How to Prepare for your Pet’s First Holiday: 7 Key Tips

Holidaying with a new pet for the first time can be both exciting and a little chaotic. New surroundings, hours in the car or plane, strange odours and a change in routine can throw them off a little, and the last thing you want is to realise you forgot something important after you’ve already left home. 

But the good news is that travelling with your pet is completely doable. A bit of planning makes the whole experience smoother for you and far less stressful for your pet.

Here are seven simple tips to help your furry friend enjoy their first getaway as much as you do.

• Sort Out the Logistics Before You Go

Before you embark, it’s definitely worth looking into domestic travel insurance, as some policies include cover for unexpected cancellations, accommodation issues or emergencies that could interrupt your trip. It’s one of those things you don’t think about until you really need it, but if you’re travelling with furbabies in tow, then you’ll definitely need to ensure you maintain access to support (i.e. on the off chance you ever find yourself in need of emergency accommodation, medical attention, etc.). Note that domestic travel insurance typically doesn’t cover veterinary costs for pets, however a suitable pet insurance policy with travel inclusions can help fill in the gaps here.

Alongside investing in insurance, another important step to take before you depart is confirming your pet-friendly accommodation in writing, not just verbally. The last thing you want is to run into issues with your accommodation hosts after a long trip. Before you leave, check too if your destination has local regulations around pets, like leash-only parks or beach restrictions.

It’s also a good idea to plan your travel route with your pet in mind. Mark out stops, parks, pet-friendly cafes or any other places where you can let your pet stretch their legs safely. And of course, look up local veterinarians and after-hours clinics in the area and save the information on your phone in case something unexpected happens. This preparation might feel small, but it definitely makes travel days feel much easier and safer.

• Visit the Vet for a Quick Health Check

One of the best ways to ensure your pet has a stress-free holiday is to book them in for a pre-holiday vet check. Even if they seem healthy, travel can bring out a few unexpected issues, so keeping a look out for warning signs is a must. A pre-travel vet check can help you stay informed and prepared. Your vet can also confirm that vaccinations, microchip details and parasite prevention are all up to date, which is super important if you’re visiting regions with ticks or different environmental risks.

If your pet struggles with anxiety, it’s important to let your vet know. They may recommend calming supplements, pheromone products or travel-friendly medications to take the edge off. Some pets also get carsick, and your vet can offer advice or prescribe anti-emetic medication for that too.

This appointment is also a good time to discuss what you’ll do if your pet becomes stressed, stops eating or reacts negatively to an unfamiliar setting. It’s always better to have a plan in mind when you leave for your trip rather than relying on guesswork or Google searches. 

• Pack a Proper Pet Travel Kit

Packing a pet travel kit isn’t a difficult task, but it does require some consideration. Start with the basics: food, water, bowls, medicine and their favourite treats. Bring along more food than you think your pet will need, since you may not find your usual brand at your destination. Also remember to include their toys, bedding and anything that smells like home. Familiar scents will allow them to adapt more quickly to a new environment.

 

A small pet-friendly first aid kit is also a smart move. Make sure it contains sterile saline, bandages, tweezers, vet-approved antiseptic (pet-safe chlorhexidine wipes for example) and parasite protection for emergencies. Pack wipes, brushes or whatever you use routinely if your pet has specific grooming needs. Having all their items on hand will make it easier on them and less stressful for you.

It’s also a good idea to have copies of vet records if your pet has allergies, chronic conditions or needs medication. If something happens while you are on holiday, having these records ready can make vet visits quicker and easier.

• Keep Their Routine as Familiar as Possible

Pets rely on routine a lot more than we realise. When everything around them changes, the familiar parts of their day become that much more important. Keep things consistent by feeding them at the same times you do at home. Keep walks close to their usual length. Offer the same bedtime cues or quiet rituals. 

These small consistencies help them feel anchored and safe. Even the most confident and outgoing animals need time to adjust to new smells, surfaces and sounds, and routine gives them something predictable to latch onto.

Top tip: If your pet is nervous, bring a worn T-shirt or blanket from home that smells like you. It can work wonders when they’re unsure in a new space.

• Make the Journey Comfortable

How your pet travels shapes their entire holiday experience and future trips too. If you’re driving to your destination, take the time to secure your pet in a spacious crate, carrier or seatbelt harness that fits properly. This keeps them safe and stops them sliding around or panicking during turns. Keep the car nice and cool, well-ventilated, and avoid giving a full meal right before hitting the road to prevent nausea. It’s also important to plan regular breaks or pitstops so they can stretch, drink water and go to the toilet. Short, relaxed breaks are better than pushing through in one long drive. 

If your pet gets anxious in the car, practise short trips before the holiday. This is especially important for cats or anxious dogs who are more prone to getting stressed in a moving vehicle. Let them sit in the parked car. Then take them around the block. In time they will learn that the car is not something to be afraid of. This makes the actual trip much easier on both of you.

• Introduce Them to the New Environment Slowly

Most pets need a little time to find their feet in a new place. Instead of allowing them to roam freely right away, start with one quiet area where they can sniff around and adjust at their own pace. Place their bed, blanket or favourite toy in the area so that it smells familiar and safe.

If you know your pet gets anxious in new spaces, this is where calming aids can really help. Pheromone products such as Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs make a big difference, especially with first-time travellers. They come in a spray form or a plug in adapter and work best when used a day or two before the trip and continued at your destination. 

Finally, take the time to sit with them so they know you’re close. Once they’ve had a chance to relax and you notice them settling, you can slowly introduce them into the rest of the house or yard without scaring them. This gentle approach helps them feel secure much faster.

• Plan Pet-Friendly Activities Ahead of Time

It’s so much easier to enjoy your holiday when you already know the spots where your pet is welcome. Look up walking tracks, beaches, parks, markets and cafes before you leave, so you’re not scrambling on the day or turning up somewhere they can’t go. Every town has different rules, so a little research saves time and avoids awkward moments.

Try to choose activities that match your pet’s personality and energy level. Some dogs love long hikes and swimming, while others prefer shorter strolls and a quiet patch of grass to relax on. Cats might enjoy supervised outdoor time on harness or a sunny window ledge at your accommodation, depending on their personality. When you plan with your pet’s comfort in mind, the whole trip feels smoother and more enjoyable for both of you.

 

Make Sure your Pet’s First Getaway is a Positive Experience

A pet’s first holiday doesn’t have to be stressful. When you handle the basics and give them enough time to feel comfortable, most pets adjust better than you expect. A little planning around their routine, comfort and activities goes a long way, and it makes the whole trip easier for you too. 

When they feel safe and included, they usually start enjoying the adventure right alongside you. This prep just helps you get there with less stress and more time to actually enjoy your holiday.