Hit the Road with Your Furry Co-Pilot
Australians love a good road trip, and there's no reason your four-legged friend can't join the adventure. Whether it's a weekend getaway to the coast or a cross-country relocation, travelling with pets in Australia is entirely doable — with the right preparation.
Road Trips
Legal Requirements
Every Australian state has rules about pets in cars:
- NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS: Pets must be restrained or in a cargo area where they can't distract the driver. Fines range from $330-$4,000+ depending on the state.
- Never let a pet ride on your lap, hang out of windows, or sit in the tray of a ute without appropriate restraint.
Restraint Options
- Seat belt harness: Clips into the seatbelt buckle. Best for medium to large dogs.
- Car crate/carrier: Most secure option. Ideal for cats and small dogs.
- Car hammock: Covers the back seat, prevents sliding, and protects upholstery.
- Cargo barrier: For SUVs and wagons, keeps pets in the boot area.
Road Trip Essentials Packing List
- Enough food for the trip plus 2 extra days
- Collapsible water bowl and fresh water
- Lead, collar, and harness
- Poo bags
- Favourite toy and blanket (familiar smells reduce anxiety)
- Pet first aid kit
- Vaccination records and microchip details
- Any medications
- Paper towels and cleaning spray (accidents happen)
- Shade cloth for windows
Rest Stops
Stop every 2-3 hours for:
- Toilet breaks (always on a lead in unfamiliar areas)
- Water and a stretch
- A quick sniff and explore
Never leave your pet in a parked car. Even on a 25°C day, the interior can reach 40°C+ within minutes. In Australia, leaving an animal in a hot car can result in criminal charges.
Travel Sickness
Some pets get car sick. Signs include drooling, yawning, whining, or vomiting. To help:
- Limit food 2-3 hours before travel
- Face them forward (not backwards)
- Keep the car cool with air conditioning
- Take shorter practice trips to build tolerance
- Ask your vet about anti-nausea medication for long journeys
Flying with Pets in Australia
Domestic Flights
The two main options:
Cabin (small pets only): Currently, Rex Airlines allows small pets in the cabin on some routes. Qantas, Virgin, and Jetstar do not allow pets in the cabin.
Cargo/Freight: Qantas Freight and Jetpets are the main pet transport services. Your pet flies in a pressurised, temperature-controlled cargo hold.
Requirements:
- IATA-approved crate (hard-sided, well-ventilated)
- Health certificate from your vet (within 72 hours of travel)
- Up-to-date vaccinations
- Microchip registration
- No brachycephalic breeds on many airlines (breathing risks)
Cost: $300-800+ depending on pet size and route.
Booking tip: Book well in advance, especially during school holidays. There are limited pet spots per flight.
Interstate Travel Considerations
Most interstate travel within Australia is straightforward, but check:
- Tasmania: Requires a current health certificate
- Any state: Ensure tick prevention is current if travelling between climate zones
Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Finding Pet-Friendly Stays
- BringFido.com.au — comprehensive Australian pet-friendly accommodation database
- Booking.com — filter by "Pets allowed"
- Airbnb — many hosts welcome pets (always confirm before booking)
- BIG4 Holiday Parks — many locations are pet-friendly, perfect for caravanning
- National park campgrounds — check individual park rules; many allow dogs on leads
What to Expect
- Pet bonds of $50-200 are common
- Some places have weight or breed restrictions
- Pets often must stay off furniture and beds
- Barking complaints can result in eviction
- Always declare your pet when booking
Accommodation Etiquette
- Bring your own pet bedding and bowls
- Clean up any fur or mess before checkout
- Don't leave your pet alone in the room (barking and damage risk)
- Keep your pet on a lead in common areas
- Pick up after them in gardens and walkways
National Parks and Beaches
National Parks
Rules vary dramatically by state:
- NSW: Dogs banned from most national parks, allowed in some state forests
- VIC: Dogs allowed in some Parks Victoria managed areas on lead
- QLD: Dogs banned from most national parks
- SA: Limited access, always on lead
- WA: Generally banned from national parks
- TAS: Some parks allow dogs on lead
Always check the specific park's rules before visiting. Fines for having a dog in a restricted area can be significant.
Beaches
Many Australian beaches have designated dog-friendly areas with specific times:
- Off-lead areas: Usually early morning (before 9am) and evening (after 4pm)
- On-lead areas: Available more broadly
- No-dog zones: Usually the main swimming area during peak hours
Check your local council website for specific beach rules.
Travelling with Cats
Cats are homebodies by nature, and most prefer staying in familiar surroundings. If you must travel with your cat:
- Use a sturdy carrier they're already familiar with
- Cover the carrier with a light blanket to reduce visual stimulation
- Use Feliway spray on the carrier bedding 30 minutes before travel
- Never let a cat loose in a car — they will go under the brake pedal
- Bring a portable litter tray for longer trips
- Keep the carrier secure and level (seatbelt through the handle)
When You Can't Take Your Pet
Boarding Kennels/Catteries
- Visit beforehand to inspect facilities
- Check reviews and accreditation
- Book early during holiday periods
- Provide familiar items (blanket, toy)
- Ensure vaccinations are up to date (most require C5 for dogs)
- Cost: $30-70/night for dogs, $20-40/night for cats
Pet Sitters
- In-home pet sitting keeps your pet in familiar surroundings
- Services like Mad Paws and PetCloud connect you with vetted sitters
- Always do a meet-and-greet first
- Leave detailed care instructions
- Cost: $40-80/night
Friends and Family
The most budget-friendly option. Leave clear written instructions covering feeding, medications, emergency contacts, and your vet's details.
Preparing for the Trip
Tracking Your Pet's Travel
Pet Capsule helps you keep all your pet's documents in one place — vaccination records, microchip details, and vet contacts — so you're always prepared, whether you're at home or on the road.
Happy travels!