You’re planning your next weekend getaway or holiday, but what about your dog or cat? Have you thought about bringing your pet with you on your holiday? If so, you’ll need to find pet friendly accommodation. These are some of the top options for accommodation if you’re planning a holiday with your pets.
Hotels, Apartments, and Motels
While many hotels do not accept pets, you might be able to find a few hotels that do, or pet friendly Sydney holiday apartments and pet friendly apartments and motels in other cities and areas of Australia. These will tend to suit smaller pets, as the space in motels and apartments may be relatively smaller when compared with other types of pet friendly options.
The smaller spaces offer by motels and apartments may be a potential disadvantage if you’re looking for spacious accommodation. There is a variety of things to think about when staying at apartments and motels with a pet. For example, what are their policies on damaged furniture?
You could find it useful to check any rules the proprietors might have about how many animals you can have with you, and for any restrictions on the type of animals you may bring to the premise.
A dog might be acceptable for the motel, but the owners might prohibit more exotic types of pets such as snakes or other reptiles. The hotel or motel might charge an extra day fee for each pet, and you may need to pay a refundable deposit to cover potential damage.
Camping Grounds
Camping grounds, reserves, holiday parks, and caravan parks are excellent options for pet friendly accommodation. Dogs will enjoy the open space and the sense of adventure.
However, keep in mind that many parks do prohibit pets such as dogs, possibly because of the threat to native wildlife. Always check beforehand to avoid being turned away because of your dog and having to find accommodation last minute.
If dogs are permitted, do check the reserve’s rules and recommendations for pets. There may be unsafe areas (for example, those populated by snakes) that you should avoid letting your dog roam in.
Cottages and Lodges
Many farms, cottages, and lodges welcome families with pets to stay. These can be wonderful options for a rural holiday where you’re able to get close to nature and the wildlife without compromising on amenities.
These may be self-contained, shared, or perhaps run by the owners like bed-and-breakfasts. Again, as with any pet friendly place, you should always check their rules about pets in advance, or give them a call before booking to find out if there are any particular restrictions or rules on pets.
House Swaps
While house swaps are relatively less common, they can be a good way to access pet friendly accommodation. A major advantage of house swaps is that they usually offer free accommodation, as long as you’re able to offer your own house in exchange.
However, a house swap may not be for you if you’re worried about damage in your own home. A written agreement or rules that outlines what is permitted for pets is good idea for clarifying what’s appropriate for both parties in the swap.
Booking Your Accommodation
The main thing to remember when booking pet friendly accommodation is to find out if the place has any specific rules relating to the number or the size of your pets. Don’t take it for granted that they will be happy to accept all five of your dogs.
It’s also useful at this stage to check that you have insurance for your pet. For pet insurance, Australia has some excellent insurers, and it’s a good idea to compare packages and finalise your insurance before you go on your trip.
