Are you planning an exciting holiday with your dog or cat on the Sunshine Coast, QLD? You’re in for a treat!

You’re probably asking, “What is Sunshine Coast known for?” Well, this region is one of the country’s most breathtaking yet exciting holiday locations. From peaceful beaches to its lively nightlife, there are many places to see and plenty of things to do on the Sunshine Coast.

But travelling with your pet anywhere can be challenging, so it pays to be prepared. Here are some helpful tips to make travelling with your good boy or girl safe and fun. 

How to Travel with Your Pet on the Sunshine Coast

Practice travelling short distances with your pet

Driving long distances alone can be stressful. If you have a young pup or an anxious adult dog, practising a few weeks or months before your holiday is best. Start by taking your pet on a short drive around the neighbourhood. This will let them get used to being inside a vehicle and taking in new sights, sounds, and smells without freaking out.

Reward your pet with treats when getting in and out of the vehicle or staying quiet and calm while you’re driving. Take your pet to a dog park near your home or let them meet your friends to allow them to get used to other people and animals before your trip.

Book a pet-friendly Sunshine Coast accommodation

Finding comfortable and pet-friendly accommodation on the Sunshine Coast can be challenging, especially if you’re on a road trip. Though many hoteliers are pet parents themselves, not everyone is excited about the prospect of having a furry friend on their property.

Check out Sunshine Coast Motor Lodge if you’re looking for pet-friendly accommodation on the Sunshine Coast. 

We have two rooms dedicated to guests who are visiting the area with their pets. The first one is the Queen Room, which can accommodate up to 2 guests plus their pets. The other is a Twin Share Room, which can accommodate up to three people.

We know your pet’s comfort is important to you, so we provide our guests with one doggy bed for each booking. These pet-friendly rooms are near the garden or pool to give you and your dog a good view of the outdoors.

Just because the rooms are pet-friendly doesn’t mean they’re not as good as the others. 

The rooms are fully furnished and air-conditioned for your comfort. You can also use the fridge to keep your drinks cold, as well as the toaster and microwave to warm your food. We also have dog bowls in case you forgot yours at home or some rest stop somewhere.

Plan pet-friendly things to do on the Sunshine Coast

There are plenty of pet-friendly things to do on the Sunshine Coast. Here’s a handy guide to help you get started.

Hang out at Sunshine Coast’s dog-friendly beaches. Some sections of the Currimundi, Buddina, Coolum, and Moffat Beaches are open to off-leash pets to enjoy. 

Visiting Noosa Spit, North Shore Beach, Shelly Beach, and Wurtulla Beach is also an excellent way for you and your dog to meet friendly locals.

Check Google Maps for specific areas on the beach where dogs are allowed off-leash. You can also check online to see when dogs are allowed in a particular area.

Walk your dog on a Sunshine Coast trail. Some of the Sunshine Coast walking or hiking trails where dogs are most welcome include:

• Caloundra Coastal Walk
• Maleny Trail
• Coolum Coastal Boardwalk
• Marcus Beach Walk
• Point Cartwright Walkway
• Mount Ninderry Walking Track
• Caloundra Foreshore Walk
• Maroochydore Beach

Get your caffeine fix at these pet-friendly cafes. These include Maroochydore’s Murray’s Cafe and Mooloolaba’s The Velo Project, both of which feature an expansive outdoor area.

If you ever find yourself in Moffat Beach, check out One Block Back. If you’re in Buderim and you’re craving for some latte and a vegan delicacy, then check out Cafe Vie.

Pack your pet supplies a few days before you go

You can purchase dog food at your destination or ask Sunshine Coast Motor Lodge for a doggie bed. But pets are creatures of habit, and your dog might not like the food you purchase on the way. Or maybe the doggie bed is just too big or too small for your furry friend. 

So, here’s a list of things you need to bring for a hassle-free trip with your pet.

• Identification. Microchip your pet if you haven’t done so already. They should also have a collar with an ID tag containing your contact information.
• Doggy bed/blanket
• Your dog’s favourite toy
• Dog food inside an air-tight plastic container. Make sure you have enough food for the duration of the trip.
• Treats!
• Bottles of water
• Dog bowls for food and water
• Doggy first aid kit
• Essential medication
• Vaccination card
• Waste bags and puppy pads
• Dog jacket
• Booties if you’re planning to hike on rough terrain
• Leash
• Disinfectant wipes
• Tick and flea prevention medication

For a safe drive throughout the Sunshine Coast, make sure to keep your pet secured in your car

If your pet has a history of moving around the car and distracting you while driving, then invest in a suitable pet carrier or crate. Put them inside the carrier or secure them with a pet harness on your car’s second or third row.

Never put your pet in the front seat of your car. If you’re in an accident and airbags are deployed, they can easily injure your pet.

Keep the car window closed at all times. Don’t let your pet’s head hang outside the window while you drive, as this is dangerous. 

Get your pet travel insurance

You never know when accidents or illnesses will happen, and being in an unfamiliar location might make it more challenging to find a vet quickly. Pet insurance helps cover unexpected vet expenses, ensuring your pet receives prompt medical care without causing financial strain.

Travelling also exposes your pet to new environments and potential hazards. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind in emergencies, knowing you have financial assistance for emergency veterinary treatments.

If you cannot care for your pet when they become ill or injured, it’s good to know that some pet insurance policies may cover the cost of boarding kennel fees.

When considering pet insurance for travel, be sure to understand the coverage. Read the policy details thoroughly to understand what is covered and any exclusions. Some policies may have limitations or specific conditions related to travel.

Check network providers on the Sunshine Coast or the surrounding areas. If your insurance has a network of affiliated veterinarians or clinics, check if providers are in the areas you plan to visit.

Be aware of any coverage limits, deductibles, or co-payments associated with the policy.

Lastly, understand how pre-existing conditions are handled, as some policies may not cover them.

Sunshine Coast Motor Lodge: Your Pet-Friendly Sunshine Coast Motel

Book your Sunshine Coast accommodation today! Our pet-friendly rooms are available for you and your beloved pet.

If you’re bringing your family along, we also have a barbecue area and outdoor swimming pool for you to enjoy.
Book your pet-friendly room today, and see you soon at the Sunshine Coast Motor Lodge!