National Brands Issue "Preparation Alert" as 4.5 Million Australians Hit the Road
The "Great Australian Road Trip" has undergone a permanent transformation. Gone are the days of the local kennel being the default Easter solution; in 2026, the dog is the primary passenger.
New national travel data reveals that one in five Australians now plan pet-inclusive trips, a figure that has climbed 5% year-on-year as travellers prioritise regional stays that accommodate the entire family.
With more than 4.5 million Australians expected to travel this Easter, the demand for pet-friendly infrastructure is reaching a fever pitch.
In response, retail giant Petstock has partnered with Discovery Parks to address the logistical and safety challenges of this massive movement. The scale of the shift is evidenced by Discovery Parks’ own records: in 2025 alone, they welcomed 70,000 dogs across their national network, and 2026 is already on track to shatter those records.
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| The 2026 travel surge: More families are choosing destinations like Discovery Parks that offer scenic, pet-friendly infrastructure. |
The Reality of the Road: Preparation vs. Panic
While the "pet-friendly" label is a major drawcard for destinations, industry experts warn that the joy of a holiday can quickly evaporate without rigorous preparation. Petstock Vet, Dr. Gloria Ebeyer, notes that long weekends consistently bring an increase in travel-related stress, lost animal reports, and preventable health issues.
“Easter means more cars on the road, more stops in unfamiliar towns, and more distractions,” says Dr. Ebeyer. “The difference between a smooth holiday and an emergency often comes down to the preparation you do before you even pull out of the driveway.”
The "Safety Gap": Restraints and Recovery
Seasoned travellers know that safety begins in the backseat. A significant "safety gap" remains in how Australians transport their pets. As we previously explored in our deep dive into pet restraints, an unrestrained dog is not only a distraction but a high-velocity projectile in the event of a sudden stop—common during heavy Easter traffic.
Furthermore, the risk of a pet bolting in an unfamiliar environment is a primary concern for vets during the Easter break. While Petstock advises updating microchip details 48 hours before travel, owners must also know what to do if the unthinkable happens. As we have seen in previous years, having a microchipped pet is only half the battle; knowing the immediate steps to take when they go missing in a strange town can be the difference between a recovery and a tragedy.
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| A joyful start: A German Shepherd enjoys some deck time at a dog-friendly Standard 2 Bedroom Cabin at Discovery Parks Bunbury Foreshore, WA. Modern facilities are increasingly designed to keep the whole family together. |
As the industry matures, the expectations of pet parents are evolving. It is no longer enough for a park to simply "allow" dogs; they must cater to them. Discovery Parks now offers more than 70 pet-friendly locations nationwide, aiming to provide a seamless experience for those who have moved away from the "kennel guilt" of previous generations.
However, as the "big hitters" of the industry issue these alerts, the message for our readers remains the same: the best holiday is a prepared one.
Whether you are heading to one of the NSW escapes we recently highlighted or exploring the wider Discovery Parks network, the 2026 Easter break requires a "safety-first" mindset.
To get your pet travel-ready this Easter, explore the range at Petstock or secure your dog-friendly stay at Discovery Parks.
