NO HIDDEN SURPRISES: HOW TO PLAN YOUR FAMILY PET HOLIDAY RIGHT

Summer holidays are rolling in fast, and an interesting trend is emerging among pet owners along with it. Research results recently published by Tesco Bank indicate that more pet owners are now planning to take their furry pets along with them on holiday. This means that you will now need to plan your holiday even more carefully, be it a staycation or a trip abroad.

Here’s how you can prepare for a pet-friendly staycation or trip abroad

With an increasing interest in pet-friendly holidays, we thought we’d prepare a few tips to help you make the most of your staycation or pet-friendly trip abroad:

Do some planning ahead. A little research can give you a lot of reassurance. So, make sure that the hotel or accommodation you’re planning to stay at, is pet-friendly. If you’re planning to take a vacation outside the UK, you might want to apply for a pet passport and even invest in a dog guard for those long road trips.

However, if you must leave your pet behind, consider enrolling them in a reputable doggy day care centre, where daily dog walking, among other things, will keep them healthy, content, and happy in your absence.

Consider any extra costs. Well now, travel and accommodation costs may simply be the beginning. You may have to deal with other costs such as food, bedding and transportation for your pet. You might also want to take into account the extra protection costs associated with any inadvertent damage your pet might do while staying abroad.  

Ensure the right level of insurance protection/cover. Emergency pet treatments as a result of sudden accidents or mishaps can drain your wallet quickly. It’s always a good idea to research and shop around for different pet insurance policies, and then settle for one that matches your budget and your pet’s specific needs.

Stay up-to-date on the health checks. Depending on where you’re going, your pet may require specific vaccinations, such as those to guard against tapeworm or rabies. It’s best to let your vet know at least 4 weeks in advance before the travel date. Plus, it might be useful to microchip your pet and double check that all your contact information is correct and up-to-date.

Try to maintain a stress-free environment. Most pets tend to get stressed easily during travel, especially if they’re new to it. Why not do a short ‘test run’ before taking the actual trip? Leave your pet’s carrier in a quiet spot outside your house, while placing their bedding, favourite toys and treats inside. This should get them accustomed to being away from their ‘comfort zone’.

Let’s get moving!  

Once you’re done with the holiday booking, it can be easy to forget or overlook specific considerations for your pet. Whether you end up taking them along or not, it’s still important to consider any associated costs which may lead to unwanted last-minute surprises.

If you’re planning on travelling alone, Happy Hounds would be happy to take the worry off your hands with quality dog grooming in Winchester, pampering all day long at our dedicated doggy day care centre and regular dog walking sessions.