With some States and Territories in Australia having closed their borders to non-essential travel due to COVID-19 has never been such a debated topic!
Especially so right now with Victorian school holidays commencing from June 27-July 12 (the same as Queensland) and New South Wales holidays from July 4 to July 19, many families would normally be travelling north to Queensland for winter break.
Our Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk will not confirm a date for borders opening and implores Queenslanders to create a “Queensland Travel Bubble” and encourages locals and others to embrace the idea of travel and holidaying within all of our own amazing State and Territories.
Recently restrictions have been lifted permitting Aussies to stay at Hotels, Motels, B&B’s and various other holiday accommodation, so right now is the time for property owners and managers to look at new ways to attract the locals!
Happiness is a day at the beach!
One such way is to become pet friendly! Many families that adopted a puppy or dog over the last few months will now be searching for places to stay that open their doors to the whole family, including the new furry family addition.
For new dog owners, they may be surprised to discover that finding a place that allows their cute pooch is a bit hit and miss! Many are a flat “no dogs allowed”, the ones that are dog friendly come with some or many restrictions such as “1 dog allowed”, “small dogs only”, “outside dogs only” and the list goes on. Though for experienced dog parents who would never dream of leaving their beloved pooch behind have already run this course and know what to look for in terms of “truly” dog friendly and have at least a couple of places they frequent and support on a regular basis.
Lindsay Cottage (Image Courtesy: Buderim Cottages)
One of these such “true” pet friendly places is Buderim Cottages, owned and managed by Janine and James Gordon, also proud parents to a couple of humans kids and a furry one, super cute Cavoodle “Shelby”. I asked Janine if she would mind answering a few questions for our readers!
Why did you decide to make your properties pet friendly?
I choose to because we have always owned dogs and understand they are a part of your family and how wonderful it is to be able to take them away on holiday with you. We also know how hard it is to find a good pet friendly property and so wanted to be able to offer that to other owners.
Over the years I have spoken to many property owner and managers that have chosen to go “no dogs allowed” due to concerns of property damage or toileting inside the house, have you found this an issue over the years?
In the 6 years that we have been running Buderim Cottages we have never had any damage (not due to dogs anyway!) To be honest I could count on less than one hand the incidents we have had concerning people not cleaning up after their dog but generally these have been the people that have not cleaned up after themselves either so not the fault of the dog.
That is wonderful to hear that you have had such success with renting your properties out to holiday makers with dogs and have not experienced any really issues. If you could offer advice to anyone thinking about becoming “pet friendly” what would that be?
So long as you have a fully fenced area I would absolutely recommend it. Some owners advertise their properties as pet friendly, but do not allow the dogs inside and do not have a secure outdoor area – this is not very pet friendly. I find a lot of the mid-large breed dogs are outside dogs anyway and don’t even come inside so not an issue and the owners of the inside dogs bring bedding and clean up after their dogs better than the parents of children. Being pet friendly can set you apart from other properties as well so can potentially bring in a lot more business. Be clear in your listing what is and isn’t allowed at your property so guests know before they arrive.
If you have decided to take the plunge and change your holiday rental to pet friendly you are even spoilt for choice with places to advertise such a Pet Friendly, Stayz, Holidaying with Dogs, Holiday Paws, Bring Fido, Home To Go and Dogs On Holidays to name just a few.
Pressplay Pets are super excited about the recent restrictions that have been lifted and to show our support for Queensland tourism and to encourage others to go on a holiday in their own State or Territory, we have booked our first dog friendly break for 2020!
Come on Australia! Now is the time to open your doors and Keep Australia Pet Friendly!
Leave footprints of love and kindness wherever you go……
If you know of a “truly” PAWsome pet friendly place in Australia OR you own or manager one, please let us know by commenting on this page! We would LOVE to know!
Author Bio: Nikki is pack leader at Pressplay Pets, a blog for the modern age pet parent interested in health & care, news, reviews & personal accounts of unconditional love & at times heartfelt pain of pet parenting. She is also proud mum to cute and cheeky Papillons ‘Amber’ and ‘Indy’!
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Pressplay Pets a blog for the modern age pet parent interested in health & care, news, reviews & personal accounts of unconditional love & at times heartfelt pain of pet parenting!
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Taking your dog on vacation can make the difference between a good vacation and a great vacation. Not to mention a great photo op!