How to plan a pet-friendly getaway
Meet Frank, one of the Stayz reviewers.
When it comes to holidaying with a pet, Australians are stumped.
While 45 per cent of owners say they want their pets to enjoy the next holiday with them, nearly 60 per cent of Australians find that accommodation isn’t normally pet-friendly.
• Is this the world’s most adorable octopus?
• Orangutans taken to school in wheelbarrows
With most households owning a pet, this can be a serious barrier for people when deciding on where to holiday.
Celebrity vet Dr Katrina Warren says owners are worried that accommodation isn’t appropriate and often has a strict no-pets policy.
“Our pets play such an important role in the family dynamic but they’re often left out when it comes to holidays,” Dr Warren said.
But holiday rentals as opposed to hotels and motels provide a solution to this problem.
Stayz rental website has employed some very discernible canines to make sure the whole family can enjoy the next vacation.
Meet Frank, one of the Stayz reviewers.
Their new ‘Pawz’ department is dedicated to finding and reviewing accommodation to ensure it is pet-friendly so that our four-legged loved ones aren’t left behind.
While some people may find their holiday a little less of a holiday with a cheeky dog or cat in the house, one in four Australians believe their pet to be as important as children and are keen to make sure their pets get to join in the fun.
Dr. Katrina’s top tips for travelling with pets:
1. Travel with home comforts for your pets such as their own bed, toys or favourite treats to help them settle into their holiday home quickly.
2. On arrival, spend a little time walking your dog on a lead around the various rooms and outdoor spaces while you explore the new area. They’ll soon become comfortable with their new surroundings.
3. Before you leave home, check that your pet’s microchip details are up to date and they are wearing an ID tag with a contact number to ensure you’re swiftly reunited in case they go walkies.
4. If you are travelling to a coastal destination, phone ahead to the local vet at your destination and ask if paralysis ticks are prevalent in the area. Paralysis ticks are deadly and you need to start preventative treatment prior to departing for your holiday.
5. When travelling in a car, be sure to have cats and small dogs confined in a crate and large dogs harnessed. This prevents them from becoming flying missiles, should you have an accident.