Travelling with Pets

What Travelling with Pets does

Travelling with Pets (legal name: Pet-Friendly Accommodation) is a Sydney-based, founder-operated content and e-commerce business founded in 2012 by Carla Francis. The company operates the pet-friendlyaccommodation.com.au website, a curated directory and editorial platform covering pet-friendly accommodation, camping, caravan parks, dog-friendly beaches, cafes, pubs, and wineries across Australia's East Coast (from Port Douglas to Port Fairy). Its core product is the flagship guidebook 'Travelling with Pets on Australia's East Coast,' now in its 7th edition (published July 2025 by Woodslane Press), complemented by a Pet Travel Journal, regionally focused guidebooks (Melbourne for Dogs, Sydney for Dogs, The Zen of Cat), and pet travel accessories (dog organizers, travel bowls). The company has no proprietary technology platform; its competitive differentiation rests on over 13 years of independently researched, editorially curated content and an internationally recognized author brand.

The company monetizes through six distinct revenue streams: (1) one-time book and accessory sales via its own e-commerce store, physical retail (Kinokuniya Sydney, Woolworths, Coles), and Amazon; (2) commission-based affiliate links to Expedia, VRBO, and HomeAway; (3) three-tier subscription property listing packages for accommodation providers (Basic free, Visibility Boost A$65/2-years, Premium A$120/2-years); (4) online cat behavior consultations priced $50-$320 AUD, delivered by Carla Francis (holder of a Diploma in Feline Psychology & Behaviour); (5) brand collaborations, sponsored posts, and ambassador programs with pet and travel brands (Pet Barn, PetSafe, Lyka, Pawshake, Pet Plan Insurance); and (6) content syndication as the in-house pet travel expert for the PetsForever app. The business serves two primary customer segments: pet-owning travelers (B2C, long-tail consumer base) and accommodation providers seeking visibility to that segment (B2B, mid-market). The company operates with 7 employees, claims no venture capital or institutional investment, and is founder-owned by Carla Francis, creating a key-person risk profile.

Name

Travelling with Pets

Legal name

Pet-Friendly Accommodation

Website

https://pet-friendlyaccommodation.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Travelling with Pets is a Sydney-based, founder-operated content and e-commerce business serving Australian pet-owning travelers with independently researched pet-friendly accommodation guides and a Pet-Friendly Accommodation Locator across Australia's East Coast.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pet-Friendly Travel Content and E-commerce

NAICS

Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (812910), Pet and Pet Supplies Retailers (45991)

SIC

Services-To Dwellings & Other Buildings (7340)

akta.pro primary industry

Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals (THAGANAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Pet Errands & Pet Care Coordination (HSACAIAJ)

Keywords

• Pet-friendly accommodation
• Pet travel guides
• Cat behaviour consultations
• Pet travel accessories
• Pet-friendly travel content

Headquarters

HQ city

Sydney

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Book Sales: Sale of the 7th edition guidebook 'Travelling with Pets on Australia's East Coast' and related pet travel books (Melbourne for Dogs, Sydney for Dogs, The Cat with Three Passports, The Zen of Cat)
2. E-commerce Store: Direct sale of pet travel accessories and products through the company's own online shop, including travel journals, dog organizers, travel bowls, and pet accessories
3. Cat Consultation Services: Online cat behavior consultations offered at various price points ranging from $50 to $320 AUD, providing personalized feline behavior advice
4. Property Listing Fees: Three-tier listing packages for pet-friendly accommodation providers: Basic (free), Visibility Boost (A$65 for two years), and Premium (A$120 for two years)
5. Affiliate Marketing: Commission earned through affiliate links to Expedia, VRBO, and HomeAway when users complete travel bookings through the site
6. Brand Collaborations and Sponsored Content: Content collaboration, sponsored posts, product reviews, brand ambassador programs, and giveaways with pet and travel brands

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Travelling with Pets operates as a content and e-commerce platform focused on pet-friendly travel across Australia's East Coast. The company publishes the 'Travelling with Pets on Australia's East Coast' guidebook (now in its 7th edition), runs an active blog with pet travel tips, sells pet travel accessories and related books through an online shop, provides an online pet-friendly accommodation locator search tool, and offers online cat behaviour consultation services delivered by founder Carla Francis.

Product overview

Travelling with Pets operates as a content and e-commerce platform centered on pet-friendly travel across Australia. The core offerings include the 'Travelling with Pets on Australia's East Coast' guidebook (now in its 7th Edition) providing independently researched accommodation reviews, and a Pet Friendly Accommodation Locator for finding pet-friendly stays. The product portfolio also extends to complementary guidebooks ('Melbourne for Dogs', 'Sydney for Dogs', 'The Zen of Cat'), a Pet Travel Journal, pet travel accessories (Doggie Organiser, Travel Buddy set), and specialized services including Cat Behaviour Consultations and property listing packages for accommodation providers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Pet Travel Journal: A reflective journal for pet owners to document their travels with their pets, featuring sections for trip planning and on-the-road reflections.
• Travelling with Pets 7th Edition
• Online Cat Behaviour Consultations

Products and services

• Travelling with Pets 7th Edition Guidebook Flagship guidebook providing independently researched, unbiased reviews of pet-friendly accommodation, camping, caravan parks, dog-friendly beaches, pubs, bars, and wineries across Australia's East Coast. Includes honest reviews, pricing, and information about which pets are welcome. Sold at $29.99 (sale price, regularly $34.99).
• Pet Travel Journal A reflective journal for pet owners featuring five organized sections with prompts for documenting travel experiences with pets before, during, and after trips. Published by Silvervine Press.
• High Road Doggie Organiser Car organizer for dogs with adjustable headrest strap, large internal compartment for toys and treats, mesh pocket for water bottle, and built-in waste bag dispenser. Polyester construction measuring 39.4 x 10.2 x 28 cm.
• Navigator Dog Travel Buddy - 3 Piece Set Three-piece travel set including collapsible dog bowl with waterproof liner, and dog food storage container holding up to 8kg of dry food with roll-top carry design. Sold at $49.95.
• Cat Behaviour Consultation Services Online cat behaviour consultations delivered by author Carla Francis with Diploma in Feline Psychology & Behaviour. Services range from 30-minute mini sessions ($50 AUD) to comprehensive 60-minute consultations with follow-ups and email support ($320 AUD), with optional add-ons for extra follow-ups and emergency calls.
• Property Listing Packages Tiered advertising packages for pet-friendly accommodation properties: Basic (free with business name, address, phone), Visibility Boost ($65 AUD for two years with image and link), and Premium ($120 AUD for two years with Instagram post and newsletter mention).
• Pet Friendly Accommodation Locator Search tool allowing users to find pet-friendly accommodation by location with customizable search radius (10-500 km).
• The Zen of Cat Book on cat care and travel published by the company, priced at $24.99.
• Melbourne for Dogs Guidebook focused on dog-friendly locations and activities in Melbourne, priced at $19.99.
• Sydney for Dogs Guidebook focused on dog-friendly locations and activities in Sydney, priced at $39.99.

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Woodslane PresscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublisher of the 'Travelling with Pets on Australia's East Coast' guidebook. The 7th edition was published by Woodslane Press in July 2025.
• Tiny AwayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured partner property listings on Instagram showcasing pet-friendly tiny homes on the Tiny Away platform. Properties include Starry Night Farmstay and Bamboo Grove by Tiny Away.
• PetsForever AppcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCarla Francis serves as the in-house pet travel expert for PetsForever app, providing expert content and guidance within the platform.
• American Express Open Air CinemaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand relationship for dog-friendly open air cinema events and experiences in Australia.
• Dog Lovers ShowminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partnership with Australia's major dog lover events and exhibitions.
• Pet BarnminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPet retail partner featuring product collaborations and reviews.
• PawshakeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPet sitting platform partnership with content collaboration.
• Pet Plan InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured pet insurance partner with informational content about pet insurance options.
• PetSafe AustraliaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured brand partner for pet products including Scoop Free litter boxes.
• Lyka Pet FoodminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured high-quality pet food brand partner.
• Cat Protection SocietyminorOthersAnimal charity supported by the company through free promotional support for their events and fundraising efforts.
• Sydney Dogs and Cats HomeminorOthersAnimal shelter charity supported through free promotional support.
• RSPCAminorOthersMajor animal welfare charity supported through free promotional support.
• Golden Ark Rescue AustraliaminorOthersAnimal rescue charity supported through free promotional support.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• GoPetFriendly: Direct peer offering pet-friendly travel guides, accommodation directories, and road trip planning content for US/Canadian travelers, closely matching Travelling with Pets' content-led, community-driven model.
• PetsWelcome: Direct peer operating a North American pet-friendly accommodation and travel directory with reviews, comparable to Travelling with Pets' curated listings and editorial review model.
• BringFido: Direct peer operating a global pet-friendly travel directory with accommodation listings, pet-friendly attractions, and travel guides — the closest international analogue to Travelling with Pets' core directory and content business.
• Pet Travel: Direct peer providing global pet-friendly accommodation listings and travel information, similar to Travelling with Pets' directory and locator functionality across multiple regions.

Broad incumbents

• Airbnb: Broad incumbent accommodation platform that increasingly surfaces pet-friendly filters and listings, representing a large-scale competitive substitute for Travelling with Pets' curated pet-accommodation directory.
• Rover: Broad incumbent in the pet services space offering pet sitting and dog walking, adjacent to Travelling with Pets' pet care coordination and cat consultation services but operating at much larger scale.
• Booking.com: Broad incumbent OTA with growing pet-friendly search filters, posing platform-level competitive risk to niche pet-travel directories like Travelling with Pets.

Emerging players

• Pawshake: Pet sitting marketplace with a content partnership with Travelling with Pets; an adjacent peer addressing complementary pet care services like pet sitting and dog walking for travelers.
• PetsForever: Pet-focused app where Carla Francis serves as the in-house pet travel expert, representing a closely aligned emerging platform with overlapping content and audience themes.

Regional players

• PetsPyjamas: UK-focused pet-friendly accommodation and travel platform offering curated stays and travel guides for pet owners, comparable to Travelling with Pets' directory and content model but operating in a different geography.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/petfriendlyaus
• Facebookfacebook.com/petfriendlyaustralia
• Instagraminstagram.com/petfriendlyaustralia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/travelling-with-pets

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Travelling with Pets