BIG4 has relaxed its 32 year old no-dog policy, and they are now permitted at 50 of the group’s 180 holiday parks.
The group initially reviewed its no-dog policy in 2011, where it was agreed dogs could stay at member parks if it was approved by the park manager.
Ray Schleibs, CEO, BIG4 Holidays Parks said “so far the policy has received positive feedback and we’re expecting more of our 180 holiday parks to welcome dogs in the future.”
The new pro-dog policy means holidaymakers no longer need to worry about placing their dog in a kennel or finding someone to mind it while they are away.
Schleibs said the group is well aware many guests consider their dog to be a part of the family. “As industry leaders, BIG4 is committed to evolving and adapting to suit the needs of all travellers, including those holidaying with their beloved dogs.”
Port Willunga Tourist Park in South Australia and Gold Coast Holiday Park in Queensland have gone one step further, with both offering dog friendly cabins so dogs can stay inside with the family.
Theo Whitmont, owner, BIG4 Gold Coast said his park will happily accommodate dogs on application and can even arrange dog grooming or a dog sitter.
“We’re sitting on 32 acres of space so there’s plenty of room for guests to take their dog for a morning stroll or a play in the sun. The policy has worked well for us as the dogs stay on lead when outside and the owners clean up after them so everyone is happy,” he explained.
Parks that wish to achieve dog friendly status are required to go through a qualification process to ensure they are equipped with the appropriate infrastructure.
Parks that display a “Dogs Welcome” logo are dog friendly.
These include those located at:
- Bathurst
- Deniliquin
- Eden
- Forster-Tuncurry
- Hay Plains
- Merimbula
- Swan Hill
- Wangaratta
To view the full list, visit the BIG4 website.