Have pets? Can travel – how to holiday with pets

The summer holiday is a great reward for a year’s work. If you were lucky enough to have a pet join your family at Christmas, however, it may seem like the end of this annual tradition. 

Not so. It’s easier than ever to incorporate your furry friend – new or old – into your getaway. By planning ahead and considering their needs as well as yours, you and your pet can explore new horizons together. 

Dogs

The sight of a dog’s head emerging from a moving car’s window is a common one along Australia’s roads. In some ways, dogs take to car trips like ducks to water, but there are ways you can make the experience more comfortable for them. 

Make sure you introduce your dog to your car slowly. You’ll need a harness or carrier to keep them in a safe place while you drive, and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident. Despite their insistence on sitting in your lap, don’t be fooled by their confidence: their driving is below average.  

Keep a supply of clean water and food on hand however long the trip will be. Feeding your dog before a long drive isn’t a good idea, but a few treats for incentives or positive reinforcement will help. 

Prepare to stop for toilet breaks, the frequency of which will depend on your dog. Not all dogs will sound the alarm, so keep their at-home toilet habits in mind and stop whenever necessary. 

If motion sickness presents itself (excessive drooling and panting, restlessness, licking lips, vomiting or diarrhea while in motion), PetSure Veterinary Advisor Dr Betty Chan offers the following advice: 

• Avoid feeding for at least two hours before your trip 

• Prop your pet up so they’re forward facing and can see outside. 

• Keep the window partially wound down so they can enjoy the fresh air, which reduces nausea. Make sure your dog is fully secured when doing so. 

• Ginger extract taken at least 30 minutes before travel can relieve the effects of motion sickness, but discuss dosages with a holistic veterinarian first. 

• If motion sickness symptoms persist, seek veterinary advice. Your vet may be able to prescribe your pet some motion sickness preventative medications. 

Cats

Cats aren’t travellers: they don’t like to be wet, they don’t like change and they don’t like long car trips. That said, through proper conditioning and adaptation, cats can become accustomed to a journey by car. 

Many cats are easily stressed by the rigors and perils of a car ride, especially if they know it’s likely to end in an invasive vet visit. But with patience and effort, this can change. 

Start by choosing a secure and comfortable carrier that can be firmly seated inside your vehicle. Cats should never roam the car freely – not least of all because their driving is even worse than a dog’s. Find a top-loader carrier for easy embarkation, possibly one that can double as a bed when you reach your destination. 

Many cats like to be snug during travel, but experiment and see what your cat prefers. A big carrier can be outfitted to be smaller inside should the need arise, and you’re still ok if your cat prefers a bit of room to move.  

Once your cat is comfortable in their carrier, start the conditioning with short journeys so they can become acclimatised to driving. Have plenty of treats ready at the end to supplant those nasty vet memories. 

This kind of conditioning is especially effective if you begin with a kitten. Getting used to cars from a young age can make future car trips a breeze. 

The trip

Whoever your animal passenger, make sure their microchips and ID tags are up to date, and consider preventative treatment for ticks and other parasites before hitting the road – or the air. 

In late 2025, Virgin Australia introduced a new policy that allowed pets to travel in the cabin of certain flights. With more than 300 dogs and cats flying over the Christmas period, it’s been so popular that Virgin Australia has extended the program’s trial period through to June 30.  

While the service was originally for dogs only, cats are permitted to fly on all Pets in Cabin flight services from January 31. There are some restrictions to consider: pets must be under eight kilograms and travel in a carrier at all times. 

So far, Pets in Cabin flights operate between Melbourne, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, but if your pet prefers cooler destinations, you may want to stick to the car. 

Where to?

When choosing a destination, you’ll have to consider your travel companions. Pet-friendly accommodation can be tricky to find in remote locations, so plan carefully and book early, especially during summer and school holidays.  

It’s worth noting that dogs are often more welcome than cats at pet-friendly venues. When doing your research, find out whether your desired hosts are dog or cat people (or both) so you’re not faced with a frosty welcome later. 

If you’re going camping, keep your dog on a leash and keep your cat contained; most campgrounds require pets to be looked after at all times.  

For those not looking to rough it, a surprising number of luxury hotels have made a play for the canine and feline demographic. At some of these, it’s possible to be pampered alongside your pet, with spa treatments and gourmet dining on offer, as well as pet sitting services.  

Wherever you end up is bound to be an unfamiliar environment for your pets, and while they may want to explore, they also need your comfort and guidance as they deal with the stimulation.  

A great way to take the edge off a strange place is to use a pheromone diffuser, which produces a scent cats and dogs use to mark safe spaces. This reduces stress and increases feelings of comfort and calm, making your destination that much more appealing to your companions. 

And because you’re on holiday to relax, it’s worth considering pet insurance. Just as you’d take out a travel insurance policy ahead of a big journey, a pet insurance policy can reduce stress knowing you’re covered should disaster strike. With coverage in place, your pet can be treated by local vets without having to worry about the bill. 

What’s more, certain policies include access to vet teleheath services such as LiveVet, putting you in touch with registered Australian vets online, 24/7, at no additional cost. When you’re far from home and in a tricky situation with your pet, this can make a big difference. 

With some forward thinking, careful planning and considered preparation, it’s possible to enjoy a summer getaway with your furriest family members. Don’t think they don’t dream of it too – after all, a beach is one big litter tray.