If you are a family with pets then going away on holiday could become a real hassle. We know from experience that sorting out either sitters for your pets, or putting them into kennels can cost a small fortune and that’s without making sure all of their jabs are up to date. Dogs especially are sociable pets and love to be with their family, not stuck in kennels. Before you decide to take your dog away on the family holiday though there are a few things to consider so here are some tips:
Destination
Choosing a destination for your family holiday, dog included, is a big decision and the most important thing to thing about is whether or not it is dog friendly.
Eurocamp is a self-catering specialist with over 190 locations across Europe with parcs to suit everyone’s needs. Not only do Eurocamp offer holiday homes in stunning locations but so many of them are suitable for dogs! Choices include destinations such as Brittany, Tuscany and Costa Brava, just to name a few. Get ready to enjoy some beautiful walks with your pooch while enjoying your holiday with the whole family.
Photo credit: Eurocamp
A Trip To See The Vet
Your dog should be fit and healthy before travelling and while this is something you will probably know on your own, it would be worth getting a vet to check them over before travelling. Your vet will also be able to give you some tips and advice about travelling with dogs as well as any information you’ll need about vaccinations.
All dogs travelling within the EU need a passport detailing their vaccinations and these are available from certain vets so it’s important to check where you can get this done. Dogs must be up to date with their rabies vaccinations, which needs to cover the whole duration of the holiday. Dogs will also need treatment for tapeworm before returning to the UK.
Transport
Unless your dog is used to travelling for long periods of time and long distances it would be useful to get them used to their travel ‘accommodation’. Of course, if you’re travelling by car then it’s always best for your dog to have it’s own container where it won’t move if you break suddenly and cause and injury and also so the dog doesn’t distract you while driving. If your dog is able to travel in the back of the car then a dog guard is the safest option. Providing your dog with comfortable bedding and plenty of ventilation but away from direct sunlight is key to a smooth journey for everyone. You can learn even more tips at MyPetChild.
If you’re travelling by ferry then be sure to check out the company’s specific rules and regulations. The length of your ferry journey may alter how your dog needs to be transported and what you need to do to make the journey comfortable and easy for them.
Enjoy Your Holiday
Just like when travelling with children it’s important to look out for any changes in your dog and to help them to get used to a new place. This could mean taking familiar toys, items and any medication to make sure they are not unsettled or agitated. Of course, one of the most important things is to enjoy your holiday together and if your dog is happy, this will be easily achieved.
If you have been on holiday with your dog before I’d love to hear any tips. Let me know in the comments!
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. All opinions are our own.
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We should keep in mind our dog’s personality and needs, and getting them excited about a car ride to have a great holiday with them.