QUEENSLAND caravanner Bronwyn McMillin and her pooch Chilli have welcomed BIG4's change of heart over its longstanding no-dogs policy.

Until now, Bronwyn, husband David and their six-year-old Mexican Chihuahua-Silky cross – along with thousands of other travellers with pets – have been barred from Australia's largest network of caravan and holiday parks.

But all that will change next month when, after what the chain called "detailed research and analysis", selected BIG4 parks will be allowed to throw down the welcome mat following a 32-year ban.

Caravanning News spoke to Bronwyn – who regularly dyes Chilli's tail bright purple "as a way of breaking the ice when we meet people" – at a Jayco Owners (SE Queensland) Club weekend rally in Caboolture, north of Brisbane.

"He just loves being on the road and travels everywhere with us," she explained. "But we have never been able to stay at a BIG4 park and sometimes free camp instead.

"We have caravanned all over Queensland and out west and Chilli, who has been with us since he was just seven weeks old, has never been a problem."

The McMillins, from Heathwood in Brisbane, travel in a 21ft Jayco Sterling Outback and said they would now consider staying at a BIG4 park.

"There's no doubt BIG4 has been losing business with its outdated approach to pets and I am very pleased they are finally waking up to the times," Bronwyn said.

BIG4 Holiday Parks chief executive Ray Schleibs said the decision on pets had not been taken lightly.

"It has been made due to recognition that society's attitude towards travelling with dogs has changed," he explained.

"More dogs are travelling and holidaying with couples and families, with many seeing dogs as substitute children or loyal companions.

"As industry leaders, BIG4 is committed to evolving and adapting to suit the needs of all travellers by offering our member parks the option of welcoming dogs."