Dog Friendly Holidays
It's a GREAT idea to take your dog away with you, giving you both the time to bond together and do stuff you wouldn't ordinarily do. All those walkies can help work off the excess calories but more importantly, taking your dog with you can be a great way to make new friends, four paws & 2, and perhaps see places you wouldn't necessarily venture to, if you were without him. For a list of companies offering accommodation with dog friendly options, click here
WOOF! 8 tips to successful dog friendly holidays
- NOT every dog will be suited to going with you - some will just prefer to stay at home or in kennels or have a pet sitter, so think about what's best for your dog.
- Have a strategy for handling those times when you can't take your dog into attractions you want to see. Leaving your dog in the car while you "pop in for a quick visit" isn't an option. Dogs die in hot cars. Check before you visit attractions what their dog friendly policy is and make arrangements if it isn't woof-friendly. One option could be to source a good kennel in the area which offers doggie-day-care - perhaps your hosts could recommend one, or a local vets practice could suggest a kennel.
- Think about what your pet will need well in advance of the journey to your holiday destination & on subsequent day trips... water bowls & plenty of water for the journey in case you get stuck en route in traffic; his usual food, treats, any medication, toys, blankets, leads. Get him microchipped in case he gets loose & lost. Driving with Dogs has lots of motorway walks, 5 minutes away from motorways, and all tried & tested by Border Collie Jem
- Check with the acccommodation you'll be staying at to find out what facilities they have on offer and what they provide that may save you taking everything with you.
- Check your dog is in good health before you go. It isn't fair to expect him to travel when he's under the weather.
- In the excitement of it all, your dog may do things he wouldn't necesarily ordinarily do. So make sure you have a good supply of cleaning goods. You can get ethical pet insurance from Animal Friends who do accident only dog insurance, their site says they insure pets any age, and they help animals worldwide by giving animal charities (wildife and pets) their net profits. (We've got it for our German Shepherd, Doyle, and they've been really good. Mind you, we went for the second highest level of insurance out of 7 levels) Visit the RCVS to get a list of vets in the area, just in case you need them.
- Do a final check with the terms & conditions of each holiday before you book to make 100% sure that your dog will be welcome.
- Take your camera so that you can take lots of pictures of your happy hound as he explores new whiffs & sniffs - don't miss those magic moments
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