Family holidays can be enjoyed together in the great outdoors by camping and caravanning. Many people are afraid to let go of their pets, which is what holds them back from exploring the open roads.
Australia has many camping and caravan sites that are pet-friendly. This blog will discuss what to do when you plan to take your pet on a caravanning trip.
Are You Ready to Let Your Pet Go? Or do you choose to go and have your adventures with them?
You should take the time to learn as much about your pet as possible before you decide to go camping with them. Do you know your pet well? These are the questions that you need to ask to help you decide if your pet is safe and best suited to go on holiday with you in a caravan.
Is your pet suffering from motion sickness?
Many cats and dogs can get car sick, just as some people do. It’s a good idea for you to take your pet on a short practice drive before taking them on long road trips. This will allow you to observe their behavior. To reduce car sickness, you will need to have a plan for how to help your pet friends.
Does your pet have anxiety when traveling?
Anxious animals who are prone to separation anxiety, anguish over routine changes, or worry when they’re away from their home or around strangers won’t be able to travel well. It can be stressful for everyone involved to take a pet with severe anxiety on a caravan vacation. You might consider having someone you trust to care for them while they are away.
Is your pet allowed to be walked on a leash?
Camping is a new and exciting environment. Your pet must be on a leash in order to go for ‘walkies’. This will cause problems if you don’t have a good training system for your dog or cat to walk on a leash.
Is your pet friendly with other pets?
You will likely be staying in a caravan park that is pet-friendly. This will cause problems if your dog is aggressive or protective of other animals and people they don’t know.
Are your pets obedient?
Do they respond immediately to voice commands? Is your pet obedient when you call them? Your pet can be tempted by the smells of a nearby barbecue, water bodies to jump into, and other animals to chase or play with. Your pet could be ejected like a bottle rocket if a family member leaves the enclosure door or enclosure door unlocked or loses a leash. To ensure their safety and that of others, your furry friend must be able to respond to verbal commands.
Planning To Take Your Pet On A Caravan Holiday
These suggestions will help you create a detailed packing checklist and trip plan before your departure to make sure you are prepared for everything you need to keep your pet happy and safe while you’re away.
- Make sure your pet has been vaccinated and dewormed. Also, ensure that their microchip information and registration are current. In case your pet needs to be kenneled, keep a copy of their immunization records in your glovebox.
- Make sure you have several harnesses, leads, and information for your pet.
- Make sure you have all the equipment necessary to transport your pet safely between destinations. Small dogs and cats should be transported in a carrier that has a blanket on it. This will keep them calm and darkened. A car restraint is necessary for larger dogs. A 30kg dog in the back seat can quickly become a missile when the car stops abruptly. To keep everyone safe, you should consider fitting a cargo barrier or dog car harness to your vehicle.
- You should bring your pet’s medications, personal care items, and grooming equipment, as well as plenty of toys and blankets, to help reduce anxiety and keep them happy.
- You may not have the ability to purchase supplies in remote or rural areas. Make sure you bring enough pet food and treats for the whole trip.
- You should have a litter box for cats and a litterbox for dogs. Also, you need a dog poop bag and a dog scooper for dogs. These items should be easily accessible in your vehicle, wallet, caravan, or handbag. You must pick up after your pet. The harmful parasites in cat and dog feces can cause injury or death to native wildlife.
- Your caravan can be used as a temporary home for your pet. You will need to provide a place for your pet to sleep, water, food, and shelter. The caravan has the perfect built-in pet zone.
- Make sure you research destinations that are pet-friendly. Many Australian caravan parks and camping sites allow pets to be well-behaved. For those who want to venture a little further afield with their four-legged friends, there are State Parks that allow dogs. To find out about any restrictions or camping rules that might apply to your pet, visit the site or contact management at the places you are planning to visit. These restrictions can change during peak seasons and school holidays, so double-check.
- You can’t leave your pet unattended in caravan parks as they could disturb the peace and tranquillity of other holidaymakers. If you plan to take your pet to any local attractions or attend events that aren’t dog friendly, you need to make sure they are safe and happy. You could partner with other campers to offer pet-sitting in return for them taking care of your pet. Another option is to hire a pet sitter in your area or book your cat or dog into a local cattery or kennel for the day. You may not find pet supervision services in every location. Make sure you check before you leave.
Last Thoughts
It is not hard to admit that pets can become overwhelmed by all the sights, sounds, creatures, people, and smells they experience on camping or caravanning trips. If you plan well, your pet will enjoy holidaying as much as the rest.
You should make frequent stops on long journeys to give your pet the opportunity to go to the bathroom, take a break from their routine and walk with a leash.
Be respectful of the rules wherever you travel. Respect the space and don’t let your pet become a nuisance.
For their safety, and for the protection of others and wildlife nearby, keep your pet on a leash and under control. Any dog feces should be picked up immediately.
Check out our selection of pet-friendly caravan models at the nearest Apache Caravans
