Hate leaving your hound behind on holidays? Here's some good news

Aussies love their pets. Every three years, Animal Medicines Australia does a national survey and last year's results showed almost 69 per cent of Australian households include an animal. Thanks to an influx of pandemic pets that figure was an increase from a previously stable 61 per cent.

But what happens when we go away? Many pet owners no longer want to kennel their fur babies. A Stayz survey last year showed two million Australian holidaymakers were planning time away with their dogs. In the 12 months from March 2022, G'Day Parks has seen a 58 per cent increase in people booking with their pets.

It comes as no surprise to Shandos Cleaver, who's travelled across Australia in a campervan with her miniature dachshund, Schnitzel, and offers advice on her website, Travelnuity.

"I think there's always been a segment of the population that travels with their pets, but there are becoming a lot more options," says Cleaver. "There's an expectation these days that if people want to travel, at least in Australia, they should be allowed to take their pets."

Like many people, she suggests a road trip to introduce pets to vacay life.

"Most pets handle travel better than you'd expect," she says. "They just love spending all their time around you and living on the road."

Thankfully, the dilemma of finding accommodation that loves your pets as much as you do is changing rapidly. About 40 per cent of Stayz holiday homes are pet friendly. If you've got a camper, caravan or tent, it gets better.

Seventy-five per cent of BIG4 Holiday Parks welcome furry friends, as do 250 of G'day Parks' 300 holiday parks across the nation.

Plus, as head of G'day Parks David Smith says, many accommodation providers are not just allowing pets to stay, but offering features to make their stay enjoyable.

"Our Tathra Beachside property provides dog beds in cabins and also gives all dogs a blanket and bone on arrival," says Smith.

"Other properties have specific fenced-off sites that attach to caravanning lots with closed gates so dogs can stay outside, while we also include off-lead paddocks within some parks, dog stick exchanges and walking trails that are suitable for pets."

All of that is perfect for country stays and beach holidays, but even if you're hankering for an urban break, far more hotels are welcoming well-behaved mutts and, occasionally, perfectly purring pusses.

In March this year, Kane Robertson opened Quest Collingwood in one of Melbourne's coolest neighbourhoods.

"It's hard to put a number in terms of total bookings," says Robertson, "but I would say, on any given week, we would have six people checking in with their pets. That's a mixture of people who are staying for longer periods and people travelling for the weekend and bringing their pets with them."

On arrival, pet owners are given a little welcome bag: "It has a sticky roller, some poo bags, a bag of dog treats, a gift, and a special 'do not disturb' sign that lets cleaners know there's a pet in the room."

Many other hotel groups are making a fuss about your fuzzy buddy.

Ovolo Hotels was one of the first, with its V.I.Pooch package, which includes bedding, bowls, a treat bag and staff who can help with your dog when you need it.

QT Hotels & Resorts has the Pup Yeah! program that supplies designer beds and bowls, a pooch-friendly mini bar and in-room doggie dinner menu. Now, that's pawfect.

Dr Michael Yazbeck, veterinary director at Greencross Vets Campbelltown and Wetherill Park in western Sydney, offers his advice on prepping for a road trip.

"Get them accustomed to being in the car. Introduce them to a stationary car and give them treats so they make that positive association. Move the car a little bit in the driveway, do short trips then work up to a longer trip.

"Most important is having them secured in a safe way. That could be an appropriate crate or a car harness, so they're strapped into the seatbelts.

"Stop every couple of hours. They can go to the toilet and stretch their legs. It stops boredom and makes the trip a lot smoother.

"Some animals get carsick so organise feeding around the journey. Don't give them a big meal right before you go. Try a small one and a little bit during your stop. If it's not too long a trip, you can feed them when you get there."

There are many places to do research, from the Pet-Friendly Accommodation website to Facebook groups like Travel Australia With Dogs, but here are some of our favourite spots.

There are four pretty cottages at this Bawley Point retreat on the NSW South Coast, set in the bush and only three kilometres from the beach. Cats and dogs are welcome, although cats must stay inside to protect the birds and small marsupials on the property.

Bring the kids, the dog and even a friend for a stay by the Murray at Casa Magnolia, a luxury four-bedroom holiday house in Mildura. Take a paddle boat down the river, go for walks in the sunshine and relax with a glass of wine on the deck when the day is done.

Fancy an old-school stay? This three-star motel in Hobart has comfortable, well-appointed rooms, some of them open to hosting pets, all with views of Mount Wellington and the city.

Luxury Hotel X in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley offers a Fetch & Stay package. It includes a luxe pet bed, food and water bowls, clean-up bags, Hotel X pet bandana and dog-friendly mini bar.

Feel the good vibes at this Big4 park. As well as direct access to Tallow Beach, it has pet-friendly two-bedroom and studio cabins. Its powered and unpowered sites are suitable for small dogs.