Man’s Best Friends.

THE CAT’S WHISKERS
Book your feline friends into the Cat Utopia Resort & Spa, where the heated floor, televisions, air-conditioning, comfy bedding and toys make for pussy cat paradise. One-hour north of Sydney. Lot 21 Daley St, Lake Munmorah, New South Wales, tel: +61 (2) 4358 2608.

EASY PEESY
No more waking up early for doggy’s loo break. The Pet Loo features synthetic grass and easy drainage – ideal for use indoors or on the road. To clean, just rinse-off. AU$400. Also available in Mini Wee for smaller dogs, AU$370. For stockists go to www.thepetloo.com

BELLS AND WHISTLES
Pamper your pet in style with Pookinuk, the online shop for pet accessories, food, furniture and healthcare. Your dog will be wagging his tail for joy with the Beetle – a black upholstered sofa that pooch can stretch out on. www.pookinuk.com.au

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE

As you plan your next holiday think about your pet’s needs too, advises Susie Willis from Petcare Information and Advisory Service.

What should we consider before taking our pet on holiday?
You may miss your four-legged friend if you go on holidays without him or her, but it’s important to consider what’s best for your pet. Many dogs love the excitement of a holiday, but cats generally prefer staying in their own territory.

Check whether the place you’re staying at accepts pets. There are lots of pet-friendly accommodation options so check with your destination’s tourist office or online at www.i-pet.com.au. Consider how well your pet travels and how long it will take you to reach your destination – some pets adapt to being confined and may accept a long road trip.

Also consider whether you’ll be moving frequently or staying put, and how much time you’ll be able to spend with your pet while on holiday. Finally, who else will be there? This is important if you’re at a family destination and your pet is not used to children.

Which Australian states are more pet-friendly?
Every state and territory has pet-friendly holiday choices. There are restrictions on pets in national parks and on some beaches and public areas so do your research.

What preparations are essential?
Make sure your pet’s collar has an ID tag with your mobile or hotel phone number.

Pack your pet’s familiar bedding, toys, grooming equipment, doggy towels and food – you want to avoid any unnecessary upsets a change in diet can cause.

Ensure you’re up to date with vaccinations and ask your vet if there are any preventative measures you should consider – like coastal areas where ticks can be a problem. And pack a first-aid kit.

What do people forget when they take pets on holidays?
Pets like to feel secure. Make sure you spend plenty of time with your pet and continue the usual routines.

If you do need to leave your pet behind at a pet ‘hotel’, what should you look out for?
At a boarding kennel or cattery look out for:

• Friendly and competent staff with an affinity for animals and a willingness to accommodate any special needs your pet may have.

• Clean and airy (not draughty) living quarters for your pet.

• Areas where your dog can exercise or be walked.
Ask friends or your vet for recommendations and book early.