Planning your time off around your fur babies is no joke. Whether it’s squeezing in some snuggle time, taking them on an epic adventure, or just enjoying a staycation with your pooch, getting the most out of your annual leave in 2025 can feel like a strategic game. But don’t worry, we’ve crunched the numbers and figured out how pet owners across Australia can hack the public holidays to make their leave work way harder for them. Ready to maximize your days off? Let’s go state by state.
New South Wales
Good news, NSW pet parents! Your public holiday calendar is brimming with opportunities.
- Easter Break: Take 4 days off (April 21-24), and with Easter Monday (April 21) and Anzac Day (April 25) in the mix, you’ll score a massive 10 days off in a row. Perfect for road trips with your pup!
- Christmas and New Year: Take 3 days off (December 29-31) between Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year’s Day (January 1, 2026), and you’ll enjoy 10 straight days off. That’s plenty of time to help your cat recover from the chaos of holiday visitors.
Victoria
Victorians, you’ve got a goldmine of leave-hacking opportunities.
- Melbourne Cup Week: Take 4 days off (November 4-8), including Melbourne Cup Day (November 4), and you’ll stretch it to a luxurious 9 days off. That’s a whole week to enjoy some park time with your dog!
- Easter Magic: As with NSW, Easter offers the chance to use 4 leave days for a whopping 10-day break.
Queensland
Sunny QLD, you’re spoilt for choice.
- Labour Day Break: Take May 5-9 off around Labour Day (May 5) to score 9 glorious days off. It’s beach weather—don’t forget to pack the dog-friendly sunscreen!
- Easter Joy: Easter does its thing again here. Those 4 leave days equal 10 glorious days to hang out with your pets.
Western Australia
WA pet parents, your long stretches of leave align perfectly with adventure time.
- Easter Bonanza: By now, you know the drill: 4 leave days, 10 days off total.
- WA Day Long Weekend: Use 4 leave days (June 2-6) around WA Day (June 2), and you’ve got 9 days to take your fur baby exploring.
South Australia
SA residents, your calendar loves a good break.
- Easter Again: Yep, 4 leave days for a 10-day holiday. Take it and run.
- Queen’s Birthday Weekend: Book June 9-13 off around the Queen’s Birthday (June 9), and you’ll score 9 days to pamper your pet.
Tasmania
Tasmanians, your leave hacks are as chilled as your island vibes.
- Easter Bliss: Take those same 4 days for a 10-day break.
- Hobart Show Day: Use October 23-27 around Hobart Show Day (October 23) for a long escape with your pets.
Northern Territory
Top End pet parents, here’s how to make the most of 2025.
- May Day Fun: Take May 5-9 around May Day (May 5) for 9 days off. Perfect for a camping trip with your pup!
- Easter Delight: As always, 4 leave days equals 10 days off in April.
Australian Capital Territory
ACT residents, your furry friends are going to love all the extra cuddles.
- Canberra Day Extension: Use March 10-14 around Canberra Day (March 10) for a 9-day breather.
- Easter Glory: Yes, 4 days off = 10 days off. Take it, and thank us later.
The Ultimate Pet Parent Move
Whether it’s a lazy week at home with your cat or a holiday road trip with your dog, these hacks can turn your annual leave into a series of mini-retreats. Remember to plan ahead—sitting services on PetCloud can fill up quickly around long weekends and holidays. So, if you need a reliable sitter while you’re away, jump onto PetCloud and book early.
2025 is going to be your most pawsome year yet! 🐾
