Aussie dogs set to travel more than ever as road trip adventures grow in 2022

Holiday home website Stayz has surveyed Aussie dog owners about their upcoming travel intentions and the results show that the family pet is in for an exciting year out travelling and road-tripping. More than half (55%) of Aussie dog owners are already planning travel trips with their four-legged friends with most excited to visit a beach location (51%) and to form a stronger bond with their dog (33%).

Holidays are not only good for your own wellbeing but they benefit your dog too. Two in five dog owners (41%) say that the holiday becomes more enjoyable for them when they bring their pets along for the journey while two in five dog owners say that their dogs appear happier and better behaved after a trip. At least half of dog owners say they can tell their dogs are happy as they become more playful (55%), excited to meet new people and explore new things (51%) and wag their tail more (48%) on holidays. 

Dog Psychology Expert and Behaviour Specialist Nathan Williams says that while we're a nation of dog lovers, owners can often forget that our four-legged friends are more like us in many ways.

“With Aussies returning to physical offices and schools this year, our doggy friends will be craving quality time with their family. Separation anxiety is the most common problem affecting domestic dogs today.

“They get confused and anxious when apart from their owners, but by taking them away with you, everyone can enjoy a holiday with your loved ones.”

To celebrate this year of travel and the love of our pets, Stayz has installed a collection of custom-built stylish paw-approved holiday dog houses dog at holiday homes in Victoria, NSW and Queensland. They are available to book from today until the end of the year.

On Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the Canterbury Jetty Luxury Escape in Rye has a puppuccino-inspired outdoor pad leaning into Victorian cafe culture with 1 in 10 Victorians choosing to explore local cafes with their pups on holiday.  

The Green House pet-friendly home at Mount Coolum on the Sunshine Coast takes inspiration from the lifeguard towers on the QLD coastline and even features a surfboard on the roof. 

While at New South Wales Culburra Beach, active travellers and lovers of ball sports can unite with their doggos as they’re most likely to take their furry pals for a run/long walk (34%) while on holiday, and will find a fun hideout made up of one of dogs’ favourite things – fetch balls. 

Travellers to these three limited-edition homes will also get to road test doggy holiday approved apparel from Australian online pet accessories company Stylish Hound. These include dog beach towels, swim vests, a doggo bed and the most important holiday essential, poop bags for tidying up after your dog. 

If you don’t get to stay at the above three homes, Stayz says that one in five Australian listings are pet-friendly so your four-legged family members will be welcome to come along on your next road trip adventure.

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