Pet-friendly car rental at SIXT Australia

At SIXT we know a holiday isn’t quite the same when a family member can’t make it. That’s why we’re allowing pets to travel in our rental cars so your furry friend can come along on the journey.

Whether it’s a short or long trip you can take advantage of our excellent rates and arrange for your cat or dog to join you when booking at one of our participating locations*.

What to bring for a pet-friendly car hire

Travelling with a pet can be great fun, however like children, pets require a little extra attention. It is the responsibility of the customer to bring everything their pet might need for the rental car. Some suggestions include:

• Pet seat belts and harnesses: It is important to keep your furry friend safe whilst travelling with them. Avoid letting them roam freely in the vehicle as this can cause injury or accidents if they end up on the drivers’ lap or near the pedals. Please keep your pet appropriately restrained or in a pet carrier.

• Blankets: If your pet is a heavy shedder consider bringing blankets to make cleaning the interior easier. Blankets are also a good way to protect the upholstery from damages and keep your pet comfortable. Customers must return the rental car in clean condition and free of pet hair to avoid cleaning and detailing fees.

• Toys: Pets are best behaved when they’re not bored. Consider bringing along some of their favourite toys and other items that will help them relax and enjoy the journey.

• Travel water bottle and treats: Keep your pet hydrated during your road trip. Bring along their travel bottle and some treats so they can stay calm and have a pleasant journey.

Safety tips when driving with pets

• Safety: It is important to follow the various laws in each Australian state governing the transportation of animals in cars. Ensure your pet is safely restrained to avoid injuries or getting fined.

• Parking: Never leave your pet in a parked car. Cars can heat up quickly during the day and can cause your animal distress. Hot and cold temperatures can be just as life threatening for pets left in parked cars for long periods.

• Breaks: If traveling with a cat or dog make sure to take breaks and stop at places where it can properly run around and spend time out of the car.

• Protection packages: SIXT Protection packages are also available to give you peace of mind while traveling with your pet.

Pet-friendly rental vehicles

SIXT has a wide range of suitable vehicles to rent when travelling with a pet. Depending on your animal companion’s size, we recommend hiring an SUV, van or 4WD for added space and comfort. You can also choose from our premium range, or for cost efficiency, you can select from our range of electric vehicles.

Participating locations

• NSW: Artarmon, Ballina, Ballina Airport, Brookvale, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, Coffs Harbour Airport, Forster, Grafton, Grafton Airport, Hornsby, Kempsey, Murwillumbah, Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie Airport, Sydney Airport, Sydney City, Taree Airport, Williamtown Airport, Yass.

• QLD: Brisbane Airport, Brisbane City, Bundaberg, Bundaberg Airport, Burpengary, Cairns Airport, Cairns City, Currimundi, Emerald Airport, Geebung, Gladstone Airport, Gold Coast Airport-Coolangatta, Hendra, Hervey Bay, Hervey Bay Airport, Ipswich, Marcoola, Maroochydore Airport, Miles, Noosa Junction, North Lakes, Port Douglas, Rockhampton Airport, Rocklea, Roma Airport, Surfers Paradise, Tingalpa, Toowoomba, Toowoomba Airport, Weipa.

• VIC: Melbourne Airport, Melbourne City.

• ACT: Canberra Airport, Canberra City, Fyshwick.

• SA: Adelaide Airport, Adelaide City.

• TAS: Burnie City, Devonport City, Hobart Airport, Hobart City, Launceston Airport, Launceston City.

• WA: Fremantle, Kewdale, Perth Airport, Perth City.

Terms and conditions

- Pet refers to a companion animal, such as a dog, cat, or other domesticated creature, that primarily resides within the hirer's or a passenger's private residence. Please note that this definition specifically excludes uncaged domestic birds, poultry, wildlife, farm animals, and livestock. If you require further clarification, we kindly request that you reach out to our dedicated customer service team for assistance.

- If upon return the vehicle requires cleaning exceeding fair wear and use (for example as a result of food, drink and other stains and marks, animal fur, mud, dirt, sand, smoke or tobacco product damage) a cleaning fee will apply to recover the additional cleaning costs incurred. The amount of the cleaning fee will depend on the extent of cleaning required.

Cleaning fees for service animals accompanying individuals with disabilities will be waived. We recognize the invaluable support and companionship that service animals provide to our customers, and we are committed to accommodating their needs without imposing any additional charges. The exemption from the special cleaning fee strictly applies to certified service animals as defined by applicable laws and regulations. If you have any questions or require further information regarding this provision, we encourage you to contact our customer service team for clarification and assistance.

- To ensure the safe and comfortable transportation of pets in our vehicles, SIXT requests our customers to provide their own comfortable travel and protective requirements for their pets. This includes, but not limited to protective car seat covers, blankets, travel water bottle and pet treats.

Pet owners will solely be responsible for the safety of their pets and adhere to the road rules governed by each Australian state. Pet owners will be required to provide their own pet car seat harnesses and seat belts or carriers for their car rentals if they wish to bring their pet along.

- Pet-friendly car rental is only available for pick-up and drop-off from participating locations only.