AusLeisure

BIG4 Holiday Parks are abandoning their strict no-dog policy with the announcement that 50 member parks now welcome dogs, offering guests the opportunity to travel with their pets.

Having adhered to theno-dog policy for 32 years, BIG4 reviewed it 2011 and allowed member parks the option of allowing dogs to stay at the park manager"s discretion.

Two years later, 50 BIG4 Holiday Parks have now adopted the dog friendly status, a move that has been very well received by guests who enjoy travelling with their pooch or want to avoid the hassle using a kennel while they're on holiday.

BIG4 Holiday Parks Chief Executive Ray Schleibs says the group recognises that dogs are very much a part of the family for many of guests, stating "as industry leaders, BIG4 is committed to evolving and adapting to suit the needs of all travellers, including those holidaying with their beloved dogs. So far the policy has received positive feedback and we're expecting more of our 180 holiday parks to welcome dogs in the future."

While most dog friendly BIG4 Holiday Parks allow guests to bring a dog if they are staying in a tent or motorhome, there are two parks that even have dog friendly cabins, allowing dogs to stay inside with the family.

BIG4 Port Willunga Tourist Park in South Australia and BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park in Queensland both have cabins where guests and pooches are welcome.

BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park owner Theo Whitmont says his park will happily accommodate dogs on application and can even arrange dog grooming or a dog sitter.

Whitmont explained "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."

All parks that want to become dog friendly are required to go through a qualification process to ensure dog-specific infrastructure is in place and meets BIG4's high quality standards.

To find out which BIG4 Holiday Parks are dog friendly look for the 'Dogs Welcome' logo at www.big4.com.au/dogswelcome/

19th November 2012 - BIG4 RECOGNISES ACHIEVEMENT AND SUCCESS AT ANNUAL AWARDS

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