The big sad eyes. The heart-wrenching wimpers. For many dog owners, even going away for a few days can feel like they are neglecting their loyal companion.
So it's no wonder that so many grey nomads can be seen with their good boy or girl (or even, on occasion, beloved cat, rabbit or hamster) as they travel around Australia.
Of course, not every pet is a pooch; some grey nomads bring their cat (or even, on occasion, budgie, rabbit or hamster).
But dogs are called man's best friend for a reason. Besides being unconditionally loving on the road, dogs can lift your mood, improve your mental health and help you make friends. More than likely you'll connect with other dog-loving travellers.
Scroll down for top tips for travelling with pets ...
Jim Jenkins, of Orange, could be one of them. The retired journalist and his 12-year-old West Highland terrier, Gus, are veterans of the road.
Having returned from an epic two-year, 24,000 kilometre circumnavigation of Australia in 2022, they are now off again.
They're undertaking an eight-month expedition, taking in McLaren Vale, Coober Pedy, Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, outback Queensland, Broken Hill and more.
While he wouldn't be without Gus for quids, Jim said having a dog means doing your homework.
"Having a dog does limit what you can do. There are lots of places that are great, but the main issue is national parks you can't go to," Jim said.
"So you need to think ahead, for example dog sitting or kennels, if you want to actually go to a national park for any length of time."
He said that in popular areas, these can be packed, having been booked months in advance. The same goes for grooming.
Jim said found it frustrating that many private campgrounds, beaches, restaurants don't allow pets.
He said many town beaches and waterfronts are no-dog areas, meaning you might have take Fido some distance for walkies or an off-leash romp.
Attitudes do seem to be easing, though.
Evidence of this could be seen at the 2023 Grey Nomad Awards, where one of the categories was best dog-friendly stay. The winner was Sunset Tourist Park in Mount Isa, the judges said
In commenting on Sunset Tourist Park's success, the judges said, "These relatively new owners have unbridled passion for transforming this holiday park into one that will no doubt rival in Australia on every level, not just as a dog friendly stay."
"In the meanwhile, they have created an embracive place to stay that considers dog lovers, the dogs and those travellers who do not travel with a four-legged friend, and we love the humour with which their dog facilities and services are delivered," the judges commented.
One good way to find pet-friendly sites is through Hipcamp, an online marketplace that offers outdoor stays and camping experiences via a website and mobile app.
Private landowners list campsites, glampsites, RV spaces, cabins for users to discover and book based on listing type, location and more.
Just click on the pets tab and scads of sites from all over Australia appear. Go through the reviews and pictures and a perfect site will surely pop up.
Sometimes they have dogs of their own and go to great lengths to make visiting tail-waggers welcome, including leash-free paddocks for both large and small dogs.
Of course, there will be some rules - such as dogs being on leads in public area - but responsible dog-owners will happily abide with these,
Social media can also be a valuable source of information. Facebook has scads of social groups - one with almost 230,000 members - dedicated to travelling with pets, where members seek advice and share photos, destinations and tips.
Word soon spreads of especially dog-friendly experiences. One poster recently highlighted a site in NSW where the operator not only provides a bag with treats at check-in but has a detailed list of dog-friendly parks, beaches and eateries nearby.
Some tips from Jim
- Watch out for burrs and seeds. "A few times Gus got a seed caught in his skin, which infected in his paws, requiring Jim to get boots for him. They're vital. Without boots on he was just trapped in a lot of places."
- As in the city, be vigilant for ticks, routinely check your pet's skin and hair for the sometimes fatal pest.
- Take a muzzle. In many areas there is lot of 1080 baiting. "Signs are put up warning of the poison but birds sometimes pick up the bait and drop it some distance away."
- Make sure your dog is vaccinated. Kennels and many sitters won't accept a pet that's not up to date,
- Know your dog. "You need to have a well socialised dog that's not going to attack every other dog."
Tips from RSPCA Victoria*
- Make sure your pet is microchipped and registered with a national microchip database like Central Animal Records. If your pet escapes or hides while you're visiting a new location, their microchip can be an express ticket back to you
- Look for vet clinics in each destination and see if they have after-hours care in case of an emergency.
- Ensure your dog is trained to return when called so they don't get lost or harass native wildlife. A long lead can be a safer option for your pet and the environment.
- If you need training or behaviour help while on the road, try RSPCA Victoria's Pet Behaviour Helpline for free expert advice.
- Make sure you have essential items with you, including doggy poo bags and a pet first aid kit, but also items to help them relax, like their favourite toys and long-lasting chew treats.
- In warmer locations, accessible fresh water and cooling mats are crucial to helping them chill out. It's also important not to leave your pet unattended in your car, caravan, or RV."
*Behaviour consultant Jari Castle
