7 questions to ask before travelling with pets [eBook]

Are you planning on bringing along your pet on your next holiday adventure? These days there are lots of options for people travelling with pets, but that doesn’t mean your furry friend will be allowed everywhere.

With millions of pet owners in Australia, many are bound to want to bring along their animal companions on holidays. But before you pack your bags, ask yourself a few important questions.

Download the free Australian Seniors eBook A guide to domestic travel with pets for useful information when you’re on the road.

1. Is my pet able-bodied and healthy enough to travel?

You want your pet to enjoy the trip as much as you will, but if they are ill, injured or approaching old age, it may be more painful for them to travel than if they were to be boarded in a kennel or pet hotel.

Make sure you visit your vet before the big trip and discuss whether it’s appropriate to bring them along. A fit and healthy animal will love the great outdoors, but if they aren’t up to it then it may be best to leave them behind.

2. Does their temperament lend itself to travel?

At home your pet may be kind and loving, but in new environments and around new people and animals there’s the potential for unexpected behaviours to arise – as shown by recent figures on the number of dog-related injuries in Australia.

Has your pet travelled with you on holidays before? Were they calm and comfortable the entire time, or did they seem a bit jittery and reactive in the unfamiliar territory? If you’ve not travelled with your pet previously, keep an eye on them and make sure they are as comfortable as possible so they can enjoy the experience rather than constantly stressing.

3. Are there pet-friendly places at my destinations?

These days you’ll have so many options when planning a holiday with your pet. But it still pays to do your research, as some places have total bans on animals – especially in national parks and other protected areas.

If you’re travelling to visit family and friends, call ahead first to see whether it’s okay to bring along your pet.

4. Will I be able to do what I like with my pet once I’m there?

What are your plans while travelling? Will it be all about visiting museums and exploring a city? If so, your pet may not be welcome in a lot of places. If instead you’re going for a beach getaway or camping in a remote location, it may be the ideal location for you and your pet.

Take your travel intentions into account when deciding whether or not to bring your pet along.

5. Will the weather conditions be fine for my pet – both travelling there and at the destination?

If you’re travelling long distances, consider the impact of lengthy drives on your pet. Will they be comfortable travelling for hours at a time? How often will you need to take breaks in order to let your pet relieve itself, drink water and stretch its legs?

Also think about the weather at your destination. Depending on the time of year, it may be too hot or cold for a pet to comfortably travel with you to certain locations. It’s crucial that you consider the needs of your pet – and their level of comfort – for any potential trips away together.

6. Are my pet’s vaccinations and treatments up to date?

Your pet should always be up to date with their vaccinations, as well as their monthly flea, heartworm and worming treatments. If their annual vaccination is almost due, it might be worth visiting your vet early to see if your pet can get their shot before you leave.

Likewise, if you plan to travel with your pet for an extended period, be sure to bring along their tick and flea treatments so you can keep them protected for the whole holiday. This is especially important if you plan to be out and about in nature where there are creepy crawlies that can pose a risk to your pet.

7. Is the area high-risk for ticks, parasites and snakes?

Will you and your pet be visiting national parks, lakes, beaches or just be among the great outdoors for extended periods? If so, it’s worth doing a bit of research into the area to see a) whether your pet is legally allowed to be there, and b) if it’s common for snakes, ticks or other parasites to live there.

If so, it might be worth rethinking whether it’s wise to bring along your pet considering the potential risk to their health. Either way, having the right pet insurance can give you peace of mind that you’re financially protected in the event that anything happens to your dog or cat while on holiday. If you’d like to know more about how Australian Seniors could protect you financially should anything happen to your pet while travelling, call 1300 674 590 today.