Written by Shaun Minter, Managing Director and co-founder of Departure Pets – with lifelong experience in animal care and formal qualifications in animal handling and behaviour.
Key Takeaways
- May is National Pet Month – a dedicated time to celebrate the joy pets bring to our lives and reflect on how we care for them
- Pets rely entirely on us to keep them safe, healthy, and comfortable – especially when life gets busy or plans change
- Travelling with a pet requires careful planning, the right equipment, and a trusted transport provider
- Whether you’re moving interstate or relocating overseas, professional pet transport ensures your animal arrives safely and stress-free
Every May, National Pet Month gives us the perfect excuse to pause and appreciate just how much our pets mean to us. For many Australian families, pets aren’t just animals – they’re part of the household, woven into daily routines, family holidays, and even big life decisions like moving cities or heading overseas.
At Departure Pets, we work with pet owners every day who are navigating exactly those decisions. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that people care deeply about getting it right for their animals. National Pet Month feels like the right moment to talk about that – what it really means to look after your pet, and how to make sure they’re safe and cared for no matter what life throws at you.
Why does National Pet Month matter?
National Pet Month started as a way to promote responsible pet ownership and highlight the positive impact animals have on our wellbeing. Research consistently shows that pets reduce stress, improve mental health, and even encourage more active lifestyles. In Australia, we’re a nation of animal lovers – with millions of households sharing their homes with cats, dogs, birds, and everything in between.
But with that love comes responsibility. Caring for a pet well means thinking beyond the day-to-day basics. It means planning ahead for the moments when life changes – and making sure your pet is looked after through all of it.
What does responsible pet ownership really look like?
Responsible ownership starts with the fundamentals – regular vet checks, proper nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation. But it also means thinking about what happens when circumstances shift.
Moving interstate for work? Relocating overseas? Taking an extended holiday? These are the moments where pet owners often feel the most uncertainty. The good news is that with the right preparation and support, your pet can navigate these transitions safely and comfortably.
A few things worth reflecting on this National Pet Month:
- Is your pet’s microchip registered and up to date?
- Are their vaccinations current – especially if travel is on the horizon?
- Do you have a plan in place for your pet if you need to move or travel?
- Are you across the requirements for interstate or international pet transport?
If you’re new to pet travel, our guide to the do’s and don’ts of pet travel is a great starting point – it covers the most common mistakes pet owners make and how to avoid them.
How does pet transport fit into keeping your pet safe?
One of the biggest concerns we hear from pet owners is whether air travel is safe for their animals. It’s a completely understandable question, and one we answer in detail in our article is pet travel safe? The short answer, when managed properly, is yes – air travel is one of the safest and most efficient ways to transport pets, particularly across the distances involved in Australian domestic pet transport.
Both Qantas and Virgin Australia have strict animal welfare policies in place. Pets travel in temperature-controlled, pressurised cargo holds and are priority disembarked on arrival. When you work with a professional pet transport provider, every step of the process is managed – from booking and crate compliance through to check-in and collection guidance.
The key is preparation. Pets that are crate trained, well-exercised before travel, and appropriately fasted for their flight are far more settled during the journey. That’s something we guide every client through, because a calm, prepared pet makes for a much smoother experience all round.
What actually happens on the day of travel?
A lot of pet owners feel anxious on travel day simply because they don’t know what to expect. Understanding the process makes a big difference. From the moment you drop your pet off, there’s a clear procedure in place to keep them safe and comfortable.
We’ve covered the full check-in experience in our article on the pet check-in process for domestic pet travel within Australia – including what to bring, what to expect, and how to make drop-off as smooth as possible for you and your pet.
And if you’re wondering what happens after the flight lands, we’ve got you covered there too. Our guide to what happens to your pet after their domestic flight walks you through collection, timing, and what to have ready at home when your pet arrives.
What if I’m moving overseas with my pet?
International pet transport is a more complex process, but one that thousands of Australian families navigate successfully every year. The requirements vary significantly depending on your destination country – some have strict biosecurity protocols, mandatory health testing, or quarantine periods that need to be factored in well ahead of your departure date.
The most important thing to know is that timing matters. International pet transport isn’t something you can organise in a hurry. Depending on where you’re heading, the preparation process can take several months. The earlier you start, the smoother it goes.
If you’re planning a move overseas and aren’t sure where to begin with your pet, getting in touch with our team early is the best first step. We’ll walk you through exactly what’s required for your destination and build a timeline that works for your move.
How can I make travel less stressful for my pet?
Whether your pet is a seasoned traveller or it’s their first time in a crate, there are some simple things you can do to help them feel more comfortable. Pet travel anxiety is more common than most people realise, and a bit of preparation goes a long way – we’ve written a full guide on managing pet travel anxiety if you’d like to go deeper on this topic.
In the meantime, here are some straightforward steps that make a real difference:
- Introduce the travel crate early – leave it out at home so your pet can explore it in their own time before travel day
- Keep feeding and exercise routines consistent in the lead-up to the journey
- Follow fasting guidelines provided by your transport team to reduce the chance of crate soiling
- Bring familiar comfort items where possible – a piece of your clothing in the crate can be genuinely calming for dogs especially
- Have food, water, and a quiet space ready at home for when they arrive
Most pets adjust to travel more quickly than their owners expect. With the right preparation, many are back to their usual selves within hours of arriving at their destination.
Celebrating National Pet Month with Departure Pets
This May, we’re celebrating the animals that make our lives better every single day. Whether your pet is a rescue dog that’s become your shadow, a cat that tolerates you at best, or a bird with a personality bigger than your house – they deserve the best care you can give them.
If travel is part of your plans this year, we’re here to make sure your pet’s journey is as safe, comfortable, and stress-free as possible.
That’s not just what we do – it’s why we started Departure Pets in the first place.
Ready to arrange safe, stress-free pet transport?
Get in touch with our team today to discuss your pet’s travel needs.
- Request a Domestic Pet Transport Quote
- Request an International Pet Transport Quote
- NZ to AUS International Pet Transport Quote
National Pet Month FAQs
What is National Pet Month and when is it celebrated?
National Pet Month is celebrated every May. It’s a dedicated time to recognise the role pets play in our lives and promote responsible, caring pet ownership across the community.
Is it safe to transport my pet by air in Australia?
Yes – when managed correctly, air travel is one of the safest ways to transport pets across Australia. Both Qantas and Virgin Australia have strict animal welfare policies in place, and pets travel in temperature-controlled, pressurised cargo holds. Working with a professional pet transport provider ensures every step is handled properly.
How far in advance do I need to book pet transport?
For domestic pet transport, we generally recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred flight. For international pet transport, the preparation process can take several months depending on your destination, so getting in touch early is essential.
What do I need to do to prepare my pet for travel?
Key preparation steps include ensuring your pet is crate trained, keeping their routine consistent before travel, following fasting guidelines, and making sure vaccinations and microchip details are up to date. Our team will guide you through everything specific to your pet’s journey.