Hunter Pets Taking Off: Newcastle Airport and Hunter Pet Motel celebrate Pet Appreciation Week

With Pet Appreciation Week (PAW) in full swing across Australia this week from 7–13 June, Newcastle Airport and Hunter Pet Motel are celebrating the growing demand for pet travel services and the important role pets play in the lives of travelling families.

The week shines a spotlight on the companionship, wellbeing and joy pets bring to households around the country, and at Newcastle Airport, it’s also a reminder that more travellers than ever are looking for convenient and trusted pet care solutions while they are away.  At select times throughout the week, pet-owning passengers can collect complimentary showbags in Arrivals for their cats and dogs, courtesy of Hunter Pet Motel.

The week also comes following the recent passing of Hunter Pet Motel General Manager Brett Wild, who was a passionate advocate for animal care and a valued local business leader. Newcastle Airport extends its condolences to Brett’s family, friends and the Hunter Pet Motel team during this difficult time.

Since launching in 2023, Newcastle Airport’s Pet Transit Lounge has become a popular option for passengers wanting a way to care for their pets while travelling. The service allows customers to drop off their pets directly outside the terminal before parking and walking straight into the Departures Lounge.

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said the service reflected the airport’s commitment to making travel easier and more convenient for regional travellers. “With international services operating and passenger numbers continuing to grow, demand for pet boarding and pet transport services is also increasing,” Mr Horton said.

“At Newcastle Airport, we focus on creating the airport experience the region deserves, and that means thinking about every part of the passenger journey, including pets.

“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.

“It’s a genuinely unique offering and one that continues to resonate strongly with our passengers. People love the convenience of being able to drop off their pets right at the terminal knowing they’ll be well looked after while they travel.

“As we expand our domestic and international routes, we expect demand for pet transit and boarding services to grow alongside it. More people are travelling, more families are taking holidays, and increasingly pets are part of those travel plans.”

Once pets are dropped off at Newcastle Airport, they are transported via purpose-built pet transport vehicles to Hunter Pet Motel’s facility at Elderslie, where they enjoy tailored care, spacious accommodation and supervised play areas.

For added peace of mind, owners can choose to receive photo updates via email or text message, allowing them to see what their furry family members are up to during their stay.

Hunter Pet Motel is also proud to offer discounts for APOD (Defence and ex-Defence) members, discounted rates for extended stays and complimentary washes and toys for eligible guests.

Hunter Pet Motel owner Charmaine Smith said Pet Appreciation Week was the perfect opportunity to recognise the special role pets now play in Australian families and the growing demand for trusted pet care while people travel. “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.

“We’ve seen a growing demand since launching the service, particularly as more people choose to fly locally from Newcastle rather than driving elsewhere. People are embracing the convenience of flying from the airport that’s just up the road and that creates opportunities for businesses like ours as well.

“Our team is passionate about making sure every pet feels safe, comfortable and cared for while their owners are away. For many of the animals who stay with us, it becomes a holiday of their own.

“Unlike many facilities, we do not co board pets. Every dog enjoys their own private room and backyard, while each cat has their own private accommodation. Pets can also enjoy supervised exercise, play sessions up to three times a day and our on site swimming pool.

“As Newcastle Airport continues to grow, so does the opportunity for businesses like ours to grow alongside it. Increased domestic and future international connectivity is creating exciting opportunities for the broader pet travel industry across the Hunter region.

“And we know the pets enjoy their stay. One of our regular cats loves being groomed with the long-handled broom. There’s no sweeping allowed unless she gets brushed first.

“Some of our feline guests are just as cheeky as the dogs. We have a few clever cats who use exercise time to investigate the shelves in search of treat bags. Their determination and problem solving skills never fail to entertain our staff, who have learned to keep a very close eye on any snacks left within reach.

“Some of our most entertaining regulars are four Bulldogs whose cheeky personalities keep our team smiling every visit.

“We’ve also had a few dogs over the years whose love of tennis balls could only be described as an obsession. One particular guest carried a tennis ball everywhere he went, to breakfast, to playtime and even while greeting staff.

“And while cats and dogs are our most common visitors, they’re certainly not the only animals we’ve cared for. One of our more memorable transport jobs involved collecting three baby ostriches destined to become lawn mowers on a rural property. That was definitely a day our team won’t forget anytime soon.”
 
The HPM Transit Lounge is part of Newcastle Airport's broader commitment to enhancing the customer experience. For more information and bookings visit newcastleairport.com.au/at-the-airport/pet-transit-lounge or contact the Hunter Pet Motel on (02) 4938 3710.