16 Mar 2026
New travel data shows one in fi ve Australians planned a pet inclusive trip over summer, up fi ve per cent year-on-year, as more travellers choose road trips and regional stays that accommodate the whole family, including four-legged members.
With more than 4.5 million Australians expected to travel over the Easter break, demand for pet friendly accommodation and preparation advice is accelerating. This Easter, Petstock has partnered with Discovery Parks to help offer peace of mind for holiday travellers looking to bring their pets along for the adventure.
Discovery Parks Chief of Digital Business and Group Marketing Officer Lahnee White said, “We’re seeing a clear behavioural shift with accommodation bookings. In 2025 alone, we welcomed 70,000 dogs at Discovery Parks across Australia, and we’re on track for a record-breaking year in 2026. Travellers are no longer asking if they can bring their pet, they’re choosing destinations based on whether they can.
“Road travel dominates Easter, making pet-inclusive holidays more achievable. Strong bookings across our network for the upcoming Easter long weekend reflect this growing demand and reinforce the long-term shift we’re seeing in how Australians holiday.”
Petstock vet Dr Gloria Ebeyer, “Long weekends consistently bring an increase in travel related pet stress, lost animal reports and preventable health issues. Easter means more cars on the road, more stops in unfamiliar towns, and more distractions which can significantly increase the risk to pets. The difference between a smooth holiday and an emergency often comes down to preparation: before, during and after your holiday.”
Dr Gloria’s top travel tips:
Choose genuinely pet-friendly accommodation.
Holiday periods correlate with higher missing pet reports. Update microchip and ID details before travelling.
Use appropriate car restraints or crates. Increased Easter road traffic elevates accident risk.
Pack familiar bedding, food and water, along with comfort items like toys or calming treats to help reduce stress.
Identify the nearest emergency vet at your destination.
“Travelling with your pet should feel joyful, not stressful. With just a little attention to pet safety, it’s easy for owners to enjoy pet inclusive holidays,” said Dr Ebeyer.
With more than 70+ pet-friendly parks across the country, Discovery Parks and Petstock hope to prepare travelling pet parents with everything they need to make their trip safe, stress-free and one to remember.
To get your pet travel-ready this Easter, visit the Petstock website www.petstock.com.au or head in store.
To book a dog friendly stay with Discovery Parks, visit www.discoveryparks.com.au/.
About Petstock
Petstock was built on humble beginnings in regional Victoria when the Young family took ownership of Ballarat Produce in 1991, rebranding to Petstock in the years to follow; With over 200 stores across Australia, Petstock offers the best quality pet care products, services and advice, and extra value from our rewards programs. Led by industry experts, whether you like to shop with us in-store, online or a bit of both. Whether you're caring for your dog, cat, bird, or fish – Petstock has more of what matters to you. Petstock is part of the Petstock Group, with a mission that “Together we make an impact for people, pets and the planet”. 55% of the Petstock Group was acquired by the Woolworths Group in January 2024.
About Discovery Parks
Founded in 2004 with three caravan parks in WA, G’day Group is now Australia’s leader in regional accommodation experiences with more than 340 properties across the country. G’day Group owns and operates more than 90 holiday parks and resorts under the Discovery Parks and Resorts brand, with properties in iconic regional destinations, including Kings Canyon, Rottnest Island and the world famous El Questro. The Group is also home to G’day Parks, a network of 240+ independently owned, licensed parks and the G’day Rewards loyalty program, which has 260,000 paid members. G’day Group owns Wikicamps, Australia’s largest regional travel community and Bookeasy, a specialist provider of booking management systems and technology solutions.
• Tourism and Transport Forum Australia, December 2025 *Australian Retailers Association x Roy Morgan, April 2025