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There’s nothing quite like packing the car for a few days away. Except, perhaps, when there’s a wagging tail waiting by the door to come along too.
Taking your pet on holiday means no organising a sitter, no wondering how they’re getting on back home and, most importantly, getting to share the adventure with them. Think morning walks along the beach, new trails to sniff out, afternoons beside the river and a tired, content pup curling up at your feet after a big day exploring with their favourite people.
But travelling with dogs and other pets does take a little extra planning.
From finding the right pet-friendly accommodation to working out where you can explore together, a little research before you leave can make things much easier once you’re on the road.
So, before you pack the lead and their favourite bed, read on for a few things worth considering before you hit the road.
Check what ‘pet-friendly’ means before you book
Not all pet-friendly accommodation works the same way.
Some holiday parks welcome pets on powered and unpowered sites but not in cabins. Others have select pet-friendly cabins or villas. There may also be limits on how many pets can stay with you, where they’re allowed within the park and whether they can be left unattended. Some parks only allow pets during less busy periods of the year.
And while dogs are the most common travelling companions, they’re not the only ones hitting the road. If you’re travelling with a cat, bird or another type of pet, don’t assume the same rules apply.
Our tip? Always contact the park before you book.
If you’re travelling with a pet, give the park a call and let the team know who’s coming along, how many pets you’re bringing and whether you’re looking for a site or cabin. They can talk you through the current pet policy, any additional fees and help you find the right pet-friendly accommodation for your stay.
Planning a holiday with your dog at a Hampshire Holidays pet-friendly park? Our parks ask guests to call directly to book a pet-friendly stay. It gives the team a chance to make sure everything is suitable for you and your pet before you arrive. And even if you’ve stayed before, it’s always worth checking in, as pet policies, availability and restrictions can change.
Choosing a dog-friendly destination you can explore together
Finding dog-friendly accommodation is only half the job. A great pet-friendly holiday should give you plenty of things to do together once you arrive.
Before choosing a destination, have a look at what’s nearby. Are there dog-friendly beaches for morning walks? Riverside paths to wander? Off-leash areas where they can burn off some energy? What about cafés, pubs or restaurants with outdoor areas where dogs are welcome?
Think about your dog, too. A water-loving dog might be happiest with a beach or river nearby. An energetic pup may appreciate long walks and somewhere to run off lead, while an older dog might prefer shorter strolls and a shady spot to settle in beside you.
The NSW South Coast is a good example of how easy it can be to build a getaway around time outside together. From beaches and coastal walks to outdoor dining, there are plenty of places to explore with your four-legged traveller. If Batemans Bay is on your radar, discover five pet-friendly things to do around Batemans Bay.
Wherever you’re heading, check the latest local rules before setting off. Dog access, off-leash areas and seasonal restrictions can vary between beaches, parks and reserves.
Look for pet-friendly facilities that make holidays easier
Being allowed through the gate is a good start. Having a few thoughtful pet-friendly facilities waiting when you arrive can make travelling with your dog much easier.
After a few hours in the car, somewhere to stretch their legs can be particularly welcome. Mackay Caravan Park and BIG4 Wallaga Lake Holiday Park, for example, have dedicated dog exercise areas where four-legged guests can enjoy some time off lead.
Other facilities worth looking for might include secure yards or fenced accommodation, shady outdoor areas, easy access to walking spots or somewhere to wash off sandy or muddy paws.
It’s also worth thinking about what your pet will do when they can’t come along.
At BIG4 Opal Holiday Park in Lightning Ridge, guests can arrange for their dogs to be looked after in secure yards while they head out to enjoy local tours and attractions where pets aren’t permitted. It means you can still make the most of the experiences that brought you to Lightning Ridge, knowing your dog is being looked after nearby.
If a particular pet-friendly facility or service is important to your holiday, check with the park before booking to confirm what’s available.
Plan for the places your pet can’t go
Pet-friendly accommodation doesn’t necessarily mean everything around your destination is pet-friendly too.
This is particularly important if national parks, wildlife experiences, museums or organised tours are on your itinerary. Many attractions and protected natural areas have restrictions on domestic animals, even when they’re on a lead.
Before you leave home, work out which experiences you can enjoy together and which ones will need another plan.
That might mean using a pet-minding service where one is available, finding a local doggy daycare, choosing an alternative dog-friendly activity or simply taking turns exploring while someone stays with your pet.
A little research here can save a lot of reshuffling once you arrive.
Travelling with dogs? Make the road trip easier
For many pet-friendly holidays, the adventure starts when everyone piles into the car.
Plan regular stops on longer journeys so your dog can have a drink, stretch their legs and take a toilet break. Keep fresh water somewhere easy to reach rather than packed underneath everything else, and make sure your pet is safely secured while the vehicle is moving.
If you’re heading off on a longer road trip, it’s worth finding suitable places to stop before you leave. A shady rest area and a short walk can make the next stretch of driving more comfortable for everyone.
And no matter how quick you think the stop will be, avoid leaving your pet unattended in a parked vehicle, particularly in warm weather.
What to pack when travelling with your dog
You’re not the only one who needs a bag for the holiday.
Bringing a few familiar things from home can help your dog settle into somewhere new, while having the basics close at hand makes road-trip stops and days out much easier.
A good dog holiday packing list might include:
- their usual food and treats
- food and water bowls
- lead, harness and collar with current identification
- bedding or a familiar blanket
- a favourite toy
- waste bags
- towels for sandy or muddy paws
- any medication they need
- relevant health or vaccination information
- plenty of fresh water for the journey.
It’s also worth saving the details of a local vet near your destination, particularly if you’re heading somewhere remote or staying for more than a few days.
Finding the right pet-friendly accommodation
Whether you’re dreaming of long walks by the beach, mornings beside a river or a road trip somewhere completely different, there are Hampshire parks where your four-legged traveller can come along too.
Depending on the park, pets may be welcome on camping and caravan sites, while selected parks also offer pet-friendly cabins and other dog-friendly accommodation.
The important thing is to find a stay that works for your holiday. If you’re camping, perhaps you need a shady powered site and somewhere nearby for morning walks. If you’re booking a cabin, you’ll want to know exactly where your pet is allowed. And if you’ve got two dogs, a cat or another travelling companion, you’ll need to check that they can come too.
Because pet policies and accommodation options vary between parks, always check the individual park information and contact the team before booking.
Find pet-friendly holiday parks for your next getaway.
Pack the lead and Go Explore
A great pet-friendly holiday doesn’t need to be complicated. Check the rules before you book, choose somewhere you’ll both enjoy and leave a little room in the itinerary for the things you can discover together.
Maybe that’s an early walk along the beach, a new trail, an afternoon beside the river or simply finding a shady spot to sit after a day on the road.
Pack their favourite things, load up the car and Go Explore.
After all, some of the best getaways are the ones where no one has to stay behind.