Many of us will already be planning our summer breaks and holidays and, for pet owners, many of these plans will include their four-legged friends. But how can you ensure that your furry family members enjoy the holiday as much as you do?
To help would-be stay-cationers, PDSA vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan has put together her top tips on picking the ultimate pet-friendly holiday.
Consider your pet’s temperament – most cats and certain dogs might not feel comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. Consider whether your pet would be less stressed with a pet-sitter or boarding than coming on holiday.
Pick pet-friendly – narrow your search to look for pet-friendly accommodation. Check for details like the size of the property, whether there’s enough space for your pet, if the outdoor space is securely enclosed, and whether there are hazards like ponds to be aware of.
Research the local area – make sure there are plenty of dog-friendly trips and locations nearby, like pubs that allow dogs (some even offer dog menus!) so you can bring them along for the fun.
Consider travel time – lengthy journeys can be stressful for many pets, so keep travel as short as possible, and plan in plenty of rest breaks along the way. If travelling to other countries, consider how they will cope with the journey. If they are likely to get stressed, consider staying closer to home. For detailed tips on getting your pet used to travel, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/car-travel
Make plans for vet care – visit your usual vet before you go to get the right preventive care for the area you’re visiting. For instance, some diseases and parasites such as ticks can be more common in certain areas. Note the details of a vet near your holiday home just in case you need to use them.
Top-up on training – even the best-behaved dogs will benefit from occasional training top-ups. Make sure they respond well to commands such as leave, stay and recall. This way you can keep them safe when out and about, such as walking near cliffs or wildlife.
Stick to usual routines – although things will undoubtedly be different while you’re away, try to stick to usual routines for feeding and walking as much as possible. Bring everything you need from home as familiar objects will help your pet feel more comfortable.
With some careful planning and preparation, you and your pets can enjoy some wonderful breaks together.
In association with PDSA Petsurance 0800 980 6000