Travelling with Pets

Can I travel with my family pet?

Some rental companies accept pets, comfort animals and service animals, including Apollo, Britz, JUCY, Mighty and Star RV. Pet policies, eligible vehicles and fees vary and can change, so check the rental company's conditions for your vehicle before you book. Our guide to DriveNow's comparison tools shows where to find them.

Before you decide to travel

• Consider whether your pet is trained and ready for a campervan road trip, and whether they get travel or motion sickness.
• Talk to your vet and make sure your pet is healthy and can travel.
• Make sure their yearly vaccinations and parasite preventions are up to date.
• Make sure your pet has a collar and tag with your phone number on it.
• Choose a vehicle that suits your pet. A cabin with air-conditioning is recommended if you're travelling somewhere hot or humid, and a cabin with heating if it's cold.

On the day of vehicle collection

If your rental company offers it, we suggest you check in online before the day of your pick-up. It saves time at the branch when you collect your campervan.

When you pick up or drop off your campervan, keep your pet on a secure lead and supervised by an adult at all times outside the branch building.

Make sure your pet is clean and dry before they get into the campervan.

What do I need to consider when travelling with our family pet?

Is the holiday park you are staying at ‘pet-friendly’?

Check before you arrive. You can use Pet-Friendly to research campgrounds to stay at overnight.

When parking, look for an area out of the sun to keep the vehicle, and you and your pet, cool.

• Under each State and Territory law in Australia, animals must be safely restrained while travelling inside a vehicle. Passengers and drivers are prohibited from carrying pets on their lap while travelling in a vehicle.
• Many national parks aren't pet-friendly. Your pet must be on a lead when walking in national parks, in natural environments or in wildlife areas where native animals are found.

Where should you leave a pet when you have non-pet friendly activities planned?

If you're visiting a sightseeing location that doesn't allow pets, consider putting your pet in a kennel for the day rather than leaving them tied up in the campervan. A local vet may also offer short-term boarding. All kennels will require your pet's vaccinations (including for kennel cough) to be up to date.

Pack for your pet

Travelling with your pet is much like travelling with anyone else, so remember to pack for them too.

• Pet seat belt adaptor or harness: Keep your pet contained while travelling so the driver isn't distracted.
• A bed: Bring your pet’s own bed for comfort and familiarity in a new environment.
• Pet food: Most campervans have a small fridge, so you can keep fresh pet food.
• Pet chew toys: Bring their favourite toy to keep them entertained on your travels.
• Water and food bowl: Bring your own pet bowls. The campervan dishes are for human use.
• Pet poop bags: Pick up after your pet wherever you go.
• Leash and long lead: Even well-behaved pets might be required to go on a leash at some campsites and attractions.
• Pet towels: Bring towels for cleaning grubby paws or drying off after a rinse at the beach.
• Pet jackets: Bring any clothing your pet usually wears to keep them warm or cool.

Next steps

• Overnight parking: finding places to stay
• Unexpected additional charges: cleaning and other charges at return
• Insurance and excess reduction: damage caused by a pet

Part of During Your Trip in the Campervan Hire Handbook.