Pets are a huge part of our lives. They keep us company, get us out and about connecting with others and are a real part of the family. Which is why it’s not uncommon for people to want to bring them along when holidaying, especially grey nomads who are hitting the open road.
However, it does take a little bit of careful planning before you head off to ensure both you and your pets enjoy the experience, such as booking the right accommodation and creating a comfortable space for them. Read on to discover some things to consider before heading off on your next holiday with a pet in tow.
Not all caravan and holiday parks allow pets to stay, so it’s best to check when making the booking. Alternatively, there are a number of websites, such as Holidaying with Dogs, you can visit to check for pet-friendly accommodation throughout Australia.
Bear in mind that each park will likely have its own set of guidelines to follow when staying with a pet – such as keeping them on a leash when outdoors or not being permitted in communal areas – so make sure you’re across all of the rules before you pull in for the night. You’d hate to be hit with a fine for unknowingly letting your pet run around without a leash.
Make sure their vaccinations are up to date before heading off. You don’t want your pet getting sick while you’re on the road. Keep any vaccination papers on hand as well, because you may need them to enter some national parks.
If you haven’t done so already, get your pet a collar and tag with their name and all of your contact details, just in case they wander off throughout the trip.
While you’ve probably made sure all of your belongings will fit in the van, make sure you’ve allocated enough space to store all of your pet’s belongings as well. Make sure you’ve got all of the essentials packed:
Your dog may love short trips in the car to the beach or park, but travelling on the open road for hours at a time is a whole different story. Make their space in the car as comfortable as possible so they’ll enjoy the experience just as much as you.
If your pet hasn’t travelled long distances before, then it’s a good idea to do a practice run to see how they cope. Plan a day trip away where they have to spend a good four hours in the car.
Make sure they’re getting enough water and stop regularly so they can stretch their legs and do their business.
If your pet doesn’t like being in the car – especially cats and birds – try putting a blanket over their cage to keep them calm.
The last thing you want is to upset fellow travelers, so when staying at holiday and caravan parks, don’t let your pets run around freely. Unlike at home where they have the whole backyard to themselves, in parks you should be considerate of of other people’s personal space.
Keep an eye on them at all times when off the leash and be sure to pick up their poo.