Need to get away but can’t bear leaving your ‘best friend’ home alone? Not to mention finding someone to look after them, and then the long face they pull when you all pile into the car.
According to the RSPCA, “Australia has the highest incidence of pet ownership in the world with pets being owned in more than 66% of households.” The Petcare Information and Advisory Service (PIAS), says that pets are a normal part of childhood for over 83% of Australians. “You only need to see a child’s face light up when they’re with their pet, to understand the important role pets play in a child’s life” says Ms Denise Humphries, Consultant to PIAS.
14% of us always travel with our ‘best friends’, according PIAS. You can take the whole family too, including Dusty the dog or Fluffy the cat, your pet budgie, fish, horse or even rat.
Book for your ‘best friend’ too!
Dusty the dog wants to go on holiday with the family too, but finding places that are safe for him and happy for him to stay too can be difficult. Right?
Getting away and taking your pet with you used to be difficult, but there is an increasingly large selection of holiday accommodation available for people with pets, not limited to caravan parks and camping grounds, you can even find luxury accommodation too. Just make sure you book well ahead.
As the range of accommodation types varies, so do the particular facilities on offer. Some places accept pets inside while others only accept them outside. Always make contact well in advance to determine exactly what the specific arrangements are, that way you avoid disappointment.
‘Whether it’s a short weekend away or an extended trip… pets enjoy a holiday and unlike many travel partners of the human kind, pets pose as the perfect travel companions. They are generally happy to join their owners in travel activities, be it a bush walk or simple relaxation,’ said Ms Humphries.
The Cat is Out of the Bag
A few well known celebrities, including Jackie O from Today FM, are famous for taking their pooches with them wherever they go.
With many more holiday properties now specifically catering to the pet friendly market it’s much easier to find somewhere out of the weather for your pet to eat, sleep and be merry, including many places that advertise ‘pets welcome inside.’ Not only is pet friendly accommodation a growing niche, but operators are realizing that people with pets want to be invited back, so they generally take good care of places they stay.
Along with a growing supply, is even faster growing demand, as more and more people realize they can take their pet with them, the cat, metaphorically speaking, is out of the bag. So if you do want to take your pet with you, get in quick and book well in advance.
Check it Out
Whilst a range of pet friendly holiday properties are available, it pays to contact the operator to check on the range of pets that they accept (is it just dogs or do they accept cats and horses too?), the facilities and shelter they offer. Will your pet be allowed indoors? What do you need to bring in the way of toys, bedding, litter disposal and meal dishes?
A quick conversation will determine whether the property is truly ‘pet friendly’ or if they are simply pet tolerant and would really prefer your pet did not stay. Find out in advance if there are specific restrictions regarding pets in certain types of accommodation, areas of the property, or at certain times of the year.
Take Care and Beware
We all have slip, slop, slap drilled into us by now and are fully aware of the responsibility that we have to our children in the heat of the summer months. Don’t forget that your pets need protection too – remember to give them lots of water and sort our flea and tick control in advance.
Make the car comfortable for your pet, just like you would for the kids. Take your pet’s favourite toy, plan in advance for nap time, take precautions against car sickness and make sure they visit the potty before you leave on a big trip. Look into a suitable car restraint such as a cage or harness to keep them extra safe.
When traveling long distances don’t forget to stop for frequent breaks for water and exercise for your pet (and the kids) and don’t leave them in a hot or locked car as they will quickly suffer from the effects of heat.
Got that sorted? Now don’t forget the kids!
Where to Stay?
The following are a list of pet and family friendly places across Australia found online:
For more places that are pet friendly, Australia-wide , where you can search by region and locality, by type of accommodation and by holiday dates.
That’s all very well but can’t take your pet with you? What about boarding, house sitters, pet minders or someone to walk and feed the dog?
Additional Resources
The new Travelling With Pets guide is cram packed with holiday ideas for you and your pet. Supported by the motoring organisations, RSPCA and 4 Legs pet food, it is a handy, portable guide to travelling with your pet around Australia. It also contains essential information on what you need to know about travelling with your pet -from places to stay to travelling tips. Alternatively, the Life. Be in it. Shop at www.lifebeinit.com offers Holidaying with Cats and Holidaying with Dogs for purchase online as well as a Five Paw Rating system so you can be sure of finding dog-friendly accommodation.
www.petnet.com.au is another great resource for traveling with and care of pets.
About the Author
This article was brought to you by TakeABreak.com.au which lists pet friendly accommodation Australia wide at http://www.takeabreak.com.au/petfriendly.htm
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