Your pets are a part of your family, so it makes sense you want them to join you on your adventures. But what things do you need to consider when planning a trip with your fur babies? We’ve got some great tips for caravan travelling with dogs in Australia.
Pet Safety Matters When Road Tripping in Australia
Firstly, you want to keep your pet safe and healthy – so make sure you have a proper restraint in the vehicle for them when caravanning with dogs. If they’re travelling in the cab of the vehicle with you, make sure they are harnessed into a seat belt point or secured within a crate. Or if they prefer the wind in their fur and travelling in the back of your ute, make sure they are kept safe. The safest way is to ensure that they are transported in an enclosed cage. These provide shelter from the elements and need to be securely tethered to your vehicle.
Where Can You Travel With Your Dog In Australia?
You’re on the road – but where should you go? Many caravan parks are now pet friendly – but best to check with the park before booking in as sometimes they may have restrictions such as size or number of pets or other conditions restricting when pets are allowed eg: outside of school holidays only.
Beach and bush camping with your pooch are also a great options too – especially if they love to swim.
What about State Forests and National Parks? While (most) National Parks are a no-go zone, many State Forests welcome our fur-babies! The Department of Environment and Science has a great list of potential adventure sites for you to enjoy. Alternatively, some camp sites close to National Parks have pet minding or kennel services available. Check out Sandstone Park near Carnarvon Gorge for a pet friendly park!
And one of our personal favourites…. outback pubs! Many outback pubs have camping on-site or nearby and allow you to bring your pets out for a beer! We highly recommend Nindigully Pub – if you haven’t been there before what are you waiting for?!
Doggy Ettiquette While Camping
You’ve found a pet friendly camp…..but how do you ensure you keep your pooch restrained and well-behaved? Well, there are many options available – and may depend on the size of your dog and/or their temperament:
- More and more often we are seeing pet enclosures being used. These are a simple fence around your campsite area which allows your pet to move freely about – you can buy them online or from places like Bunnings
- Alternatively, you can tether your dog to your van or camper – but be mindful that dogs tend to get tangled around tent and awning poles
- Invisible fences are another option you could consider – some people prefer them as they are less cumbersome to pack and don’t create a visual or physical barrier for humans
- If your dog is reactive, please be mindful of your proximity to other campers and facilities. We’re all out there to enjoy the peace and quiet of the great outdoors so showing courtesy for your fellow campers makes the experience more enjoyable for all of us!
Don’t forget to be a responsible pet owner while travelling, and yes we are referring to picking up after your cat, dog or bird. This includes their poop, but something many people often forget is their food, as some pets have special dietary requirements.
When You Can’t Take Your Pooch
Looking to visit other tourist attractions that might not allow you to bring your pet? You might want to consider finding a doggy daycare or kennel that can babysit for the day. Most towns offer some sort of pet minding service – and your local caravan park should be able to point you in the right direction. Alternatively, you may find another friendly camper that might offer to look after your pet – and if they are travelling with their own pet, it’s always good form to reciprocate the offer.
Something else to consider is whether your furry friend’s vaccinations and tick and flea treatments are up to date. Pet minders and kennels will require confirmation that they are, so make sure you have a copy of your pet’s certificates handy.
What to Pack For Your Pet
And don’t forget to pack your dog’s bag too – they’ll need their favourite toys, bed, treats, water bowl, food and poop bags – and maybe even a funky holiday bandana! Caravan and camping without our dogs just isn’t the same – so now you have no excuse to not bring them along on your next adventure.