Off the Leash in Australia is a guidebook to some of our best dog-friendly travel options from travel blogger SHANDOS CLEAVER, who has journeyed around the country extensively with her miniature dachshund, Schnitzel.
Q: What was the inspiration for writing Off The Leash in Australia?
A: When I spent two years travelling overseas with Schnitzel in Europe and the United States, as well as discovering that he enjoyed travelling, it opened my eyes to what dog-friendly travel could be like.
So, when I returned home and wanted to travel with Schnitzel in Australia, I spent a lot of time researching similar things that we could do together here, attractions that weren’t obviously dog friendly. And I love to share the places that I discover.
Q: Why do you think more people are choosing to holiday with their fur babies?
A: Pets these days are part of the family. They live inside our homes, sleep on our beds, have their birthdays celebrated and even have their own wardrobes. So, it’s only natural that they also come on holiday with us.
When I’ve headed off without Schnitzel, I’ve missed him so much, counting down the days until I see him again. Not to mention it can be tricky and expensive to find someone to look after pets while you’re away.
Q: What are some of your top tips when travelling with a dog?
A: Travelling with a dog requires a little more flexibility. It’s best to travel to destinations where there’s plenty of dog-friendly things to do.
While it’s possible to organise a pet sitter to visit some bucket list destinations, it’s more rewarding if you spend most days doing things together with your pup.
If you don’t have your own caravan or campervan, make sure you book accommodation well in advance, as often there are only a limited number of pet-friendly cabins or hotel rooms. Plus, always pack extra old towels – they always come in handy!
Q: During the research for your book, what were some of the surprise pet-friendly attractions and facilities you uncovered?
A: There were definitely some surprises! In Monkey Mia, I took Schnitzel on a catamaran cruise to spot dolphins and dugongs. At the ghost town of Walhalla, he joined me on an historic train ride and underground in the mine.
Many caravan parks have their own off-leash dog parks. But probably the most surprising pet-friendly attraction is on the Daintree River – many of the croc-spotting river cruises allow dogs onboard.
Q: How does Australia rank as being pet-friendly when compared to other countries?
A: Europe in particular is a lot more pet-friendly than Australia – dogs are usually allowed inside cafes, on public transport and in the cabins of many airlines.
In the United States, dogs are allowed to join you at many lookouts and on paved trails in national parks.
The situation in Australia is improving, particularly when it comes to pet-friendly accommodation options. Plus, Virgin plans to start allowing small cats and dogs in the cabin.
But there’s one area where I think Australia stands out – the many beautiful beaches that allow dogs!
Q: Have you got a favourite travel story from your adventures with your dog?
A: I’ve loved all the friendly, wonderful people that I’ve met during our trips, many of whom I only started speaking to because of Schnitzel (he attracts a lot of attention!).
I remember I was wandering alongside the canals of Venice with him and someone stopped me to ask for directions. Because of Schnitzel, they thought I was a local. By coincidence they were also Australian and we chatted for half an hour.
Q: Finally, are there any countries you are looking forward to visiting with Schnitzel in the future?
A: Unfortunately Schnitzel is getting too old to travel internationally, especially with the quarantine rules coming back into Australia.
If I could have travelled to one more country with him it would have been Canada to explore the beautiful natural scenery with him by my side.
Off the Leash in Australia. Hardie Grant Explore. Released July 31.RRP AUD$37.99.
