Many Australians are following a worldwide trend by taking their pets on holiday - after all, they are part of the family.The Petcare Information and Advisory Service (PIAS) agrees it can be quite beneficial for both pets and people to enjoy spending time away from home together.
'People are now recognising pets can adapt well to travel and there are more options for those who wish to take their four-legged friends along with them on holiday,' Susie Chaseling from PIAS says.
It's important to decide on an appropriate destination if you plan to pack the pooch when you take off this Easter. Here's our guide to some of Australia's best pet holiday locations.
Pet friendly town - Port Macquarie
Greater Port Macquarie in northern New South Wales is a pet-friendly paradise. You can choose from eight beaches and walks - begin at Oxley Beach, which has a track to historic Windmill Hill Lookout. Local dog owners recommend Nobbys Beach, which has a leash-free walking track.
Finding a cafe that will welcome your hound can be difficult but the Surfside Cafe at Lighthouse Beach will greet your pets by name and serve them some water.
For panoramic views, head to the Little Fish Cafe, Innes Lake Vineyards for an alfresco lunch. On Easter Sunday, be part of the fun at the annual duck race, held at Kooloonburg Creek. The event is scheduled to begin around 1.30pm, depending on the tides.
There are 10 pet-friendly places to stay in the Greater Port Macquarie area, from an array of caravan parks to self-contained holiday units.
Five star city stays
In Sydney, the award-winning Observatory Hotel (above) has welcomed small pets as their 'guests' for years at an extra cost.
The Hilton Brisbane and Hilton Adelaide have just rolled out the red carpet for pampered pooches, fabulous felines and their owners. The Hilton chain has a global policy allowing guests to bring their furry friends. These are the first Hilton hotels in Australia to implement this concept.
Ian Horne, general manager of the Australian Hotels Association, says: 'From a marketing perspective, it's very clever. I can't imagine every hotel opening their doors to pets. But for people who hate leaving their animals and can afford to be indulgent, this is a wonderful option.'
However, conditions apply: animals must weigh less than 34kg. It will cost guests an extra $90 per stay, including a bowl, bed and tasty treats for the animal. There will also be a security deposit of $500.
Wine country
If acres of green fields combined with beautiful coastline is your idea of a fabulous holiday then Redgate Farmstay might be just the ticket for you. Located in the Margaret River wine region of WA, this is a lauded retreat for the whole family, including the four-legged members. There are six family and couple-friendly self-contained cottages, some with corner spas and log fires.
You can leave your hound safely fenced in the shade of your veranda while you explore renowned local wineries in the beautifully forested area. The farm has a large paddock where dogs and even horses can be exercised.
Five star kennels and catteries
lIf you must leave your pet behind, give them the best in creature comforts. They'll have a holiday of their own at one of Australia's premier kennels or catteries.
Hanrob offers first class pet boarding in Sydney. Cats stay in a beautiful indoor cattery called the Feline Inn with a large outdoor garden atrium, and dogs have a spacious outdoor run.
The luxury suites offer television, your choice of music and the finest in decor, including lovely printed wall decorations and wallpaper borders. You can choose to leave your furry friends either at a centre in southern suburban Sydney or the super convenient airport location, aptly named Park, Bark & Purr.
Send your mollycoddled moggy to Cat Utopia and Spa. The centre offers a host of accessories and activities to guarantee a truly pampered and relaxed cat. Those wanting to really spoil their pet can opt for one of the Utopia suites where cats are treated to heated flooring, ducted air conditioning, personal TV screens, ramps, toys and scratching posts. Extras include cat-ercise, catnip pillows and cat grooming where your feline friend can be pampered with a hydro massage bath.
Tips for travelling with pets
Make sure your pet is wearing identification so you can be contacted easily wherever you are. Putting your mobile phone number on your pet's tag is a good option.
Remember to pack for your pet. It's a good idea to bring a portable bowl, favourite toys or familiar blankets and a supply of special treats.
Take a harness or carrier box because there may be times when you need to secure your pet within the vehicle.
Dogs love the wind from a moving car's open window, but this can be unsafe. It's much better to keep the dog inside the car and let it out to enjoy the fresh air once you reach your destination.
It's a good idea to bring along a simple pet first-aid kit containing bandages, antiseptic cream and tweezers to remove foreign objects from fur and pet travel medication.
Pets Yahoo!7 lifestyle
