Pet expert’s top tips for taking your dog on holidays
Victorians are increasingly letting their pets tag along on family holidays — but there are a few important things to know before you hit the road with your furry friend in tow.
Lifestyle
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Can’t bear to leave your pet at home when you go on holidays? You’re not alone.
More than two-thirds of travellers now take their four-legged friends along for the ride, according to research by Caravan Industry Victoria.
Lara Shannon, co-host of Channel 10 TV show Pooches at Play, said dog owners were increasingly reluctant to leave their pets behind.
“They have really become part of the family now and people want to be able to take them on family holidays,” she said.
“Other reasons are being nervous about leaving their pets with people, or not finding a pet-sitter, or the cost of finding a pet-sitter.”
Dogs could also provide companionship and added safety for solo travellers, Shannon said.
Shannon and canine sidekick Darcy will dish out advice for travelling with pets at the Melbourne Leisurefest caravan and camping expo at Sandown Racecourse this weekend.
Her top pet travel tips include:
Plan ahead for a pooch-friendly holidays
Research the area and accommodation you are staying in so you are aware of any rules around bringing pets, and what you will need to bring.
Make sure your pet’s vaccinations and heartworm prevention are up to date.
Be aware that you cannot take dogs to most national and state parks, so check first.
Buckle them up
“A big thing is car travel — make sure they’re harnessed and safe on the journey and don’t put them in the caravan,” Shannon said.
Check for hazards at your destination
“If you are camping near the coast, make sure there’s no bait that has been left around with hooks in it,” Shannon said.
“Check for broken glass around campgrounds and caravan parks. Keep dogs away from barbecue areas, because onions, fat drippings and food lying around can lead to pancreatitis.
“Watch out for snakes if there are lots of grasses. Check if there are ticks in the area.”
Keep your pet safe on site
Buy a long lead and attach it to a stake so your dog can still wander around.
Make sure your pet has enough shade and water.
“If your dog sleeps outside at night, really look to crate-training them,” Shannon said.
“I have heard of other dogs or wildlife coming and attacking them.
“The big thing is, don’t assume people are going to do the right thing with their dogs.”
Organise doggie daycare
“One of the big reasons people don’t take their pets away is they worry about getting to places like restaurants and national parks,” Shannon said.
“Increasingly there’s a number of websites where people can list pet-sitting or daycare services.
“Or ask the caravan park or accommodation for tips on people who provide daycare. Some caravan parks offer it as well, or some boarding kennels.
“Or talk to other people in the caravan parks and you may be able to share some doggie daycare around.”
MORE: BEST CARAVAN PARKS TO VISIT WITH YOUR DOG
VICTORIA’S BEST FREE CAMPING SITES
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Find Shannon and Darcy at the Paw Patch at Melbourne Leisurefest at 2.30pm and 3.45pm today, and noon, 12.30pm and 1.45pm tomorrow.
And there’s no need to leave your best friend at home if you head to Melbourne Leisurefest — dogs are welcome at the event, which showcases the latest in caravan and camping vehicles and accessories.
Melbourne Leisurefest runs from 9.30am-5pm today and 9.30am to 4pm on Sunday, at Sandown Racecourse.