For pet owners, saying goodbye to their pets when they go on vacation is a terrible experience. After all, it’s tough to explain to your furry companion why you’ll be away for days or weeks – considering you’re the one they trust most. So, what if we told you that you wouldn’t have to take this hard decision and simply explore travelling with pets for your next holiday?
With more and more avid travellers doubling as pet owners, pet travel has now become something just as common as regular travel. Before you go ahead to book your next pet travel holiday, however, we’d like to share some of our top tips for travelling with pets. So, read along and you’ll discover 5 important things to remember, and perhaps prepare you for your next pet travel adventure.
Health matters: Of vets and vaccines when travelling with pets
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First, you’ll want to ensure your pet is in their best health to travel. Just like us, travelling can be tiring to your pet’s body. This is because they’re not only regulating changes in their daily routine but the cabin pressure while travelling can be uncomfortable for them too.
Hence, it’s always advisable to check with your vets if you want to take your furry companion on a trip so they can prepare your pet accordingly. This should include getting the right vaccination and supplements in their systems, and ensuring your pet has a clean bill of health to travel.
Speaking of vaccines, it’s just as important to research the vaccines required by the destination you’re looking to visit. Many countries may even require some vaccine doses to be taken 21 days before your travel dates, making early preparations vital for a seamless pet travel experience.
While you’re at the vet, don’t forget to arrange for your pet to be microchipped. This will also help other clinics and shelters identify your pet in emergency cases, such as the unthinkable experience of losing your pet during your travels.
Cabin or cargo: Deciding on your ultimate pet travel route
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With pet travel becoming increasingly popular, many airlines are now offering pet-friendly regulations to help pet owners travel with peace of mind. This means you could potentially travel with your pet onboard instead of having them travel in the cargo.
To pre-plan for this, it’s good to first identify the dimensions of your pet carriers. The numbers may vary between different airlines, although the general rule of thumb is for your carrier to fit under the seat – just like your personal item. Your furry companion may not be taken out of the carrier during the flight, so you’ll want to ensure they have enough wiggle room to travel comfortably.
Flying with a layover to your travel destination also allows your pets to exit the carrier, giving them space to stretch out and use the bathroom at the airport. Some airlines may also have a restriction on how many pets can travel onboard for every flight, so it’s always recommended that you book a spot for your pet as soon as possible.
But what happens if your pet is of a larger breed and cannot fit in a carrier that fits under the seat? Well fret not, because many airlines also take pride in carefully transporting your furry companion as they travel in the holding cargo.
Many similar rules will apply when flying with your pets, such as keeping their vaccines up to date and ensuring they can behave be it onboard or in hold. More information can always be obtained from the airlines you’re flying with, or feel free to speak to our travel advisors who can help you with any further questions.
Home away from home: Finding the perfect accommodation when travelling with pets
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To truly enjoy travelling with pets, it’s just as important to find an accommodation that feels like a home away from home. While looking up hotels as a regular traveller can be simple, travelling with pets will require you to pick a lot more carefully. Thankfully, many hotels are now much more pet-friendly, allowing pet owners to travel fuss-free with their pets.
Short-stay homes are also great options when travelling with pets, as they allow your pets to acclimatize more comfortably. Booking a space with plenty of indoor room to roam and outdoor space to explore is important, especially if you have an active pet.
When booking your accommodation, be upfront and honest that you’re travelling with pets. This avoids unnecessary complications during check-ins or the risk of not having a place to stay during your travels.
Papers please: Getting your pet’s first PET passport
Now this may sound odd, but did you know that your pet also needs a passport to travel? Issued by the Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar, the pet passport, also known as the Malaysian Animal Identification Card is a document that contains important information about your pet. This includes identification details, the nationality of your pet, vaccination records, and information about your pet’s health.
The pet passport was first introduced in 2010 as a part of the Malaysian Animal Traceability System (MATs) project. Some of the perks of registering your pet for a pet passport are that they can be easily traced in case they go missing. Immigration officers may also ask for this documentation when travelling with pets, as it allows them to know the health of your pet at a glance. For many countries, being able to produce a pet passport is just as important as showing your personal identification.
Applications for pet passports can be done at various veterinary facilities as appointed by the Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar. You can easily find one nearest to you via the official portal and applications usually take a week to process. This is why we recommend applying for the pet passport much earlier than your expected travel date.
And as a bonus? You’ll receive the cutest blue pet passport complete with your pet’s name, details, and even a photo of them inside!
A new normal: Getting your pets used to travelling
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With the right preparation and documentation all sorted, you’ll soon be ready to take off on an unforgettable adventure with your pet. Before you get started, however, you’ll want to ensure your pet is used to travelling.
For example, having your pet get used to a leash will help you control their movements around new cities better. While many pet-friendly cities often have parks where your pets can run free, you may be required to keep your pet on a leash in malls or public transport. Thus, having your pet feel comfortable while on a leash or even a harness can be key to a happy vacation together.
Subsequently, you’ll want to have your pet feel accustomed to travelling in a bag. This is crucial when you’re moving around the airport or even when you’re flying. As many airlines may not allow you to bring your pet out of their carrier while you’re in the air, you’ll want to ensure your pet doesn’t feel too stressed or constrained during the travel.
Finally, don’t forget to get your pet acclimatized to large crowds. As travelling with pets may not be something common – or it could also be your pet’s first time experiencing city crowds, they may feel frightened or overwhelmed. By introducing them to larger communities, cityscapes, and even city sounds before your travel, you’ll be helping them feel more comfortable during your pet-friendly escapade.
As you can see, travelling with pets doesn’t have to be a big hassle. With ample preparation and the right planning, it could be just as fun to make memories with your pets in different cities and countries. If you’re ready to explore the world with your furry companion, here are 3 pet-friendly destinations that are perfect to start with.
Hong Kong, CHINA
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Also known as the Pearl of the Orient, Hong Kong has recently become a hotspot for pet-friendly travel. Much of this is thanks to how modern Hong Kong is, with bustling sounds and plenty for your pets to discover. As you walk down the busy streets, you’ll likely bump into other pet owners – both local and foreign who are exploring Hong Kong just like you.
And you never have to worry if you’re feeling peckish while travelling with pets. After all, Hong Kong’s food scene is known to be one of the best, with plenty of eateries ranging from east to west to satisfy your bellies. From street snacks to Michelin-recommended meals, you’ll easily find many pet-friendly restaurants and cafes during your trip.
The best part about visiting Hong Kong with your pets, however, is that you’ll also find pockets of peaceful moments during your travels. Plenty of hiking trails and parks are pet-friendly in Hong Kong, so you can always take your furry companion along to see the cityscapes from unbelievable locations. The Shek O beach is also pet-friendly, so you could be basking in the sun as your pet enjoys their very first vacation to remember.
Melbourne, Australia
Looking to explore the land Down Under with your pet? Then look no further than the city of Melbourne, Australia. A metropolitan city with lots to see, do, and experience, Melbourne is possibly one of the most pet-friendly cities in Australia.
For instance, the Royal Botanical Garden and Flagstaff are crowd favourites whenever you want to take a walk in nature with your pet. It’s good to note, however, that your furry travel companion must be on a leash when visiting these parks. If you’re hoping to get some off-leash fun, then we recommend Yarra Park or Elwood Beach.
Although you may not be able to get a seat inside restaurants just yet, many eateries have now introduced outdoor seating that welcomes pets as long as they’re kept on a leash. To help identify these establishments, you can easily spot the “paw on the door” sticker and know that they’re a pet-friendly place.
As for moving around, Melbourne truly shines in making pet travel much easier for pet owners. This is because smaller pets are welcome onboard as long as they’re in a carrier, while larger breeds may require a muzzle to travel. No extra charges are implied for owners travelling with pets, so you and your furry friend can enjoy the city to your heart’s content.
Lastly, if you’re looking to travel via Uber, you’ll want to be sure to pick the pet-friendly option known as UberPet. This prepares your driver to welcome not just you but also your furry travel companion, making your pet travel hassle-free.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Famed as one of the most pet-friendly cities in Europe – and perhaps even the world – Amsterdam is a real gem when travelling with pets. With plenty of open park space, you’ll be sure to find both on and off-leash trails for your furry companions to explore. Many pet owners find walking their pets a crucial part of their day, so you’ll be surprised to see how many furry friends are out on the streets even on work days.
Moving around the city is also easy, as all forms of public transportation across Amsterdam are pet-friendly. However, your pet must be kept in a carrier or on a leash should you wish to travel on public transport with them. For a fun way to explore Amsterdam, you may also consider renting bicycles that have special baskets or seats in the front. Many locals often take their pets across the city this way, giving them the front-row seat to the sights and sounds of Amsterdam.
And when you’re ready to take a break, you’ll find that many restaurants and cafes are just as welcoming to pets. In fact, some eateries may even offer special pet meals if you ask for them or check the fine print on their menu. Plenty of pet-friendly establishments also have refresher bowls by their doors, so your pets can have a drink almost anywhere they go.
If you’re planning to embark on a pet travel journey this year, it’s worth noting that this is Amsterdam’s 750th year as a city. Much has been prepared for this celebration, making it an exciting time to explore Amsterdam – even if it’s not for your pets! To find out more about the Amsterdam 750 celebration, we recommend checking out the 7 Events Around the World You Cannot Miss in 2025.