The Ultimate Guide To A Dog-Friendly Holiday

14 July 2017

If you are planning a holiday and you have a four legged best friend, you will need to think about what is best for your dog while you are gone. Do you check them into a kennel or bring them with you?

If you don’t want to foot the bill for having them looked after or leave them behind, there are definitely options for bringing your dog on holiday with you, but you’ll need to choose the right type of dog-friendly holiday.

In this guide, we will run through the things you’ll need to consider so that your whole family, both human and canine, can enjoy a break away together in harmony.

At home

If you have a dog, a staycation is probably your easiest and least stressful option, both for you and your wet nosed family member, however, there are still a few things to think about.

Transport

First off, if your dog is not used to long car journeys you should build up to your trip away. Get them accustomed to spending more time in the car with you.

You can do this by taking them on walks that are a little further away from home than usual. And increasing this gradually in the run up to your dog-friendly holiday.

Even if your dog is used to being in the car to get to walks or the vets, it is probably a good idea to get them used to longer distances gradually.

Most rail carriers will allow dogs to travel by train for free. But do make sure that you check before you travel.

Accommodation

If you are staying in the UK, you have plenty of options for accommodation for a dog-friendly holiday and, if you stay with us here at Pure Leisure, you can enjoy our pet-friendly accommodation whether you are camping or staying in one of our camping pods, caravans, or lodges.

Our prices are low, starting from £3 for camping, and £35 per week in our lodges, which makes it really affordable to enjoy a holiday together.

We know how important exercise is for your dog (and you too) and luckily our parks have spacious and picturesque grounds to walk around. Billing Aquadrome has 235 acres. Todd St Giles Golf and Country Club has 150 acres, and our South Lakeland Leisure Village not only has 43 acres but is also right on the doorstep of the Lake District!

Check out our page on our pet friendly accommodation options here to double check what is available at each of our parks.

Abroad

When you go on holiday, the journey is a big part of the logistics. And can be rather lengthy and stressful even for humans, let alone your dog.

If you are travelling abroad, taking your dog with you is certainly possible, but there is a lot to think about.

First it is essential to make sure that your dog has the necessary vaccinations. You will need to plan for these well in advance as you will need to have your dog vaccinated against rabies at least 3 weeks before travel.

You will also have to apply for a passport for your dog. And a vet will need to check your dog before they are allowed back into the country.

There are also different checks and regulations depending on which country you are visiting. So it is important to do plenty of research to make sure you are clear on what is required for your chosen destination.

Transport

If you choose to fly to your destination, you are often allowed to take your dog on the plane with you. However, the criteria varies according to the airline so you will need to check this with your individual airline.

You also have to consider the comfort and safety of your dog while flying. As the high altitudes can hurt their ears, and often dogs are required to travel in the cargo hold. This article from Peta outlines some of the risks of flying with your dog, although many dogs do fly without any issues.

You may also take your dog abroad via ferry on a dog-friendly holiday. And again this will depend on the ferry company you travel with. This may be less stressful for your pet than flying. However, you may need to leave your dog in your car for the duration of the journey dependant on who you sail with. Some do offer pet-friendly cabins, as well as exercise areas.

There can be a great deal of cost involved in taking your dog abroad with you. So you should weigh this up against the cost of having your dog looked after at home, or opting for a staycation instead.

Accommodation

It is important to choose your accommodation carefully based on their pet policy. And to also do your research on the surrounding area. As you will need dog friendly areas to walk and exercise your pooch.

It is also worth mentioning that you will need to consider things such as your dog’s diet. That way you can keep it as consistent as possible with what they are used to.

Heading on holiday soon? Why not take our quiz to find out what type of holiday maker you are!