24 Jan 2023
Words Christine Retschlag Informer 105

Camping Ruff

While other accommodation industry sectors seem to be slowly waking up to the pet-friendly trend, there’s one that has been ahead of the pack for years. Christine Retschlag pulls up a camp chair to dissect.

Caravan parks have traditionally provided the most pet-friendly accommodation options in the nation, according to Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO Stuart Lamont.

“Dogs are commonly welcome to join their family on holiday in caravan parks, albeit in most cases restricting the family to booking camp sites over cabins,” Lamont says.

“This has been changing over the years with more and more parks not only allowing (well-behaved) dogs inside cabins but also providing dog-specific amenities for their guests.

“Driven by ever-increasing consumer demand, there has been a definite shift across many sectors towards being more pet-friendly, including accommodation.”

Lamont says at the same time, caravan park services which cater for pets has also risen dramatically.

“You can now find a number of parks with designated off-leash areas, agility courses, hydro baths and even pet sitting services,” he says.

“Due to the rising number of four-legged travellers hitting the road, educational resources are also more readily available to keep your furry mates safe while on holiday, including our own ongoing Let’s Go video series, ‘Pet Passport’ featuring Vet in a Van, Dr Tanya. 

“All this means that now is the perfect time for you and your best friend to explore Australia together.”

Meanwhile Hipcamp – the world’s most comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays – introduced its ‘petfriendly’ website filter in December2021 and has discovered wild support for this specific feature. END

*Images courtesy of Kirra Beach Tourist Park and Hipcamp