The Complete Pet Travel
Guide 2003

Compiled by Pauline Wagner
PO Box 363, Westport 7615, NZ
Printed by Caxton Press, Christchurch, NZ
Still only $17.95 (includes p&p)

THIS issue is the seventh edition of the most comprehensive pet travel guide for New Zealand and for those who take their pets with them wherever they go, there can be no better handbook.

Updated annually, it contains all the information a traveller needs to know and it enables travellers to plan before they leave home, to pre-book their accommodation and to choose areas where there are dog walking parks or tracks within a convenient distance.

The first, and very important, information in the book is from the Department of Conservation (DOC). You will need to know the rules of the area if you plan to go camping or tramping in the bush, national parks or reserves, so you will need to obtain the necessary approvals first. Information here comes with the area name, address, phone and fax number of every DOC centre in New Zealand. The next section contains general advice about travelling with pets in cars, and includes a timely reminder not to ever leave a dog in a hot car; first aid; homoeopathic remedies; tariff considerations; health; lost pets; maps; special dates, what to do with doggy doo; and ferry information.

Following that section is the region-by-region list of all the hotels-motels that will accept a booking for you and your pet, and comes complete with information on the location of the establishment, the exercise and recreation areas nearby, the type of pet accommodation available and the tariff. Visitor information and local authority information rounds off each region.

Intend picnicking on the journey? Hints and suggestions will help you make short stops run smoothly and prevent you from inadvertently breaking any rules.

If you already have a favourite dog-friendly camp, motel, holiday house, backpackers or B&B, the handy index makes it easier to find. And if you own accommodation that accepts pets and want your establishment to be listed in next year's travel guide, just fill in the form on the last pages and send to the address given.

Finally, when you decide on your destination, never book your own accommodation and think you can just turn up with your pet and all will be well. You must make it clear that you will be travelling with a canine companion or you may find yourself without anywhere to stay if all the accommodation allocated for guests with pets is full. You can avoid any such disappointment by making sure your pet is expected. Happy holidays!