Dr. Katrina Warren Travelling With Pets Interview

Stayz has got tails wagging across the country with the hire of Australia's first canine holiday home reviewer, Frank, has been busy putting Stayz's top pet-friendly properties.

The pioneering pug has been hired by Australia's leading holiday rental website to head up 'Pawz', a new division dedicated to ensuring the nation's seven million pet dogs and cats have nothing but a 'pawesome' experience.

According to recently commissioned research by Stayz, a whopping one in four Australians consider their pets as important as their children with close to half the nation (45%) wanting the furry friends to join in on family holiday fun. However, pets are often left at home with their tails between their legs with a majority (58%) deeming domestic holiday accommodation as unsuitable for four legged creatures.

Dr. Katrina Warren, celebrity veterinarian and pet travel expert, said "Our pets play such an important role in the family dynamic but they're often left out when it comes to holidays. Owners often worry that accommodation isn't appropriate or has strict no pet policies in place. That's where holiday rentals are different; they allow the whole family to enjoy a break together."

Frank, who can be seen hard at work here, is responsible for sniffing out the best pet friendly holiday rentals.

Working with his team of four-legged friends; Rocky the Border Collie and Misty the British Short Hair cat, Frank has been scouring a selection of Stayz properties to ensure key criteria is met:

Spaciousness – both inside and outside the homes e.g. are there multiple rooms to play in and outdoor spaces to stretch those four legs?
Cooking facilities – availability of features like BBQs. A dog's got to eat.
Comfort – not just any doggie bed will do.
Relaxation – after a long day of holiday fun, is there a big enough bath to unwind in with a nice bowl of milk.

Stayz's Top 5 pet-friendly properties:
Culburra House – Culburra Beach, NSW
Aramoana Beach House – Casuarina, NSW
Our Beach Shack – Busselton, WA
The Little Deckhouse – St Andrews Beach, VIC
Tynan Farm – Fleurieu Peninsula, SA

Stayz Marketing Director, David Dunstan said, "At Stayz, we're proud to be able to offer thousands of unique pet friendly holiday rentals across Australia, these homes provide the flexibility that families are after and allow for a memorable holiday experience for the whole family."

Frank, Rocky and Misty will be busy reviewing the thousands of pet friendly properties for Stayz.

Pawz is also recruiting; giving Aussie pets the chance to review one of Stayz's pet-friendly properties with their whole family. To enter, pet owners just need to submit a photo of their furry friend on Stayz's Facebook timeline (StayzAU), or via Twitter or Instagram using #StazyPawz and expressing, in 25 words or less, why they should be Stayz's new pet-xpert.

To keep up to date with their latest reviews visit http://www.stayz.com.au/StayzPawz.

Interview with Dr. Katrina Warren

Dr. Katrina Warren is a veterinarian who first appeared on our television screens in 1994 as a presenter on the Ten Network children's show, Totally Wild. She then went on to co-host the Seven Network's hit television show, Harry's Practice and became a household name for promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.

Dr. Katrina is passionate about helping people enhance the special bond that is shared with pets, whether it be choosing the right pet for their lifestyle, solving behavioural issues or providing basic health advice.

Question: Why is it important to bring pets on family holidays, when possible?

Dr. Katrina Warren: Our pets are considered valued members of the family and we love to include them in all aspects of our life, including celebrations like Christmas and family holidays. It can be difficult to find appropriate care for pets when their owners go away and many people are more comfortable to know their pet is with them. Plus, it can be stressful for pets to go to boarding facilities.


Question: Dogs and cat differ during car travel; how can we calm cats during car trips?

Dr. Katrina Warren: Ideally, get cats used to being in a carry cage and car travel from an early age. Do lots of short trips, gradually building up to longer ones. Make sure that your cat is confined in a secure carry basket and place a cover over that basket when you are travelling. Place a familiar blanket inside the carry basket to offer some home comfort.


Question: Why do you believe most pets get left behind when the family goes on holidays?

Dr. Katrina Warren: According to the research, over half of Australian pet owners consider holiday accommodation as not pet friendly – i.e. they don't welcome pets or they're not practical for pets because they don't offer the space and flexibility that your pets are used to at home. That's where Stayz holiday rentals are different; they allow the whole family to enjoy a break together .


Question: How has Stayz made it easier for families to travel with their pets?

Dr. Katrina Warren: Stayz offers thousands of unique pet friendly holiday rentals across Australia, these whole homes provide the flexibility that families are after and allow for a memorable holiday experience for the whole family. This includes features such as spaciousness (multiple rooms to play in and outdoor spaces), flexibility and a range of amenities that can give pet owners the peace of mind to enjoy their holidays with that all-important family member.


Question: How can Australians find pet-friendly accommodation on Stayz?

Dr. Katrina Warren: You can easily click on "Pet friendly" homes under the "By Holiday Theme" section on the Stayz website, which will direct you to thousands of suitable homes across the nation.


Question: Can you tell us about Frank and his Stayz Pawz?

Dr. Katrina Warren: Frank is the Head of Quality Assurance at Stayz Pawz, a specialist department at Australia's leading holiday home website dedicated to the 7 million dogs and cats around Australia. Frank also happens to be a pug.

The role of Frank, Rocky and Misty is to experience Stayz holiday homes through the eyes of a pet – sniffing out the unique features that make holidays so memorable for pets and their owners.


Question: What are your tips for pets in the car, especially during long distances?

Dr. Katrina Warren: When travelling in a car, be sure to have cats and small dogs confined in a crate and large dogs harnessed. This prevents them from becoming flying missiles, should you have an accident.

Question: What are your top tips for travelling with pets?

Dr. Katrina Warren: 1. Travel with home comforts for your pets such as their own bed, toys or favourite treats to help them settle into their holiday home quickly.
2. On arrival, spend a little time walking your dog on a lead around the various rooms and outdoor spaces while you explore the new area. They'll soon become comfortable with their new surroundings.
3. Before you leave home, check that your pet's microchip details are up to date and they are wearing an ID tag with a contact number to ensure you're swiftly reunited in case they go walkies.
4. If you are travelling to a coastal destination, phone ahead to the local vet at your destination and ask if paralysis ticks are prevalent in the area. Paralysis ticks are deadly and you need to start preventative treatment prior to departing for your holiday.
5. When travelling in a car, be sure to have cats and small dogs confined in a crate and large dogs harnessed. This prevents them from becoming flying missiles, should you have an accident.


Interview by Brooke Hunter