newy.com.au – Newcastle Airport and Hunter Pet Motel are marking Pet Appreciation Week by highlighting growing demand for pet travel and boarding services as more passengers seek care for animals while they fly.
Pet Appreciation Week runs across Australia from June 7 to 13, celebrating the companionship and wellbeing benefits pets bring to households. At Newcastle Airport, the week is also being used to promote the Pet Transit Lounge, which has operated since 2023 and allows travellers to drop pets outside the terminal before parking and heading to departures.
At selected times during the week, pet-owning passengers can collect complimentary showbags for cats and dogs in Arrivals, courtesy of Hunter Pet Motel.
Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said demand for pet boarding and transport was rising as passenger numbers grew. “With international services operating and passenger numbers continuing to grow, demand for pet boarding and pet transport services is also increasing,” Mr Horton said.
“Pet Appreciation Week is a great reminder of just how important pets are to so many families across our region and the Pet Transit Lounge has become a really valued service for travellers wanting peace of mind while they are away.”
Once animals are dropped at the airport, they are taken in purpose-built pet transport vehicles to Hunter Pet Motel’s facility at Elderslie. The business offers tailored care, spacious accommodation and supervised play areas, with owners also able to receive photo updates by email or text message during their pet’s stay.
Hunter Pet Motel owner Charmaine Smith said pets were increasingly being considered in family travel plans. “Pets are very much part of the family these days and people want complete peace of mind knowing they’re leaving them in safe and caring hands while they’re away,” Ms Smith said.
“Being located directly at Newcastle Airport makes travelling with pets incredibly convenient. Travellers can arrive, check in their pets and head straight to their flight without adding another stop to the journey. It’s all part of making travel easier and less stressful.”
Ms Smith said the service had grown as more people chose to fly from Newcastle rather than travel to other airports. She said the motel did not co-board pets, with each dog given a private room and backyard and each cat housed in private accommodation. Animals can also access supervised exercise, play sessions up to three times a day and an on-site swimming pool.
Hunter Pet Motel also offers discounts for APOD Defence and ex-Defence members, reduced rates for extended stays and complimentary washes and toys for eligible guests.
The week comes after the recent death of Hunter Pet Motel general manager Brett Wild, who was described as a passionate advocate for animal care and a valued local business leader. Newcastle Airport extended condolences to his family, friends and the Hunter Pet Motel team.
