Travellers across the nation enjoy their holidays more when they take their furry loved ones on trips with them, a nationwide consumer survey on pets by Australia’s number one caravan manufacturer, Jayco Australia, revealed.The online poll of more than 3500 respondents by Australia’s favourite caravan manufacturer shows that when embarking on a caravanning trip, 82 per cent of people take their pets away with them, making them feel happy (94 per cent) and calm (53 per cent) when on the road with their fur buddies.
“Australia is a nation of animal lovers. That’s why many of us just can’t enjoy our holidays without our best friends and so dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs and even rabbits are hitting the road and seeing much of Australia with their owners,” said Jayco National Sales Manager, Scott Jones.
“Travelling with animals is becoming more common, particularly during the COVID-era when Australians are taking more domestic trips with international travel currently off the cards.
Many holiday-goers are exploring their own backyards and they’re taking their four-legged companions on adventures with them,” Mr Jones said.
To coincide with the release of the survey, Jayco Australia has enlisted Aussie marine biologist, free diver and surfer Brinkley Davies as its latest ‘Vanbassador’ to encourage people of all ages to hit the road and explore the amazing sights and landscapes Australia has to offer with their furry loved ones.
Hailing from South Australia, Davies is an owner of two dogs, Ohana and Rain, and is extremely passionate about wildlife. She is the Founder of Balu Blue Foundation, an environmental not-for-profit organisation strongly focussed on conservation projects, including the support of wildlife care and native habitats.
“I absolutely love going on outback adventures and I always take my dogs with me wherever I go. I’m so glad to be able to take them on road trips, surf trips and camping trips in our new Jayco Swan Outback,” Ms Davies said.
“What I love most about Jayco caravans and camper trailers is that they are all Australian made, and they are also great for outback adventures and going off road, which I do a lot of,” she said.
The Jayco Swan Outback boasts plenty of room with its bed ends that slide out either side. It can sleep up to six and is fitted with a generous kitchen, large dining area, sturdy aluminium framed furniture construction, comfortable innerspring mattresses and even more storage to carry more than just the essentials.
“My favourite features of the Jayco Swan are that it’s easy to set up and pack up, and that it’s really spacious inside. My first great escape with my dogs will be the west coast of South Australia across the Great Australian Bight, which has amazing wildlife, scenery, cliffs, and it’s all Australian outback, which is exciting. I’d also love to explore the Northern Territory. I can’t wait to go back and see it all again,” said Ms Davies.
Jayco’s pet survey also revealed:
Most respondents (85 per cent) take their pets on the road because they feel that they are part of the family and taking them on holidays makes them feel happy. 21 per cent of respondents said they take their pets on holidays, because it’s a costeffective option rather than arranging an alternative housing solution.
Survey respondents claim that they feel anxious (55.06 per cent) and lonely (52.34 per cent) when they leave their pets behind while travelling.
Dogs are the main household animals Aussies take on vacation, with a majority of respondents (92 per cent) claiming that they take their beloved canine companions caravanning over any other pet.
Proudly Australian made, all Jayco RVs including the Jayco Swan are designed and manufactured at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Dandenong South, Victoria which is supported by a network of over 150 service agents and dealers across the nation.
Jayco is endorsed with the official Australian made logo, employs more than 1200 employees and supports a further 900 local jobs.
For more information on Brinkley Davies and the Jayco Swan, visit www.jayco.com.au.
BRINKLEY’S TOP TIPS ON TRAVELLING WITH DOGS
1. Get your dog or pup used to long car trips by hitting the road with them more often. Our pups absolutely love the car. They have been coming with us on surf trips, road trips and camping trips from a young age. They absolutely love it and being on the road is a second home for them.
2. Take their favourite toy, teddy, blanket or bedding. Familiar items such as their favourite bed or teddy helps them get comfortable on the road and ensures they always know where home is.
3. Keep a doggie first aid kit in your car, especially if you are going somewhere off grid away from vet help. There are some great dog first aid kits online. We always have one in the car, which also includes a rescue kit and emergency formula for orphaned native wildlife that we may find along the way.
4. Be mindful of areas that are prone to ticks or 1080/poison baits. Talk to your vet about products that will help your dog become less susceptible to tick illness. Unfortunately, toxic poison baits are still used a lot in rural Australia and in some national parks, so be mindful of these areas and avoid taking your pets here. South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia have a huge variety of dog friendly beaches, where you can camp with your pets and they can roam freely and happily.
5. Make sure you take a good-sized water bowl and ensure your pet always has access to water. Also ensure your dog micro-chipped with a name tag on their collar. This is always a good safety measure in case they do decide to follow their nose away from you. Our pups spend most of their time off lead; although they never run away, having their collar and name tag always makes us feel better.
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