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It’s just a fact – your dog or cat is part of the family. A recent survey by Stayz found that one in four Australians consider their pets as important as their children. And when it’s time for a family holiday, 45% of us want our furry friends to come along too.
Dr. Katrina Warren, celebrity veterinarian and pet travel expert, shares her top things to think about when bringing your pet on a trip.
1. Bring creature comforts. Travel with home comforts for your pets such as their own bed, toys or favourite treats to help them settle into their holiday home quickly.
2. Show them the lay of the land. On arrival, spend a little time walking your dog on a lead around the various rooms and outdoor spaces while you explore the new area. They’ll soon become comfortable with their new surroundings.
3. Keep them well identified. Before you leave home, check that your pet’s microchip details are up to date and they are wearing an ID tag with a contact number to ensure you’re swiftly reunited in case they go walkies.
4. Protect against creepy crawlies. If you are travelling to a coastal destination, phone ahead to the local vet at your destination and ask if paralysis ticks are prevalent in the area. Paralysis ticks are deadly and you need to start preventative treatment prior to departing for your holiday.
5. Stay safe in the car. When travelling in a car, be sure to have cats and small dogs confined in a crate and large dogs harnessed. This prevents them from becoming flying missiles, should you have an accident.
How to find pet-friendly accommodation
The first step, of course, is finding somewhere to stay where your pet will be welcome, safe and happy. Stayz, a leading online holiday rental website, is a great option for finding pet-friendly accommodation across Australia, with properties now ‘reviewed’ by a team of dogs and cats themselves. Check out Stayz Paws to see which holiday rentals have the tick of approval of Frank the pug, Rocky the border collie and Misty the British short hair cat.
5 tips for travelling with pets
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Things you should know
Medibank Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 30 August 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s Authorised Representative (AR) Medibank Private Limited ABN 47 080 890 259, AR 286089 (Medibank).
Medibank Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 30 August 2023, and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Medibank.
Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at medibank.com.au/pet-insurance.
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