For many New Zealanders, leaving your pet at home alone while you are heading off on your family holiday without them is simply out of the question. Pets play an integral role in the family line-up. Kiwis love their animals, and if there’s any chance they can spend more time with their fluffy or spotty companion, pet lovers want in.
Whether you are heading to Queenstown for a ski trip, ducking down to Christchurch for a business trip or even just visiting friends in Auckland, travelling with your pet can pose some challenges, especially during peak holiday periods. That being said, even in the busiest of holiday periods, potential challenges can be eased through careful planning, attention to detail and of course having extra help from pet-specific companies. Airport Pets understands the unique needs of pets. They facilitate a much smoother, safe and often stress-reduced journey for both owners and pets. With extra support, your pet can feel more secure and ready to adventure safely. When you are travelling with pets during holidays, be it around New Zealand or jetsetting overseas, you will benefit from these pet travel tips for all modes of travel.
Holidays are a challenging time to travel – but rewarding when done right.
You seek a kiwi getaway – you’ve booked flights, checked the weather, even tossed some clothes into your bag, only to realise your trip is happening during the school holidays. If you are travelling with pets during the holidays, you’ll be familiar with the busyness, masses of people, and general hectic nature of this energy. It’s a lot more energy for your pet to deal with. Fret not, even amidst the hectic nature, having a pet carrier can allow for a much more straightforward experience.
General tips for pet-friendly travel
During busy periods, travelling can be full on. However, with planning, you can ensure your pet has a much more seamless experience. Ensure that all flea and worm treatments and any other vet-specific treatments have been carried out before the trip. On top of the busyness, you don’t want to add extra stress with potential tick issues. Be on top of it, so your pet can be set up for new experiences, healthy and ready for their holiday to commence.
Departing on a car road trip?
A Kiwi road trip to a different city with your pet by your side can be an exciting experience. Though this is true, it’s still so important to consider your pet’s experience along the way, during stops, while in the car and their encounters when you reach the destination. Here are some pet travel tips to help you on your journey:
- Plenty of water! Your pet may even require more water than usual due to the novelty and excitement of being on the move. Pack accordingly.
- Clean-up bags (for dogs, etc.)
- Standard food for the trip (make sure not to forget this!)
- Plenty of treats! Ready to reward your pet for their big efforts and newfound sense of adventure.
- Depending on the pet, sunscreen can help for lighter-coated dogs. Also good if you are travelling in summer/ going to a hotter climate, etc.
Follow these pet tips when you’re travelling for distances over an hour, especially on much longer trips.
Departing on a flight journey?
So you’re flying to Queenstown for a special winter getaway? Working with Airport Pets can help ensure a much smoother experience for your animal. During busy periods, pet flights go so quickly, and logistics can often become a nightmare. Air New Zealand has strict requirements for pet travel, including booking procedures, weight limits, and which carriers are approved for the flight. In short, logistics are complex and only worsen during peak holiday periods. But with assistance from companies like Airport Pets, bookings are made in advance, and spots are secured. Pet transport involves planning, and pet travel improves when preparation is top of mind.
Remember these key pet travel tips:
Book early: It’s absolutely critical to book well in advance, pet flight spaces fill quickly, especially during Christmas or school holiday periods. As soon as you have booked your flight, consider doing the same for your animal. This is a top pet travel tip and could make the process smoother.
Meet the IATA requirements for your pet’s crate
For your animal’s comfort, an IATA-approved crate is essential for their journey to be suitable, so they can move around a bit and be secure and safe. The airline won’t let your pet board the flight if this is not 100% correct. This type of pet transport is only needed for flying.
Prepare your pet
Travelling with your pets during the holidays can be at times full-on. Opt for a less stressful journey experience for both you and your pet. Another top pet travel tip is to remind them of home or you. Leave an item of your clothing in the crate. The familiarity could help your pet on their big adventure, guiding them with a sense of comfort through smell. In some cases, this can help your pet feel more at ease.
Your location is calling, and fun awaits, though make sure you have thoughtfully considered those all-important logistics. That’s where Airport Pets comes in:
Simplifying your pet’s journey: Airport Pets can help
Airport Pets is a specialist when it comes to all things pet transportation. If you’re worried about meeting all the requirements of plane travel for your animal, then consider Airport Pets, who take the stress off owners and offer top-quality assistance. With end-to-end management, your pet is handled with care and support, so your energy and attention can go into holiday mode.
School holiday breaks, Easter weekends and even summer getaways can all quickly become overwhelming with stress due to the sheer busyness. However, to ease the overwhelm, plan your trip together with Airport Pets as a collaborator. After all, you want to be focused on those Queenstown slopes and going on stunning walks with your dog.
What can Airport Pets offer you?
- Door-to-door transport: Airport Pets can safely pick up your pets from your home and deliver them safely to the airport.
- Flights in sync: They can liaise with airlines to (at times) put you on the same flight as your pet.
- Provide travel crates (at cost): to ensure your crate is IATA approved, you can purchase this directly.
Hopefully, these pet travel tips help you plan your pet’s journey. Check out Airport Pets’ website and give them a call today for any extra assistance. Your winter getaway is much closer than you think – pet included.