Summer in New Zealand is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors, and what better way to enjoy it than with your furry friend by your side? With its stunning landscapes, pet-friendly destinations, and temperate climate, New Zealand offers countless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re a Kiwi planning a local pet travel holiday or thinking of travelling with your pet from overseas to experience New Zealand’s beauty, these summer pet travel tips will help you make the most of your summer getaway in NZ!
Jetpets has years of experience providing exceptional local and overseas pet travel services in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and other areas in New Zealand. We’ve put together our top tips when visiting New Zealand with your furry companion.
Planning Your Trip
Travelling with dogs or pets requires extra preparation to ensure both you and your pal have a stress-free experience. A little research and forward planning can go a long way in making your trip enjoyable and safe.
Choosing pet-friendly locations
Start by finding pet-friendly travel destinations – including accommodations and recreational areas. A growing number of places around New Zealand cater to animal lovers, offering amenities to keep your pet comfortable. From pet-friendly hotels in urban hubs like Auckland and Wellington to charming lodges near Rotorua’s thermal parks, there are options for every travel style. For dining, look for cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating areas where pets are permitted. By taking care of this research in advance, you and your furry friends can relax on the road, knowing exactly where you can go!
Prepping for travel
Getting your pet used to travelling is key to a smooth journey. If your cat or dog associates car rides with trips to the vet, try introducing them to shorter, fun outings like a trip to the park to create positive associations. You can also make their travel space inviting by adding a blanket or toy they’re familiar with. If crate travel is necessary, ensure they are comfortable by gradually acclimatising them to it at home before your trip.
Pet-friendly activities
New Zealand’s national parks and beaches offer endless opportunities for outdoor fun, but it’s essential to check local regulations before you head off. Some parks have restrictions on where dogs are allowed, and leashing is often required to protect wildlife, so pet etiquette is pretty important . Popular destinations like Mount Maunganui’s beach or Queenstown’s lakefront offer fantastic, pet-friendly experiences when rules are followed.
Heat Awareness
Summer temperatures in New Zealand can reach highs of 30ºC, making it vital to plan ahead for your pet’s comfort. Heat safety leads us to our next important part!
Staying Cool
Hot weather poses unique challenges for travelling pets, so understanding and mitigating risks is essential to their safety, comfort, and enjoyment. Here are our experts’ tips to help your pet stay safe and happy in the summer heat.
Temperature control
Unlike humans, pets struggle to cool themselves efficiently by sweating; their primary method of heat regulation is panting. For flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs, this is even more difficult to regulate due to respiratory restriction. A healthy dog’s body temperature is around 38.5°C, and anything higher can lead to heat stress or heat stroke.
With this in mind, it’s important for their humans to take precautions to prevent their temperature from rising beyond a safe level. Be particularly cautious on days exceeding 25°C, as anything above this can quickly become dangerous. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule for what temperature is safe for dogs, as age, health, and coat type can also affect heat tolerance. The only way to keep your pet safe is to monitor them closely and stay vigilant for signs of heat stress like drooling, discoloured gums, and excessive panting.
Sun cream and skin care
Did you know that pets can get sunburnt too? Especially those with light-coloured fur or exposed skin. Grooming your pet to remove excess fur can help keep them cooler, but be cautious not to shave them too short as some fur offers protection from UV rays. To increase their protection from the sun, use pet-safe sunscreen, applying it every 3-4 hours on areas like the nose and ears. Avoid human sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and other ingredients that can be toxic to pets.
The 5-second rule
A simple way to check if surfaces are too hot for your pet’s paws is the 5-second rule. Place the back of your hand on the ground; if it’s too hot to hold for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your pet to walk on. If you still need to get around outside during peak temperatures, stick to grassy or shaded areas to protect sensitive paw pads.
Exercise times
Plan exercise sessions for early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Avoid vigorous activities like running or chasing balls during the day, and stick to water activities like pool or beach trips where your pup can cool down. This way, your pet can still enjoy their daily dose of movement without risking overheating. Since most cats aren’t too fond of water, we suggest leaving them safely indoors with plenty of shade and access to drinking water.
Cool tricks
Help your pet stay cool with some simple tricks. Add ice cubes to their water bowl or create frozen treats by filling a Kong toy with peanut butter or wet food and freezing it. Cooling pads are another excellent way to keep your pet comfortable, as they absorb body heat and provide relief from high temperatures.
The Best For Your Pet
New Zealand’s summer offers unparalleled adventures for you and your pet, but keeping their safety and comfort a priority is crucial. Always provide access to shade and fresh water, and plan your activities around the weather to ensure a happy, healthy trip for everyone.
For stress-free travel, take a look at Jetpet’s international pet travel services to ensure your furry friend is ready for the holiday of a lifetime, otherwise get in touch to speak with someone directly. With proper preparation, your summer adventures in New Zealand can be memorable for all the right reasons.
