Travelling with pets comes with its own brand of worry. You start second-guessing everything. Did I bring enough food? What if they hate the car? Does “pet-friendly” actually mean friendly?
Post by Knose Pet Insurance in collaboration with Pet-Friendly Accommodation.
A bit of planning makes the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one. Prep ahead and you won’t be scrambling before takeoff or dealing with sneaky fees no one warned you about.
Here’s how to make the journey just as fun as the destination.
Getting you and your pet travel-ready
If you’re bringing a puppy, make sure the pups are well socialised so new sights and faces don’t scare them. Calm pets handle new places and long rides better.
1. Check pet-friendly accommodations and transport
Not all hotels, rentals, or transport services roll out the welcome mat for pets. Start your research early and get policies confirmed in writing. Some places have size limits or breed restrictions.
Check reviews from fellow pet parents to see if “pet-friendly” really means friendly. Reviews usually reveal the truth pretty quickly.
Transport rules vary too! Every airline, ferry, and train have its own rules about carriers, cabin access, and what paperwork they want to see. A bit of digging now saves you from a flustered conversation at the gate later.
2. Pack a pet travel kit and first aid supplies
We wish our pets could tell us what they need, but loving them means we already get it. Food and water (plus bowls), a sturdy leash, waste bags, favourite toys, and any medication tops the list.
🐾 If your pet has mobility issues, here’s a handy packing list!
A small first aid kit doesn’t take up much room and it’s one of those things you’ll be really glad you packed if something goes sideways. Bandages, antiseptic wipes, tick tweezers, plus anything your vet recommends.
3. Health records and identification
Nobody dreams of shuffling through paperwork on holiday. But just in case, carry copies of vaccination records, microchip registration details, and other permits your destination might need.
Some places won’t let your pet through the door without their rabies shot or health papers done on time.
A collar with current ID tags is a must. Include your mobile number and destination address if possible. Double-check that your pet’s microchip registration is up to date with your current contact information. Microchips only work if the database can actually reach you!
4. Travel-friendly Pet Insurance
Even the most prepared pet-owner can find their pet in trouble. Pet emergencies can happen and that might mean rushing your pet cat or dog to the vet. Traveling with pets can already be costly sometimes, so it’s best to make sure you won’t have to worry about vet bills.
💡 As an award-winning pet insurance in Australia, Knose covers emergency vet costs for trips up to 60 days, as long as the vet in New Zealand or Norfolk Island is registered.
Policies also include pet boarding coverage if you’re hospitalised for four or more consecutive days, up to 30 days maximum. Plus, our 24/7 Pet Health Hotline means you can get advice at a different time zone!
Sometimes travel doesn’t go according to plan. Having backup support can make a huge difference.
5. Acclimate your pet to travel
A six-hour drive can be a nightmare for a pet new to carriers or cars. Gradual training makes a real difference.
Start with short carrier sessions at home using treats, then try quick car rides. For flights, get them used to the crate and airport sounds. Some pets take to travel naturally, while others need weeks of patient conditioning. Know which camp your buddy falls into before booking that trip!
6. Plan for safety and comfort during the journey
A loose pet in a moving vehicle is a safety hazard for everyone. Secure carriers properly or use tested pet restraints. Never leave pets unattended in parked vehicles, even briefly. Temperatures inside can climb dangerously fast.
Long stretches in the car aren’t enjoyable for anyone, your pet included. Plan a quick stop every two to three hours so your travel buddy can stretch, use the toilet, and stay hydrated.
A collapsible travel bowl is incredibly handy on days like this. Offer small, frequent sips of water instead of a full bowl at once to keep them comfortable throughout the ride.
7. Research customs and quarantine rules
Border regulations vary wildly. Some destinations require blood tests months in advance. Others mandate quarantine periods that could derail your entire trip.
Different destinations have different rules, but don’t let it stop you from making the trip! All you need is an early start and a good handle on what’s required. The same goes for countries that ask for tick and tapeworm treatments on a strict schedule.
With a little planning ahead, you can get everything sorted without the last-minute scramble.
8. Keep your pet’s routine consistent
Pets are creatures of habit. Knowing when dinner’s coming and when walks happen helps them feel grounded, especially when everything else looks and smells unfamiliar.
Being consistent with their usual schedule for meals, exercise, and rest can make a real difference to how they settle into a new place.
Dogs can have hearty appetites, so if yours eats at set times, try to keep those routines even in a new time zone. If your cat lives for evening play, bring the toys and maybe a few extra.
Travel with confidence
Travelling with your pet means more lists, more logistics, and at least one moment when you’re stuffing pet treats into an already overpacked bag. But when you’re sitting on a beach and you see your furry best friend looking happy and carefree, all the effort is worth it.
Remember that the goal isn’t a perfect trip! Pets are full of surprises and sometimes chaos comes with the cuddles. Planning ahead helps you stay worry-free so you can enjoy the sniffs, the zoomies, and all the little moments that make travelling together unforgettable.
Safe travels to you and your four-legged adventurer!
Post by Knose Pet Insurance in collaboration with Pet-Friendly Accommodation.
Disclaimer
Coverage for illnesses and injuries is subject to your selected plan, Knose Pet Insurance terms and conditions, and only applies where the condition is not a Pre-Existing Symptom or Condition and is outside any applicable Exclusion Periods. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for full details.
