Your dog is as much a part of your family as anybody else and they love the great outdoors. So it’s only natural that you’d want to take
them camping with you. But in Australia camping and dogs don’t always mix, especially if you intend on visiting one of our National Parks.
Domestic dogs are banned from all National Parks in Australia for a number of reasons, including the risk of spreading disease. But that
doesn’t mean you can’t take your dog camping. It just means you have to avoid certain areas. You will be pleased to know that sodogs a
more than welcome in some conservation parks, State forests and recreation areas.
If you do intend to take your dog camping, you need to take a few precautions.
So here are five travel tips for safe camping with your dog:
Taking your dog to an unfamiliar area can increase their stress levels. This may cause them to act erratically and it's not uncommon to have family pets run off for no reason. So it's a good idea to make sure your dog is microchipped. Microchipping is mandatory in most Australian states including New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. So if you are visiting any of these states you should certainly get your dog chipped.
It is rare that you will need a vet, but you never know. So it’s advisable to find out where the nearest vet is to your campsite. Most campsites and caravan parks in Australia should be able to provide this information for you. But if they can’t, a quick search online should provide you with several local options. A word of warning, don’t leave this until the last minute. Do it before you set-off.
You should also ensure that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. It is rare but some states may request that you provide proof that your dog is vaccinated. In this case, it’s a good idea to have a print out from your vet showing which vaccinations your dog has had and when they were applied.
Dogs love to explore, but this can be dangerous for both them and others when they are in an unfamiliar area. So never let your dog wander out of sight. Some campsites also insist that you keep your dog on a leash at all times. So you may want to invest in a long dog leash so they can sit outside and run around comfortably.
It goes without saying but you should always CLEAN UP after your dog. Dog faeces carry many diseases which may spread into the native animal
population. And don’t forget you are sharing the campsite with others, especially children. So be a responsible dog owner and make sure you
take plenty of poo bags with you.
Your dog is a great companion and they will enjoy a camping holiday as much as you will. In fact, having your dog with you will make the
experience all that much more enjoyable. So don’t be discouraged about taking your dog camping. Just make sure you avoid the National Parks
and follow the above tips and you should be fine.
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