Kiwis are on the move
COVID-19 has meant we can’t travel overseas, so many of us are going on holiday this summer to support New Zealand and explore and enjoy our own backyard. Add to that, a top climate scientist has said New Zealand could be on track for another unusually hot summer, with a “humdinger” La Niña system, along with likely balmy seas.
According to Radio NZ, people looking to spend their summer getaway at a holiday park are being told to book sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment. The sector is expecting a busier summer than usual. Holiday Parks New Zealand (HPNZ) Chief Executive Fergus Brown says “those who intend to get away over the Christmas / New Year period should book early, especially if they want to stay in the traditional New Zealand summer hotspots”.
Implications for pet owners wanting to go on holiday
One option is to take your pet with you, if that pet is a dog and you can find pet-friendly accommodation. Taking your cat on holiday is not generally recommended. You may need to send your cat to come and stay with us.
Dogs on tour
Maybe you’re thinking of holidaying in a campervan. Travelling NZ in a campervan with your dog can be done, but the key is research, preparation, and flexibility. Being prepared can mean the difference between a relaxed, enjoyable experience, and one filled with disappointment and stress.
Dogs in campgrounds
Many private camping grounds do provide pet-friendly accommodation, but dogs must always be on a leash. Although most camping grounds run by the Department of Conservation will not allow you to bring pets, there are some places where DOC will allow dogs on a leash. We have put together a list of campgrounds that will welcome you and your four-legged friend
Pet-friendly accommodation
Much accommodation does welcomes pets in New Zealand. Many motels, hotels and baches will be happy for you to share your holiday with your furry family. Pets Can Come Too lists pet-friendly accommodation options, and if you tick the ‘Pets Allowed’ box in the ‘House Rules’ option on the search filter on BookaBach, you will see all the holiday home possibilities.
Why not a pet holiday?
Taking your pet on holiday with you will close many doors and you must be organised. You may find it easier to book your pets in at a good pet hotel, such as Auckland Kennel & Cattery while the rest of the family goes on a human holiday.
But we can’t reinforce enough how important it is to organise summer and public holiday petcare plans well ahead of time. Leave it too late and your holiday plans could suddenly be put on hold.
Book early for summer
At Auckland Kennel & Cattery we frequently get last-minute, panicked phone calls from pet owners in the lead up to the summer holidays. Owners will ring us as late as November or December, absolutely frantic.
“Can we book our dog into your cattery over Christmas and New Year? We forgot to book earlier, we hope you’re not full.”
“Here’s our cat. What do you mean he has to be vaccinated before staying with you? We didn’t realise!”
Auckland kennels and catteries get very busy over public holidays. We tell our regular clients to organise summer pet care plans well before November, and well in advance for all other public holidays to ensure their pets can be looked after in our kennels and cattery. We have a minimum 7-day stay over the Christmas period: 20 December through to 10 January. We also require a deposit for bookings during this busy holiday month and payment in full when you bring in your cat to board with us. This deposit is non-refundable, unless your booking is cancelled before 1 December. There is also a $10 per dog and $5 per cat surcharge on public holidays.
Call us on 09 299 7415 or book in your pet online.
Your pet’s health
For your pet to be safe while you’re on holiday, it is critical you choose a boarding facility, like ours, that requires full vaccination of all animals that board there. As responsible boarding kennels owners, all cats and dogs staying with us, whether as short-term or long-term guests, are required to be vaccinated and you will need to produce a current vaccination certificate.
Vaccinations for dogs
The recommended minimum requirement for dogs coming to our kennels is the C5 vaccination. This provides immunity against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and Leptosporosis. These vaccinations are to be given annually and done no less than 3 days before boarding commences. All vaccinations are to be valid for the length of stay.
Vaccinations for cats
The recommended minimum requirement for cats coming to stay in our cattery is Calicivirus Rhinotracheitis (snuffles), Feline Enteritis, Potional Chlamydia, Chlamydophila and feline Leukaemia. All cats must have had vaccinations within the last 12 months, but not less than 7 days before entering the cattery. All vaccinations are to be valid for the length of stay.
Take a tour of our pet hotel
If you are unsure of leaving your pet with us while you’re on holiday, why not pop in, meet us and have a look around. You’ll be able to see for yourself why our Auckland kennels and cattery is so popular. No appointment is necessary.