Pets are part of the family, and summer holidays and annual vacations are important occasions in any family calendar, so the big question is, should you travel with your pet?

There are so many factors that could influence your decision. Vacationing with children or going on holiday with elderly parents will determine the sort of activities you might undertake whilst away. They might not be pet friendly. If you’re a couple who loves to walk and explore the countryside, travelling with your pet could be the perfect trip for you and your furry friends.

Will you be flying, using public transport, or travelling in your own car? Will your pet need to be left alone for long periods of time, or will they be with you at all times?  As much as we love them, taking a pet on holiday will definitely limit your options, and could cause undue stress on some animals.

Every country has different rules regarding travelling with pets. You may need specific immunisations and health certification. At the very least you will need to ensure that worming and flea treatments are up to date.

You may ascertain that it would be far easier to hire a pet sitter to take care of your cat or to find a reputable kennel or boarding facility for your dogs. Maybe relatives could take small animals such as hamsters, or neighbours may be willing to pop in to feed fish or rabbits whilst you are away.

Travelling with a pet on holiday

The main priority must be for the welfare of your pet. Think about how well they will travel in a car. Perhaps they get anxious when they are away from home. Will the weather be too hot for a pet whose family intends to spend the whole day on the beach?

Will you be able to take your pet on public transport? In the UK you can currently travel by train and bus with one or two well-behaved pets provided they sit on the floor and remain on a lead. However, some coach companies such as Megabus and National Express only allow assistance dogs to travel in their vehicles.

Finding pet-friendly holiday accommodation

Where you live in the world may limit your options for taking your pet on vacation.

We have noticed that in the United States of America, particularly California, it is very dog-friendly. Dogs are welcomed and catered for in many establishments and most hotels have pet-friendly rooms. However, do be prepared to pay additional cleaning charges which could eat into your vacation budget.

The UK is a little further behind in welcoming our pets, and you may be limited to self-catering caravans and chalets, or cottages in remote locations rather than a beachfront hotel.  There are some hotels which welcome dogs though, such as The Beachcroft Hotel near Bognor Regis which has pet-friendly rooms and suites.  Pets are welcomed and the hotel provides a dog bed, bowls, treats and even a little gift to play with on the beach!

 What to take on holiday for your pet

If you have found the perfect location for a family holiday with your pet, make sure you pack all the essentials such as:

• Food and snacks for the duration of your stay
• Portable drinks and snacks for the journey
• Portable water bowls
• Poo bags
• Leads, collars, harnesses
• Dog baskets, cushions, or blankets
• A selection of dog toys for indoor and outdoor
• Old towels to dry off wet or sandy dogs
• Any pet medication

Make sure that your pet is microchipped with a tag on their collar also, and it’s a good idea to find out where the nearest vets are located. Hopefully you won’t need to use them, but it’s good to be prepared..

Enjoy your holiday!

Above all, enjoy your time away whether you are leaving your pets at home with a family member or a reliable pet sitter, or taking them away to experience a holiday with you.

Get Set Grow​

Free news and advice for dog walkers, cat sitters and other pet business owners.
Small original articles which only take a minute to read.

Subscribe for free and start growing your business today.