VANNING WITH FIDO

 

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH LOVE AND CARE FUREVER

The lifting of COVID restrictions around Australia has meant caravans are being hitched and hundreds of people are either already on the road or preparing to do so. The forthcoming Christmas-New Year period will see even more on the road and many will be taking their most loved forever friend, the pooch, with them.

But their love and company comes with responsibility. John Westbury sniffs out top advice and first-hand experiences for safe and comfortable travels with our best friends.

With summer approaching the weather will become hot and, as Nerida Fearnley-Gill, spokesperson for Lort Smith Animal Hospital explains, there are several precautions you should bear in mind when travelling with your forever friends.

“We are all looking forward to rediscovering travel and enjoying a change of scenery after so many months of lockdown, and, that includes our dogs! For those of us looking to include our dogs in our travels, caravanning can be an ideal option, but, there
are some things to bear in mind before and during your travels with your dog.”

“Be mindful of others. You’ll be sharing the caravan park with many others, including others with dogs. Be sure to keep your dog under control at all times, stick to the rules of the caravan park and don’t forget to pick up your dog’s poo. Last of all, travel safely and have fun!” says Nerida.

Thank-you Nerida, that is great advice.

Lois, Andy & Charlie 

Now, we have two caravanners who travel with their furever friends. Firstly, we have Lois and Andy Atchison who travel with their cocker spaniel.

“We have been travelling with dogs for over 30 years, and although we are down to just one now, Charli, we couldn’t imagine leaving her behind. Charli is a cocker spaniel, a medium sized dog, who has been travelling with us since she was a puppy. She always knows when we are getting ready to head off again and will follow me back and forth to the van as I pack.

“We have always selected our sites based on whether dogs are allowed, but there has been the odd occasion where we have used doggy day-care so we can visit areas such as National Parks.

We have even had fellow campers offer to watch her after losing their own fur baby. When camp we tend to take her for several short walks a day and she loves these chances to explore. She is usually tied up when outside as she has been known to take herself exploring.

“She sleeps inside with us at night, usually taking up space on the end of the bed. Thankfully, if she needs to go out, she wakes my husband instead of me! She has no concerns with travelling in the car, in fact, she loves to stretch out across the backseat or look out the window even though harnessed. We love being able to travel with our fur baby, a lot of people approach us because of her, and we have never found travelling with an animal an inconvenience.”

Rick, Julieann & Abby

Rick and Julieann Smolenaars love travelling with Abby and would never leave her home.

“We have been travelling with our dog Abby for a few years now, whether it is camping out bush or in caravan parks, and, it is great to see more caravan parks accepting of dogs.

“They truly are part of our families. Mind you, camping with a dog you have to get used to your chair being taken in a flash and your bed not being solely yours, but hey, would you have it any other way?”

Thank you to our two caravan families for their input.

 

Fido-Friendly Travel Checklist

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

• Check where you are going permits dogs. Many caravan parks do, but not all. Call ahead to advise you’re bringing your pets so they can best accommodate your needs

• Find out the nearest emergency vet clinic in the area, just in case

• If your destination is in a tick-prone area, ensure your dog is adequately treated ahead of time

• Ask the caravan park for local doggie- daycare contacts for your day trips

ON THE ROAD

• Ensure there is enough space in your vehicle for your dog to be comfortable and safe while travelling

• Secure your dog with a car safety harness

• Make sure they have plenty of fresh air

• Stop for regular breaks so they can

stretch their legs and have a drink

WHAT TO PACK

• Having their usual bedding, blanket, toys and so on will help them settle in on holiday

• Be sure to pack enough food for them, and remember their bowls, and leads

• Pack plenty of poo bags

• Remember any medication they might be on

• Other items may include dog towels and portable dog enclosures

— Nerida Fearnley-Gill

Dr David Cunliffe, Lort Smith Head of Hospital, says “Lort Smith refreshed its look to signal the start of our exciting future.

“Not only are we expanding to a new second site in Campbellfield, but we’re also commencing a redevelopment of our original North Melbourne animal hospital. Although some things are changing, our mission remains the same: to improve the health and happiness of animals and the people that care for them.”

We are continuing to do this every day through:

  • Animal Hospital and Vet Clinic services where we treat more than 25,000 animals each year
  • Adoption Centre by providing sanctuary, rehabilitation, welfare and a new home for surrendered pets
  • Care for the community through our numerous outreach programs including pet therapy and emergency welfare assistance“But with growth comes responsibility. Responsibility for even more animals and people in our community. That’s why
    we have launched our 2021 Christmas Appeal,’’ he added.
    If you can help our furry friends at their 2021 Christmas appeal, you can do so by going to their web site at: www.lortsmith.com.au