Pet Travel 101: How to make travelling with your pets easier?

Bringing your pet on holiday adds to the fun of your experience and you don’t have to worry about your pet’s safety and happiness while away. It can open a whole new world filled with excitement, beaches and parks. Even though it will be an amazing experience, you need to plan every facet of your holiday around Fido. Being prepared is usually a good idea to ensure your holiday is relaxing and enjoyable for both you and your pet. You have to remember, that cars or planes weren’t made for travelling with your pet and you need to make it as comfortable for them as possible. A quick guide to travelling with your pet will prepare you for a great holiday for the whole family.

Pet travel checklist: What to pack?

• Pet food and treats. (Can opener for food if needed.)
• Food and water bowls.
• Always carry a fresh bottle of water with you.
• Pet bedding and a crate to sleep in.
• A collar and leash.
• Your pet’s favourite toy.
• A pet first aid kit.
• Any required or prescribed medication.
• A list of numbers for vets in the area where you’ll be vacationing.
• A photo of your pet.
• A scooper and plastic bag to clean up after your dog.
• Absorbent mats.
• A grooming kit such as shampoo and brushes.

On the road travelling tips:

1. Take enough fresh water on your journey.
2. If you’re travelling with a cat, cover their cage in the car to keep them calm.
3. Make sure your pet does not overheat or get cold.
4. Make regular stops along the road.
5. Keep the windows up even if your dog loves the wind. Road debris can cause health issues.
6. Buckle up your dog with a seatbelt especially designed for travelling.
7. Never leave your pet in a parked car. Overheating can cause heatstroke or even death.
8. Keep your pet busy or calm with their favourite toy or blanket.
9. Keep your dog on a leash outside the car.
10. Speak to your vet if your pet is fit to travel in a car.

Travelling by plane tips:

1. Get your vet to examine your pet for travel approval. (Health Certificate)
2. Dogs & cats go in cargo, but service dogs are allowed in the cabin.
3. Sedation is not recommended. Side effects may be unpredictable.
4. Book non-peak flights for more cabin space and to decrease stress.
5. Book Direct flights.
6. Choose flights that will accommodate season temperatures, especially if your pet is travelling below the cabin.
7. Always travel on the same flight as your pet.
8. Consider your pet’s breed: Do not travel by air with pug-nosed dogs/cats like Pekingese, Chow Chows or Persians in the cargo. Their short nasal passage can be dangerous.
9. Select the right carrier for your pet and allow your pet to familiarise themselves with it a month before your flight.
10. Make sure your pet wears a proper collar & ID with your name and number on it as well as a travel label on the carrier.

Always remember to keep your pet calm during travel by bringing their favourite blanket or toy with them to comfort and relax him/her. A familiar object can make the world’s difference. Other points to consider are your accommodation options. Not all hotels or resorts are pet friendly, so make sure when booking that you remember to ask. You want to avoid arriving at your destination and then being turned away. We have a list of perfect holiday accommodation for you and your pet in Australasia.

Travelling with your dog or cat is a new adventure for both of you, so make sure you consider these tips. You can research more on this subject, but these are some of the major tips you can follow. One other tip you can follow is getting your pet Insured for any accidental injury or illness before you travel. You’ll know for sure if something does happen that you are covered and you’ll also be way more relaxed while travelling.

*PIA’s Accident Plan was discontinued in August 2019. All PIA plans are now Illness & Accidental Injury.

We offer award-winning* pet insurance policies to protect your furry friend’s health and wellbeing. Get a quote today and give your pets the care they deserve.