After reading all that I have decided not to get another dog.lol

 Totally agree with Rip and Rosie.

 Hollysurly may be a seasoned airline traveller in the United Kingdom but a lot of her comments are not really applicable to Australia and touring via van/motorhome.

As Rip and Rosie said it is the same as having the dog at home except they should not roam free like they do in their own backyard.  The only "extra" we do when on the road is increase the dosage of the flea/tick treatment particularly if on the Eastern Seaboard.

The only health certificate above the usual vaccinations, that I am aware of, is for the treatment for Hydatid Tapeworm 14 days before entering Tasmania.

 

-- Edited by Ron and Shirley on Sunday 10th of June 2012 11:27:30 AM

Its not hard Gerty, basically just put them in the car and go, but you need to pack for them, as they need some "stuff" along the way.

They need to be well behaved- but that's nothing in addition to what you would expect for them at home.

They have health needs -like vaccinations- and need to be excercised, be microchipped and have a collar with their name on it, but need it all at home too. You don't "need a health certificate issued within 10 days of your trip".

You have to have a poo bag in your pocket during walk- same as always, but you can live without a "pooperscooper".

Lots of "extras" you can buy for them if you want, like pet runs and crates etc, but they aren't essential.

I think the tone of the original post made it seem complicated to travel with dogs, but its really just not a lot more than you need to do for them at home anyway.

I will say though, that having some restriction on where you can go with a dog can be a bit restrictive these days.

So saying, you can have the pleasure of the dog's company for the trip and find occasional doggy-daycare, or travel alone. It's a choice thing.

If our boys are not welcome we don't go there

I dont think I could go anywhere without the dogs. They are a big part of the family and our constant companions. We had to leave them home the other day and the boy just looked at me and dropped his tail and ears and had a very sad look on his face when I told him he couldn't come, and then to my surprise his eyes filled with tears. You may say I am week but how could I leave him, so I told him he could come the change in expression and the excitement both he and our girl showed as he ran to the car and she danced and spun in circles. It just proved they do have emotions and it doesnt take much to make them happy.

They are different when it comes to travelling though. He doesnt want to miss anything and spends his time looking out the window while the girl finds a comfy bed and sleeps waking every so often to check if we are there yet.

 

It's a life style choice.

Me ?


I pick my pups when I travel.............................when I'm old and alone I'll see the other stuff


p.s.
your stress levels drop with a cat (or a dog) on your lap

Interesting comments on this subject.  6 yrs ago we travelled to WA from Vic with 2 G/Sheps.  One near 12yrs old the other about 18mths.  We had a ball with them and no problems.  The older one died of old age and the young one at the time of a twisted bowel last yr which was heart breaking as we were coming back across the Nullabor when it happened.  We now have a 10 mth old Shep pup who is with us in Alice Springs at the moment.  He is obediently and socially trained and is a joy amongst the other campers who are quite surprised to see someone travelling around with such a large dog.  We would not be without a pet and if C/Van parks don't take dogs well they don't get our business.  Enjoy your pets and stuff those who don't.