The end-of-year holiday season in Australia brings warm summer weather, festive celebrations, and plenty of opportunities to travel and see loved ones. For pet owners, this can take some extra preparation to ensure that your furry friends don’t have to miss out on the holiday fun.
Whether you’re travelling to Australia with your dog, cat, or any other pet companion over the Christmas period, you’ll need to do extra careful planning – in addition to following a pet travel checklist. From beach getaways, city adventures, or even family camping trips, Jetpets has all the tips and tricks to prioritise your pet’s comfort and security throughout this Christmas holiday period.
Getting Ready to Go
Choose Appropriate Holiday Destinations
Australia is a huge country that offers a diverse range of holiday experiences, from relaxing on pristine beaches to exploring bustling cities, or camping out under the stars. When planning your trip, consider your pet’s temperament and just how much they’ll enjoy the style of holiday you have in mind. You may love camping, but will your pup be able to tolerate living within the confines of a tent? If they’re accustomed to country life, will they find navigating the streets of a busy city too stressful? Generally, travelling dogs are adaptable creatures that adjust to new environments with ease, but your holiday style is still worth considering.
When you’ve landed on a travel style and are honing in on the exact destination, do some research into the location’s pet-friendliness. For example, many national parks have restrictions to protect native wildlife, which might limit access for pets. Additionally, plan activities that allow your pet to participate. Whether it’s a hike or a beach stroll, including your pet can enhance the holiday experience for both of you. Be mindful of local rules regarding pets in public spaces to avoid any surprises.
Book Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Going on an interstate adventure or travelling overseas with your pet comes with the added task of securing accommodation that welcomes pets along. Finding pet-friendly accommodations during the Christmas season can be challenging, as demand is high, so booking early is crucial. When you’ve found a place, call them up to confirm their pet policies directly, ensuring there are no hidden rules. Knowing these details upfront will save you from surprises upon arrival. Some places may have restrictions, such as keeping cats indoors to protect local bird populations, or limitations on where pets can roam.
Select Comfortable Holiday Outfits
Dressing your pet in holiday-themed outfits can be fun, but their comfort should always come first. Choosing costumes that fit well, don’t restrict movement, and are appropriate for the summer heat is essential to ensuring that cute photos don’t come at the cost of their enjoyment. Avoid clothing with small, detachable parts that could pose choking hazards.
Introduce your pet to any new outfits gradually, allowing them to get used to wearing them before the big day. Always watch for signs of discomfort or distress, and be ready to remove the outfit if your pet isn’t happy.
Navigate Peak Christmas Traffic
The Christmas season sees airports and roads get busier than ever. Crowded terminals and heavy traffic can be overwhelming for pets, especially if they’re unaccustomed to the chaos that travelling during the festive season can entail. To help get around this, plan for extra travel time to accommodate delays, and ensure your pet has plenty of opportunities for bathroom breaks and stretches.
While You’re Away
Preparing for Fireworks and Loud Celebrations
Christmas and New Year’s festivities often include fireworks and other noisy events, which some pets, particularly dogs, can find distressing. If you think your pooch might be frightened or upset by the celebrations, make yourself aware of any scheduled celebrations in the area where you’ll be staying. That way, you can set a plan in place to keep your pet calm.
If you can’t go elsewhere during the fireworks display, then adapt your space instead. Create a quiet and secure area where your pet can retreat to during loud celebrations. Background noise, like calming music or a white noise machine, can help mask the sounds of fireworks, and blankets and cushions can provide comfort while absorbing some of that sound. If your pet’s anxiety is severe, consult your vet for additional support, such as anti-anxiety medication.
Avoid Holiday Hazards
The holiday season introduces many potential hazards for pets, especially when you’re away from your usual environment and may not be aware of all the risks around. Chocolate, alcohol, and other festive treats can be toxic to animals, so keep them well out of reach. Similarly, holiday decorations like tinsel, ornaments, and fairy lights can pose choking hazards or risks if chewed on or ingested.
Supervise your pet closely while you’re celebrating, and educate your family and friends about the importance of keeping hazardous items away from curious pets. A little vigilance goes a long way in preventing accidents.
Locate Emergency Veterinary Services
If treats or eye-catching decorations get the better of your four-legged friend, you’ll need to get them seen ASAP, which is where emergency vet services come in. Research the nearest emergency veterinary clinics at your destination. Christmas and New Years are public holidays, and many veterinary practices may have limited hours, so note these down, too. Having a plan in place for emergencies can save valuable time and stress if your pet requires urgent care.
To keep the focus on your pet during any medical incidents that arise, carry their medical records, including vaccination history and any relevant health information. You should also ensure their microchip details and ID tags are up to date with your current contact information.
Travel With Jetpets
Our number one tip for flying with cats or dogs during Christmas in Australia is to travel with a company who knows what they’re doing! At Jetpets, we specialise in pet-friendly travel, and can get your tiniest friends to their dream destination with ease. So, whether you’re after interstate pet travel or overseas pet transport, get in touch with Jetpets to plan a fun journey for you and your pet. Contact us today!
