You’ve probably been planning your dog’s first holiday in the UK for months. And rightfully so, for it’s a big deal! With planning and forethought, you can ensure your pup has a stress-free and enjoyable time.
Here are the top tips for ensuring your dog’s first holiday is a success.
1. Look For Dog-Friendly Accommodation
You’ve been planning your dream vacation for months, and when you mention it to your dog, he starts wagging his tail in excitement. He evidently wants to come too!
Thanks to the internet, it’s now easier to find dog friendly cottages where you can all holiday together. All that’s needed is to key in your travel dates, destination, and the number of dogs you’ll be visiting with, and the search platform does the rest for you. Isn’t that amazing? Yes, you can now find a suitable place to stay without worrying about leaving your furry friend behind.
2. Start With Baby Steps
Your dog will probably be overwhelmed by all the new sights, sounds, and smells. Therefore, it’s critical to adequately prepare your dog before his first holiday.
You can start by planning trips to public places to help your dog become more comfortable around strangers and other dogs. Some public places like parks, bookstores, art galleries, and restaurants allow owners to bring their dogs. You may call ahead to be sure you can bring your pup along.
Once your dog behaves well in crowded places, it may be time to go on an overnight trip. If you observe that your dog has no issues with spending the night in an unfamiliar place and handles it exceptionally well, your dog may be ready for his first holiday!
3. Talk With Your Vet
Before leaving for your holiday, you must talk with your vet about any medical requirements your dog may need if travelling abroad. Depending on where you’re going, your dog may need to be vaccinated against different diseases, or you may need to get a permit to take him across state borders.
There may be additional requirements, such as blood tests and health certificates.
Be sure to ask your vet for advice on how to make travel by car or aeroplane as safe and comfortable as possible for your dog.
4. Have An Emergency Plan
To make your dog’s first holiday stress-free, you need to have an emergency plan. This means having a list of contacts for emergency vet care and people who can take care of your puppy if something happens to you. It’s also essential that your dog is microchipped and wears a collar and ID tag with your contact information at all times.
5. Pick A Dog-Friendly Destination
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly destination for your holiday, you’re in luck! The UK has some attractive places to visit, and most are pet-friendly. Here are a few of our favourites:
The Lake District National Park is an excellent choice if you prefer somewhere scenic and quiet. Dogs are welcome in most national parks, so you can take your pooch for a hike around the lakes and enjoy the stunning views.
London is also an excellent option if you’re looking for a city break. Dogs are allowed in many parks, and plenty of pubs and restaurants welcome them too. The city is also home to fantastic tourist attractions, such as Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge.
Suppose you’re looking for a seaside holiday, head to Cornwall. Dogs are allowed on most beaches so that you can enjoy a walk along the sand with your furry friend by your side. Plenty of coastal towns with pubs and restaurants will welcome your dog with open arms.
6. Know What To Pack In The Dog’s Suitcase
It’s essential to pack everything your dog will need while on vacation. Be sure to include a blanket or roll-up bed that smells like home to help your dog feel more at ease in new surroundings.
Here are other items to include in a doggy suitcase:
- A copy of your dog’s vaccination records and health certificate
- Medications and first-aid supplies
- ID tags with your contact information
- A few favourite toys
- Lead and collar with global positioning system (GPS) tracker
- Food and water bowls
- Your dog’s usual food and some treats
- Poo bags and scooper
- Conclusion
Planning your dog’s first holiday can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the six tips mentioned, you can make sure your furry friend has a great time and that you stay relaxed too.