Pet Travel Checklist

Before diving into the details, here’s a handy snapshot of your essential pet travel preparation.

Pet Travel Essentials:

• Up-to-date vaccinations
• Microchip registration with correct contact details
• Carrier/crate or harness/seatbelt
• Food, water, and bowls
• Bedding and comfort items
• Leash, collar, waste bags/litter
• Toys or chews
• Travel documents (e.g. vaccination certificate)
• Medication (if applicable)
    

Vaccination & Parasite Protection

Keeping vaccinations current is essential for safe travel!

For dogs:

• C7
  • Core: C3
    • Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus
  • Additional:
    • Canine [Kennel] cough (Parainfluenza, Bordetella)
  • Leptospirosis
• Tick, Flea, and Worming protection e.g.
  • Bravecto + Intestinal Wormer + Heartworm
  • Nexgard Spectra ≈ Simparica Trio ≈ Credelio Plus + Tapewormer
      

For cats:

• Core: F3
  • Feline Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, Panleukopaenia
• Additional:
  • FIV or FeLV (if required)
• Tick, Flea, and Worming protection e.g.
  • Bravecto Plus + Tapewormer
  • Revolution Plus + Tapewormer
  • Nexgard Spectra for cats
      

For horses:

• Core
  • Tetanus
  • Strangles
• Additional (based on region or risk):
  • Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1 and EHV-4)
  • Equine Influenza
  • Hendra Virus (essential in QLD & parts of northern NSW)
• Tick, Flea, and Worming protection
   

Many pet-friendly accommodation and services require proof of vaccinations – it is recommended to carry both a digital and printed version.

Tip: Always check with your vet before travelling to match protection with your destination's risk level.

Microchipping and Identification

A microchip is your pet’s safety net — and it should be up to date.

• Confirm registration and contact details through your local registry:
  • The Pet Address search engine
  • Central Animal Records
  • Australasian Animal Registry
  • PetSafe Registry
  • Global Micro Animal Registry
  • Greyhound Racing Victoria (greyhounds only)
  • NSW PetRegistry
  • DACO SA
  • HomeSafeID - no longer available
• Add a collar or harness ID tag with your mobile number
• Consider a GPS tracker or QR-code tag for extra peace of mind
    

What to Pack for a Pet-Friendly Holiday

Comfort and safety:

• Travel crate or carrier
• Familiar bedding or blanket
• Favourite toys
• Calming products if needed e.g. Feliway, Adaptil, Zylkene
    

Food and care:

• Enough food and treats
• Travel bowls
• Water (especially for sensitive pets)
• Medication and instructions
• Pet first aid kit
• Grooming wipes, towel, waste bags +/- litter tray
    

Documents:

• Vaccination certificate
• Pet insurance details
• Emergency vet contact details
• Routine care notes (if handing off care temporarily)
    

Pack it all in a dedicated pet travel bag for ease and organisation.
  

Travel Mode Considerations

By car:

• Use legally required restraints or a crate
• Take breaks every 2–3 hours
• Never leave pets in a parked car
• Organise any medication with your vet early (if required)
    

By plane:

• Book early and confirm airline rules
• Train pets for crate time in advance
• Keep documentation handy at check-in
• Organise any medication with your vet early (if required)
    

Good planning makes great travel. With vaccinations up to date, microchip details confirmed, parasite protection in place, and the right gear packed, you’re ready for an enjoyable adventure with your pet.

At PetBubble, we’re here to help every step of the way — because we know pets are part of the family.

Sources

Airbnb 2024. Searching for pet-friendly places. https://www.airbnb.com.au/help/article/86
Best for Pet 2024, 10 Tips for Travelling with Pets, Best for Pet, viewed 14 May 2025, https://bestforpet.com.au/pet-advice/10-travel-tips/.
Booking.com 2024, Everything you need to know about accommodating pets, viewed 13 May 2025, https://partner.booking.com/en-us/help/rates-availability/rates-special-offers/everything-you-need-know-about-accommodating-pets.
RSPCA Australia 2024. Bringing Your Pet on Holidays. https://www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-care/guides/pet-travel-guide.
Travel Without Limits 2024, Pet-Friendly Travel, Travel Without Limits, viewed 14 May 2025, https://travelwithoutlimits.com.au/experiences/pet-friendly-travel/.

Published date: Thursday, 14th May 2025
Written by Zinzi, with assistance from ChatGPT in editing, refining, and flow