CAMP BOFFIN
Taking Rover on the road with you requires careful planning. We spoke to some resorts and accommodation places to get their take.
Gone are the days when dogs were secondclass members of the family, relegated to sleeping outside and being fed once a day by one of your cousins when you go camping with your family. No, nowadays they get just as much attention as anyone else in your household – complete with regular parlour visits and play dates with other pups. But just because you want to go camping with your dog doesn’t mean that you should or can. It all depends on where you want to go and what you want to do. Of course, a lot depends on your dog’s temperament and how much obedience training it’s had – not much different from humans...
Bolo’s behaviour
Before you even start to find pet-friendly accommodation when planning your next trip, make sure your dog is suited for travel and camping among strangers. If your dog is a particularly annoying yapper, it’s already a big no-no. Most people won’t appreciate being woken up by Sasha when the rubbish is collected early in the morning or when the bathrooms get cleaned. In the same vein, it would probably be frowned upon if Jock decided to chase down and jump one of the staff members. If your dog is also fond of begging, going up to neighbours when they start taking their fragrant lamb chops off the grill will also not go down too well. If your dog is boisterous and a prolific barker, is anxious and aggressive towards people or other animals or is not trained, rather find a dog-sitter or book your dog in at a nearby kennel or dog hotel.
Find a place for Fido too
Many of the larger resorts and reserves have a no-pets policy, including the ATKV and Forever. You will also not be able to take Fifi to one of the national parks. While some of the campsites where pets are allowed are a little more laid-back, some require you to inform them up front that you’re bringing your dog so they can place you at a specific stand. A few resorts weighed in on the discussion:
Dolphin Holiday Resort, Mpumalanga
Management at the front desk of the Dolphin Holiday Resort in KwaZulu-Natal says that they only accept certain breeds, like
the smaller toy type breeds otherwise known as lapdogs. These would include Chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers and similarly sized dogs. When dogs are making an excessive amount of noise at Dolphin or disturbing neighbouring campers, owners are approached to rectify the situation. If the problem persists, the owners are asked to consider nearby kennels in Ballito, Paws for Thought, or the neighbouring Ballito Kennels. Dogs are also required to be on a leash at all times. Another big no-no for management is when dogs unnecessarily bark at anything or anyone walking by a stand, such as staff members.
Rivierplaas, Western Cape
Rivierplaas, a working farm and campsite just outside Worcester in the Western Cape, is a lot more relaxed when it comes to rules and regulations. JB van Eeden, manager of Rivierplaas, will approach owners if noise becomes an issue, but often he doesn’t even have to. “Often it’s the owners themselves who decide that enough is enough and that leaving will be best for everyone. There are only four real rules when it comes to bringing your animals to Rivierplaas. Firstly, they have to be friendly towards the farm animals. Secondly, they have to be friendly towards our own dogs. Thirdly, they have to be friendly towards other people’s dogs. And then, most importantly, they have to be friendly towards our other campers and their children.”
Elandskloof Trout Farm, Mpumalanga
“We don’t require that owners keep their dogs on a leash, just that the owners are accompanying their pets at all times,” says Celeste Combrink, manager at Elandskloof. The dogs are not allowed to chase any animals like donkeys
At the end of the day, the onus is on the people with dogs to respect those camping without dogs.
or cattle, and that goes for the staff at the campsite as well. “The dogs are also not allowed to be in the public areas like the pool or the bathrooms. If there’s an issue with an animal, I approach the owners to ask that they please control their dog, keep their dogs inside the tent or on a leash or something, because at the end of the day the onus is on the people with dogs to respect those camping without dogs. “I’ve noticed on social media that there are many campers who are starting to ask specifically for campsites that don’t allow pets. Not everyone likes dogs.”
Alternative arrangements
For those who don’t want to leave the responsibility of checking up on their dogs to family members or dodgy dog-sitters and want their prized poodles to be in good company, places like @Frits Dog Hotel and Daycare might be a good solution. “You can bring your dogs to @Frits for the very best care and attention. Owners can leave their dogs in the dormitory or choose a more exclusive platinum suite with a television screen that feels just like home. Cameras in all the rooms allow you to check up on your dog 24/7 via a downloadable app if you start to miss it,” says Yanic Klue, owner of @Frits. >
Places like @Frits, where your dog is pampered while you’re out roughing it, are on the rise. There are washes and massages, gourmet meals to suit your dog’s specific needs, daily exercise and specialised care where needed. The individual rooms are usually more luxurious than you might expect. Prices start at R250 per night for the dog dormitory and go up to R500 per night for one of the platinum suits.
Champ’s checklist
You need to cognisant of certain factors when you’ve decided that your dog is going to be going camping with you. Be mindful of the area you’re heading to and check with local vets or pet experts which diseases could be a threat. If you’re heading for the ocean, an umbrella under which Spot can chill will be a good idea. Rinse seawater from his coat immediately afterwards to protect it and minimise his intake of salt water to avoid dehydration and diarrhoea. Your dog’s age and health might limit travel or what you’re going to do at your destination. There are physical limitations for each specific dog that could even come down to the breed. Be on the lookout for signs that indicate that it might be overexerted, such as weakness, lameness, or unusual panting or drooling. After walks or runs, be sure to inspect paw pads and between the toes for debris. In the unfortunate event of an emergency it will also help to known where the nearest vet can be found.
Pawfect packing
There are a few non-negotiable items you’ll need to take if you’re going to take Beans and make the most of your holiday together. These are some suggestions offered by The Pet Directory: Bowls For food and water. Your dog should know that it only gets fed from its own bowl. If you’re planning to go running, hiking or biking, be sure to pack in an extra supply of water for your dog. Collar and leash An identifying disc with your details on it will go a long way to ensuring that you are contactable if you get separated. An extra leash will also be handy, just in case the first one breaks or gets lost. Flea and tick treatment Make sure your pets have had the appropriate tablets and/or powders applied. This will protect other animals at the destination and also ensure that your dog won’t contract biliary or tick bite fever. Medication It’s a good idea to stock up on meds if your pet is on a prescription and you’re going to be away for an extended period. Some dogs will also require sunscreen, so get a check-up at the vet before your trip.. Pooper scooper You don’t have to get too fancy here. A simple plastic bag and garden trowel or even a dustpan will work just fine. Nobody enjoys stepping into poop mines. Photo If your dog gets lost, a recent pic will help other campers, staff or nearby residents identify it easier. Keep a few on your cellphone. Towels When your dog goes swimming or gets muddy someone will need to clean that. Toys These items will keep your dog entertained and other people’s property safe.