A guide to taking your pets on holiday
Taking your pets on holiday can be an exciting adventure for both you and your furry friends. It's a chance to create new memories and enjoy some quality time together outside of your normal routine. However, travelling with pets also requires careful planning and consideration in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone involved. This blog post will cover key aspects of taking your pets on holiday, including specific tips for dogs and cats, considerations for leaving pets alone in holiday accommodations, and local hazards to watch out for.
Things to consider when taking your dog on holiday
Travelling with a dog can be incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
- Accommodation: Ensure that your chosen accommodation is dog-friendly. Many hotels, holiday rentals, and campsites cater specifically to pet owners, offering amenities like dog beds, bowls, and even fenced-in gardens. However just because the listing says they welcome dogs, don’t take it for granted that it will be suitable for your pet. Every dog is different and you know your pooch better than anyone else, so do some research before you book if your dog is the type that might fall off a balcony or pee in a swimming pool!
- Transport: Dogs should be secured safely during travel, whether in a car, campervan, or plane. Use a well-ventilated crate or a dog seatbelt harness. Make frequent stops on long car journeys to allow your dog to stretch, relieve themselves, and drink water.
- Health checks: Visit the vet before your trip to make sure your dog is healthy and up-to-date with their vaccinations. Discuss any specific health risks associated with your destination, such as tick-borne diseases. If you’re taking your dog abroad they will need a series of vaccinations before you travel and must be certified fit to travel. You should also make sure that your dog is microchipped (now a legal requirement in the UK) and that the microchip details are up to date, with your current contact details.
- Packing essentials: Bring enough food, water, medications, and other essentials for the duration of your trip. Don't forget familiar items like toys and bedding to help your dog feel more at home. Also remember to bring poo bags and your collar and lead – sometimes it’s the little things that we forget when we’re packing up! Also make sure that your dog has your name and phone number on a tag on their collar, just in case they lose their way.
- Exercise and entertainment: Plan activities that will keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated. Research local dog parks, hiking trails, and pet-friendly attractions.
- Would they rather be at home? Of course most dogs always want to be by our side and we love having them around – but in some cases it may be in their best interests to leave them at home with a pet sitter or trusted family member. Some dogs simply won’t enjoy a long car journey or a transatlantic flight – or being in unfamiliar surroundings so it’s important to think this through before making any decision to travel with your pup and do what is best for them.
Things to consider when taking your cat on holiday
Cats are known for being territorial and can be more challenging to travel with than dogs, so most people leave them at home – but some kitties thrive on adventure and enjoy walking on a lead. If your cat is the latter, with the right preparation, there’s no reason you can’t bring them along. Here are a few things you can do to make the experience less stressful for your feline companion:
- Accommodation: Like dogs, cats need pet-friendly accommodation. Ensure there's a safe, quiet space where your cat can retreat if they feel overwhelmed and that you are allowed to bring your cat along in the first place!
- Transport: Use a secure, comfortable carrier for transporting your cat. Place familiar bedding inside and cover the carrier with a blanket to reduce stress. Never let your cat roam freely in a vehicle.
- Health checks: A vet visit before traveling is crucial to ensure your cat is healthy and vaccinated. Discuss any potential health risks at your destination. If you’re travelling abroad then make sure they have the correct vaccinations. Since June of this year it has become a legal requirement to microchip your cat in the UK so this must be done whether you are travelling or not, but get your vet to scan the chip to ensure that it is working and that your chip contact details are up-to-date and
- Packing essentials: Bring enough food, water, litter, and medications for the entire trip. Familiar items like their favourite blanket or toy can help ease anxiety. If your cat uses a lead, don’t forget to pack that too and consider getting a collar and tag with your name and number on it even if they don’t usually wear one. Even though they might be microchipped, if your cat does make a break for freedom a visible collar shows that they clearly belong to someone and should be returned.
- Routine and safety: Try to maintain your cat's regular feeding and sleeping schedule as much as possible. Keep windows and doors closed or securely screened to prevent escapes. Cats are more likely to attempt to escape than dogs so make sure you’ve got everything covered.
- Would they rather be at home? Again, don’t take your cat along on a trip because that’s what you want to do or you saw someone else do it on Instagram, your cat simply might not be up for it and you know them better than anyone else. Leave them at home and get a friend or neighbour to check in on them if you think they’d much rather just be chilling at your place.
Leaving your pet alone in a holiday rental, caravan, or campervan
What do you do if you can’t take your pet with you whilst on your trip? You might need to pop out for groceries and it’s too hot to leave your cat in the car or tie your dog up outside a shop. Whether it's safe to leave your pet alone in holiday accommodation depends on several factors.
- Duration: Try to limit the time your pet is left alone. Dogs, in particular can become anxious and destructive if left for long periods.
- Environment: Ensure the space is secure and comfortable. Leave familiar items, like their bed or toys, and consider using calming aids like pheromone diffusers. Make sure all windows are doors are secured to minimise the chances of escape. and if your dog is likely to bark or whine the consider how this might affect anyone nearby.
- Temperature: Never leave pets in a hot car or in direct sunlight where temperatures can rise quickly. Ensure proper ventilation and shade in caravans or campervans.
- Check-In: If you must leave your pet alone, check on them periodically if possible, or ask a neighbour or the accommodation staff to do so.
- Split up: If in doubt and you are holidaying with your friends or family, just leave someone behind with the pet to take care of them whilst you head out and grab the essentials.
Local hazards to be mindful of when taking your pet on holiday
Different destinations pose different risks to pets. Be aware of the following hazards:
- Insects: Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can carry diseases. Use appropriate preventative treatments before you go and check your pet regularly.
- Animals: Be aware of local wildlife that could pose a threat to your pet, such as snakes, larger predators, or aggressive local dogs.
- Plants: Some plants can be toxic to pets. Familiarise yourself with common harmful plants in the area and keep your pet away from them.
- Local customs and regulations: Different places have varying attitudes towards pets. Research local customs and regulations regarding pets in public spaces, on beaches, and in parks.
- Climate: Extreme temperatures can be dangerous for pets. Ensure they have access to water, shade, and are not exposed to harsh weather conditions for extended periods.
By considering these factors and preparing accordingly, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable holiday experience for both you and your pets. Happy travels!