Today, on National Pets Day, Newcastle Airport is proud to celebrate the joy pets bring to our lives and highlight our partnership with Hunter Pet Motel. Here at the airport, travelling pet owners can drop their pets off at the Hunter Pet Motel’s Pet Transit Lounge, knowing their pets will be pampered and enjoy their own mini break while their humans travel.
The Hunter Pet Motel’s premium cat suites, luxury dog lounges and outdoor play on offer also means that pets will be practically begging their owners to go on holiday.
Transit Lounge.
Since its launch in June 2024, 229 happy tails have used the Pet Transit Lounge, of which 142 went on to enjoy the Pet Motel. This convenient service offers a stress-free solution for cat and canine companions while their owners travel. Located conveniently opposite Departures, the Pet Transit Lounge allows our passengers to drop off their pets, park their car, and head straight to their flight—knowing their beloved animals will be cared for in a tranquil rural setting at Hunter Pet Motel’s boarding facility in Elderslie.
A Unique Service for Pet Owners
Located right in front of the terminal, the Pet Transit Lounge offers seamless logistics for pet care during travel. Pets are transported from the lounge to Hunter Pet Motel’s property via a purpose-built shuttle bus, ensuring their comfort and safety every step of the way. Whether you’re flying out for work or leisure, this service eliminates the hassle of organising pet care separately, giving families peace of mind.
Travelling pet owners will be pleased to know that the pet motel emulates that of a home, with friendly and familiar surroundings designed to keep pets relaxed and at ease. There are luxury suites with furniture that pets are likely to enjoy on the home front – and believe it or not, there are TVs so your pets can catch an episode or two of ‘Garfield’ or ‘Bluey’.”
Newcastle Airport Interim CEO Andrew Warrender shared his thoughts on the service:
"It’s a stress-free solution for travelers organising the wellbeing of their cat or canine companions while they are away. With 69% of Australian households owning a pet, this service is an important offering for many of our passengers."
Growing Demand
With Newcastle Airport expanding domestic flight routes and opening its International Terminal in August 2025, demand for this service will grow. The convenience of aligning pet drop-off and pick-up with flight schedules has already made the lounge a trusted choice for travellers from across the Hunter, North Coast, and Central Coast regions.
Hunter Pet Motel General Manager Brett Wild highlighted the popularity of the service:
"We receive multiple enquiries daily from pet owners with plans to travel and have permanent staff based at Newcastle Airport to help facilitate this growing service.”
A Commitment to Enhancing Passenger Experience
The Pet Transit Lounge aligns with Newcastle Airport’s mission to be “the Airport the Region Deserves.” As EGM Marketing & Communications Burcak Sezer explains:
"This service further highlights how easy it is to fly from Newcastle—with easy travel, easy parking, and now an easy pet transit facility. As a pet owner, you would be barking mad not to use this service to make your traveling life easier."
Celebrate National Pets Day with Us!
On this special day dedicated to pets worldwide, we invite you to learn more about how Newcastle Airport and Hunter Pet Motel are making travel stress-free for pet owners. Whether you’re heading off on holiday or a business trip, rest assured that your precious cargo is in safe hands.
Ready to book? Contact Hunter Pet Motel at 02 4938 3710 or visit their website. Let’s make travel for pet owners easier than ever!