There are a growing number of pet-friendly travel destinations throughout the world. With pet friendly attractions, dedicated dog parks and pet friendly hotels complete with mini bars, room service and pet walking services, the opportunities are endless! Pet travel is on the rise and it's a great option for those wanting to experience new destinations with their beloved fur-child.
However, travelling with your pets isn't as simple as packing their food and hitting the road. Pet travel can be expensive, not to mention stressful for your four-legged friend. There are various factors to consider when it comes to travelling with your pet. Here, we have listed some pros and cons of pet travel to help you decide whether to travel with your pet.
You don't have to miss them
Having your pet join you on holidays gives you the peace of mind knowing that they safe and happy. No need to constantly check in on your fur-child over facetime. You can stress-less and enjoy having them by your side to make amazing memories together.
They provide great company
The best part about taking your pet on holidays is experiencing new destinations together. As pets are pack animals, they are happiest when they are with their pack leader, a.k.a. you. And when they're happy, you're happy. Plus, they also provide the best company (and cuddles) you could ask for. So, whether you're exploring foreign cities or hitting the doggy friendly beaches, you and your pet can see the sights together (and pose for some seriously adorable holiday pictures!)
You'll meet new people
Travelling with your pet is not only fun, but it also makes you more social. Studies have shown that pet owners are 60 per cent more likely to meet new people than those without pets. Pets are the perfect ice-breaker to start conversations with people you might otherwise pass by on your travels. And who knows, you might even meet your new best friend, or future love through the power of puppies!
It forces you to slow down
Have you ever tried to cram so much into a holiday that it left you feeling burnt out? Trying to see all the sights, eat at every restaurant and tick all the things off your bucket list? You then return home exhausted, needing a holiday from your holiday. Well thankfully, travelling you're your pet is much slower paced. Your days will be spent living in the moment, going with the flow and not bound to a strict sightseeing schedule.
Expand your horizons
Travelling with your pet allows you to experience new destinations you may never of thought to visit. For instance, pet friendly cafés, brewery's and attractions could lead to amazing discoveries you might never have found if it weren't for your pet. You can also enjoy a more outdoorsy holiday exploring mountains, parks and beaches.
Can be expensive
It's no doubt that pet travel can be expensive. In Australia, domestic pet travel via aircraft can cost anywhere between $100 and $600 depending on the distance. Accommodation rates will also vary significantly. When you add up the costs of flights, accommodation and insurance, pet travel can cost just as much as another human. However, if you compare the costs of checking your pet into a boarding facility, it could work out cheaper to bring them along with you. So, it pays to do your research.
Can be stressful on pets
Long travel days combined with new environments can be stressful on your pet if they haven't travelled before. Their schedules are thrown out the window and they're missing their creature comforts back home. Plus, flying can be a very stressful experience for some pets. In Australia, all pets (excluding service animals) must travel in the cargo area in an airline approved crate. While airlines accommodate the best that they can, small space confinement can cause anxiety in some pets.
They can interrupt your travel plans
Travelling with pets can be sometimes limiting. For example, visiting national parks is out of the question while travelling with pets in Australia. The same goes for museums, galleries and many other indoor attractions. You'll also need to find someone to look after them, or a safe space for them to stay while you go and do the groceries, check out a nice restaurant or hit up the local cinema. The last thing you want is to return to your hotel and discover your pet has become bored and destroyed the place from being left alone for too long.
More packing
You will definitely need to leave some room in your suitcase for your travelling fur-friend. Because just like you, they require some travel necessities. For starters, you'll need to pack a collar, leash, food and a bed as well as other necessary items such as toys, blankets, waste bags, medication, grooming supplies etc. To view our full pet travel packing list, download our helpful guide here.
Want to learn more about travelling with your pet? Visit our helpful pet friendly holidays page.
