Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
Being a dog owner brings joy to many people’s lives but it can also have some downsides, especially when it comes to holidays. Fortunately, these days it’s far easier to take your pet with you than to leave them in a kennel. If you’re planning on having your dog join you on your next holiday, follow these helpful tips and advice.
Guest Post
Find the Right Accommodation
Finding the perfect accommodation is one of the major challenges of any holiday and if you’re looking to take your four-legged friend with you then you have the added pressure of having to find dog friendly hotels. Thankfully, there are plenty of hotels and holiday accommodation options that allow you to bring your pooch with you. If you are worried about having to compromise on luxury in order to bring your dog along with you, then you have nothing to worry about, as you can find plenty of four and five-star hotels that now accommodate pets, and will even provide a bed for them.
Visit the Vets
It’s a good idea to visit the vets before jetting off on your holiday, especially if you are going abroad. A routine check-up will ensure that your dog is fit for travel and that they have the necessary vaccinations and tapeworm treatment required to travel abroad. If your pet isn’t already microchipped, now is the time to get this done, along with the necessary rabies vaccinations, otherwise, you will not be able to obtain a pet passport.
Apply for a Pet Passport
It’s essential that you apply for a pet passport if you will be taking your dog on holiday outside of the UK. A pet passport ensures that you can take your pet with you to any EU or listed country without needing to quarantine them.
Getting a pet passport can take some time, especially in busy periods during the summer and not all vets are qualified to issue them, so make sure that you start the process of getting your pet passport a month or so before your departure date.
Pack the Travel Essentials
Just like anyone going on holiday, your dog will surely have some packing to do, or rather some packing that you’ll have to do for them. A few home comforts can go a long way to make your dog feel comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings and you’ll no doubt want to take some essentials with you such as food, bedding, a safety harness, and a spare lead. Don’t forget to pack some grooming supplies too, and any medication that your dog may need.
Sticking to your dog’s normal routine as closely as possible while on holiday will stop them from feeling stressed out in unfamiliar surroundings; a calm dog will make for a more relaxing holiday for everyone involved. Following your dog’s normal routine is especially important if you are taking them on holiday for the first time and little things like bringing along their toys and keeping to their usual mealtimes will go a long way in calming them down and making them feel safe.
It’s also a good idea to get an ID tag for your dog if they don’t already have one on their collar, and if you are travelling by car or ferry, a travel crate, blanket, and travel water bottle to keep your dog comfortable on the journey.
Brush Up on Basic Commands
Having a well-trained dog is essential when you are taking them into an unknown environment. The last thing you want when you’re on holiday is to be chasing after an overexcited dog in an unfamiliar place, or trying to stop them from destroying the local flora and fauna.
Stick to a Routine
Sticking to your dog’s normal routine as closely as possible while on holiday will stop them from feeling stressed out in unfamiliar surroundings; a calm dog will make for a more relaxing holiday for everyone involved. Following your dog’s normal routine is especially important if you are taking them on holiday for the first time and little things like bringing along their toys and keeping to their usual meal times will go a long way in calming them down and making them feel safe.
Comments