Travelling with our Dogs is a Privilege we shouldn’t take for granted.
I’ve been travelling with Gordo since he was 5 months old, staying at friends, motels, AirBNBs or… in our tent.
To be able to travel has always been a privilege and one I’ve never taken for granted. Now, to be able to travel with Gordo is even more so, as finding places that are dog friendly is a greater privilege.
I’ve taken the time to speak with business owners and have heard everything from the horror stories through to their favourite clients, this is both with and without dogs. This is why I consider it a privilege to be able to take Gordo with me.
My top tips…
Have a travel kit that includes their favourite chews, food, bowls, blankets and bed (if you have space in the car), spare towels for those rainy or swimming days and some extra goodies just in case they don’t like eating whilst travelling.
I always ensure I have spare blankets to put on the bed or couches, just in case he gets sneaky whilst I’m asleep. Even though I’m lucky as he hardly sheds any hair and somehow goes from extra muddy to clean on the drive home.
When I arrive at a location I ensure to find out where I can toilet him and head for a sniffy walk, often he likes to meet the hosts or front desk team and always susses out if there are kids who’ll throw his ball for him.
One last key thing that I do is to ensure I send a message through introducing Gordo, letting them know he’s well travelled and that he likes to be ignored, it often opens up a conversation and I really enjoy finding out more from the hosts on their preferences.
Most pet friendly locations will also have a page in their welcome pack outlining their expectations and I will always adhere to that, to ensure we keep having wonderful places to go with our dogs.
The last place I stayed at was an Airbnb in Karitane and it was just magical! The ocean roared all night, the fire kept us toasty warm, the hosts were excited as they had a Kelpie before their current dog and she even brought me the original book ‘Red Dog’ to read whilst I was there. The following morning I had many on lead walks up the driveway to see the sheep… as Gordo kept telling me he needed the bathroom… he didn’t!
Have you travelled with your dogs and what tips do you have to add to the list?
Snacks… thanks to Topflite Hound - https://topflitehound.co.nz/
Bed… thanks to EZYDog - https://ezydog.co.nz/products/2in1-ortho-smart-bed
Our amazing Airbnb in Karitane, New Zealand
Some side eye on why is she taking yet another photo of me… If you’d like to view the Airbnb, please do so here.
