be mindful of appetising baits like 1080, which are designed to kill foxes, rabbits, and feral animals. If you suspect your dog has been exposed to a 1080 bait, poisoned carcass, or contaminated vomit, the Australian Animals Poison Helpline advises taking your dog to the nearest vet as soon as possible without waiting until symptoms occur. If the nearest vet is closed or you need urgent assistance: Call the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline: 1300 869 738 Talk to a vet online or book a video consult via PetCheck 24/7 or Your Vet Online

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