Your best buddy wants to go caravanning with you, too. Don’t leave him with a family member, pet-sitter, or boarding kennel – let him come with you. There are so many adventures you can share together that you’ll remember forever!
While travelling with your pet may not be as easy as letting him jump into the car with you and away you go, it’s something that’s becoming more accessible as more and more parks and sites open their arms to your furry friends.
Of course, as well as finding pet-friendly places to stay, you need to take into account your buddy’s needs. Just like you he needs to eat, drink plenty of water, have some exercise and be allowed out to do his business — perhaps a little more often than you.
Did you know that there is a whole community of people across Australia who travel with their pets, recommend pet-friendly caravan parks and camping sites, and share their adventures with one another while offering their own anecdotal tips and advice?
To help you on your journey, I’ve scoured through reams of helpful advice that other travellers wish they’d known before setting out and would like to share with you the top five pieces of advice that was repeated quite often.
#1 – Bring plenty of poop baggies!
The general consensus is that you will need more than you think, so stock up! Don’t be that one camper that leaves your mate’s droppings unattended.
#2 – When arriving at a new site, take him for a walk around the area.
This helps familiarise your best buddy with his new location and will allow him to feel at ease. Remember that this is his holiday too and he doesn’t want to feel anxious. 😊
#3 – Take plenty of his food.
Depending on how long you’re going to be travelling for, make sure you pack plenty of his favourite food. If you run out while on the road, it’s possible you won’t be able to buy more of it if it’s out of stock or unavailable.
#4 – Pack him his own suitcase!
Does he have a favourite blanket or preferred comfort item? Make sure you pack it! Toys, treats, his leash, muzzle, harness, anything you think he might need. After all, it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
#5 – Make sure you have a restraint for him while travelling.
In most Australian states it’s required by law that your dog be restrained safely in your car; make sure you have all you need to keep him safe and secured while travelling.
And a bonus tip:
Bring his medical information and any vaccination history. If you need to stop by a vet for any reason, you’ll have all of his information handy and at the ready – also: if you find something you’d like to do or see that’s not pet-friendly, having his vaccination history handy will make finding a doggy daycare that much easier. 😊
Hopefully with these tips in mind, you and your best mate will have a fantastic trip on the road and share many adventures together!
