Since the beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pet boarding industry has been thrown into a period of uncertainty and loss.
Businesses saw a total stoppage of business during the initial lockdowns almost a year ago, and since then have suffered many ups and downs.
Some areas of Australia have suffered more than others, but essentially the overall effect of these changes has been the same across the board.
The Australian Pet Care Association (APCA) has been contacting various key departments around the country to build awareness of its industries close alignment with the travel and tourism industries.
Teresa Comacchio, The Senior Director from Visit Canberra, responded directly to APCA’s last correspondence regarding the inclusion of our industry in any discussions relating to travel and tourism.
Comacchio was interested in reaching out to learn more about the pet boarding industry to better understand the affect that the changes in tourism and travel have had.
“We discussed the fact that the single biggest factor affecting us is linked directly to the stoppage of international travel and restrictions on domestic travel during 2020.
“Where once people would travel overseas for weeks a time and book their pet in for a holiday, now families are opting for more localised travel which results in either no pet boarding needed or very short stays by comparison,” said an APCA spokesperson.
In addition to this, business related travel has also come to a standstill, with people working from home instead of travelling across borders to conduct business. This has added to a loss to the pet boarding industry where many regular clients no longer have the need for their pets to stay whilst they travel for work.
Businesses are adapting in any way that they can, particularly by expanding other services related to pets such as Doggie Day Care, Transport or even Dog Training. The reality, however, is that it will take a significant amount of time for these businesses to recover the losses, and they will feel the effects exactly in alignment with those in the tourism sectors such as Aviation for some time.
Comacchio has provided some valuable information for pet care providers in the ACT.
“We consult with the Canberra Region Tourism Advisory Forum which is a free network of individuals and organisations in the local travel and tourism industry. Some of your members in this region may be interested to know more about their monthly events or receive their communications. Please contact the Forum directly on their website for further information.”
If you have further questions for Visit Canberra on the tourism industry in that region, Ms Comacchio can be contacted directly at Teresa.Comacchio@act.gov.au.
The APCA strongly encourages pet care providers in the ACT to investigate joining and getting on board with those other industries who are heavily and directly affected by the current climate.
For those in other areas of Australia, look to your local tourism department and enquire to see if they have a similar set-up. In many cases, each region will have a network that is free and there to support those in the travel and tourism sectors.
This article was provided by Australian Pet Care Association (APCA). You can become a member by visiting the APCA website or emailing info@australianpetcareassociation.com.au.