Pet travel tips for Kiwi holidays

Planning a getaway and wondering what to do with your furry friend? You're not alone. More Kiwis are hitting the road with their pets, and it's easy to see why. Whether you're off to the beach, the bush, or visiting family, a little prep goes a long way.

Pet-friendly holidays are on the rise

From dog-friendly beaches to cafes with special doggie menus, Aotearoa's becoming more pet-friendly by the day. It's not just a trend, it's a shift. With more options, more support, and more confidence, travelling with pets is getting easier, safer and a whole lot more fun.

Prep makes all the difference

Travelling with your pet can be a blast, but it takes a bit of groundwork. Vet checks, travel gear and the right insurance cover help make the journey smoother. With these essentials sorted, you can relax and enjoy the good stuff like beach walks, road trip cuddles, and making memories.

Your pet travel checklist

Book a vet check

A quick visit can help avoid surprises. Check vaccinations, update microchip details and sort any travel certificates. Pack extra meds if needed and ask your vet about ways to keep your pet calm and comfy.

Travel safe

Whether you're driving or flying, safety comes first. In the car, use a seatbelt harness for dogs and a secure, well-ventilated carrier for cats. Flying? Check the airline's pet policy early as they can vary. Every pet's different, so take it slow. Try a few short trips first and chat to your vet if you're unsure.

Pick the right place to stay

Not all 'pet-friendly' spots are created equal. Look for safe outdoor areas, nearby parks, pet beds and bowls, and maybe even a treat on arrival. Cats love quiet rooms, and secure windows are a plus. That's a proper welcome!

Common travel hiccups (and how to avoid them)

Motion sickness or anxiety

If your pet pants, drools or seems restless, it could be nerves or motion sickness. Your vet can recommend calming options, from natural remedies to medications. A few practice trips before the big one can help too.

Emergencies away from home

Save the contact details of local vets and clinics at your destination, just in case.

Lost pets

New places can be confusing. Make sure your pet has an ID tag with your mobile number and holiday address. Hae your pet micro-chipped and double check your contact details are up to date before you hit the road. GPS collars are a great extra layer for peace of mind.

Tips for a smooth trip

Pack smart

Bring their favourite toy or blanket, enough food and meds, waste bags, grooming gear and all their documents. Stick to their usual routine and keep digital copies of important info handy.

Explore pet-friendly places

Check local rules for beaches, parks and cafes before you go. There are loads of pet-friendly places out there from dog beaches to wineries, and online pet groups are great for finding hidden gems.

Know when to leave them behind

Sometimes, staying home is your best option. If the weather's extreme, travel time is long or your plans aren't pet-friendly, it might be best to leave them in familiar surroundings. Trusted boarding facilities, professional pet sitters, or friends and family can be good options.

Why pet insurance matters more when you're travelling

New places bring new risks. If your pet gets sick or injured while you're away, you'll want cover that travels with you. Most Kiwi pet insurers, including Tower, cover treatment at any eligible vet across Aotearoa. Heads up: Cover doesn't extend outside New Zealand, so if you're heading overseas, check what support's available at your destination.

What to check in your policy

Emergency care: Know what cover includes if something goes wrong while you're away. Cover limits: Emergencies are stressful, but your cover shouldn't be. Get familiar with the limits that apply to your cover, so you're not caught off-guard at claim time. Exclusions and responsibilities: A little prep goes a long way. To make sure your cover's ready when you need it, there are a few things you'll need to stay on top of:

• Keep your pet's vaccinations up to date.
• Stay on top of routine and prevention care.
• Get treatment as soon as you notice any signs of illness or injury.
• Follow local council rules.

Every policy has exclusions, so it's worth checking what's not covered before you travel.

How Tower helps you travel with confidence

Tower has teamed up with Allianz Partners to offer pet insurance with three levels of cover: Accident Only, Essential, and Comprehensive, so you can choose the option that's best for you. Whether it's a weekend roadie or a longer escape in NZ, Tower's pet insurance helps you travel with peace of mind:

• Vet fees: We cover 80% of all eligible and reasonable vet expenses at any vet clinic or vet hospital in New Zealand.*
• Holiday cancellation: If your pet suffers a life-threatening condition and you need to cancel or reschedule your trip, we've got you covered. Our Essentials and Comprehensive plans cover holiday cancellation.*

Ready to travel with peace of mind?

With a bit of planning and the right cover, your next holiday with your pet can be safe, fun and future ready. Get a Tower Pet insurance quote today and explore cover options that suit your pet, your plans and your budget! *Policy terms, excesses, limits and exclusions apply. Cover subject to current underwriting criteria. A mandatory 20% co-payment applies towards every treatment you claim under eligible vet expenses. Additional claims waiting periods apply.