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A promotional campaign highlighting quality experiences for dogs and their owners in regional Victoria has been launched by Visit Victoria.

Claimed to be the world’s first tourism campaign optimised for dogs, the initiative is an extension of the recently launched Your Happy Space regional Victoria marketing campaign.

Leading dog behaviourist and pet psychologist Dr Kate Mornement says that travelling with dogs not only saves money on the costs of a kennel but can have positive wellbeing benefits for both human and pet.

Dr Mornement advised “a short break away can have many of the same physical and mental health benefits for a dog as it would their owner.

“A new environment is not only stimulating and enriching for a dog but quality time together with a weekend away provides an opportunity for physical exercise, further develop social interaction, strengthen the bond and relieve stress.

 “Just like humans, a holiday can be a really enjoyable experience for dogs.”

Dogs are widely considered as a barrier to experiencing a weekend away for the 65% of Victorians who own a pet so the campaign will highlight the diverse range of quality pet-friendly experiences.

Visit Victoria Chief Executive Peter Bingeman expects that Your Dog’s Happy Space will encourage even more people to explore regional Victoria, commenting “instead of putting their pets in an expensive pet hotel or arranging care, we know that the 65% of Victorians that do own a pet would love to travel in Victoria with their extended family.

“Not only does pet friendly travel and accommodation make intrastate experiences more accessible, it’s also a great way to build awareness of the incredibly diverse offerings across the state.”

Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren added "Your Happy Space is doing a great job reminding Melburnians of all the wonderful things regional Victoria has to offer - Your Dog’s Happy Space will expand on that activity.

“The importance of the visitor economy as an economic driver for Victoria cannot be underestimated, especially in regional Victoria.”

For more information go to yourhappyspace.com.au/dogs

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