A holiday without your beloved pet? That doesn’t have to be the case! More and more pet owners are deciding to take their four-legged friends on holiday with them. But to make a holiday with your pet an unforgettable experience, careful planning and a few considerations are needed in advance. In this blog post, we share useful tips and advice to ensure your holiday with your furry companion goes smoothly.
1. Choose Your Destination Carefully
Choosing the right destination is crucial to ensure that the holiday is a success for both you and your pet. Start by looking for pet-friendly destinations that offer a variety of activities and amenities for animals. Coastal towns, mountain retreats or rural areas are often popular choices as they often offer space for walks and outdoor activities.
It’s important to remember that not all places have the same rules for pets. Some beaches may only allow dogs in certain areas, while national parks might have strict guidelines for the presence of animals. Even within a city, rules can vary depending on the district. So do your research in advance to avoid any nasty surprises.
2. Find Pet-friendly Accommodation
The choice of accommodation plays a crucial role in a successful holiday with your pet. More and more hotels, holiday homes and campsites are recognising the needs of pet owners and offering special facilities for pets. When booking, it is important to make sure that the accommodation not only accepts pets but also has appropriate amenities. In Croatia, for example, there are more and more pet-friendly accommodations, and the best choice is renting a last minute villa in Croatia that can also be pet-friendly. Find out about the rules and fees for pets that apply there. Sometimes pet-friendly accommodations even offer special amenities such as food and water bowls or dog beds.
When searching for pet-friendly accommodation, online platforms can offer special filters for pets. Reviews from other pet owners can also be informative to get an idea of other travellers’ experience with their pets at that particular location. Some accommodations may charge an additional fee for pets, so it is important to clarify this in advance.
Finding the perfect pet-friendly accommodation may take a little extra effort, but it’s well worth it. Your pet will thank you and you can enjoy your holiday to the fullest without having to worry about accommodating your faithful companion. If you can’t take your pet with you, consider leaving them in a luxury dog hotel so they can play daily with other dogs and be very comfortable while you are gone.
3. Make Veterinary Preparations
Before travelling, it is advisable to plan a visit to the vet. Ensure all vaccinations are current and ask for a first-aid kit for your pet. Make a note of the contact details of a vet at your holiday destination so that you are well prepared in an emergency. A microchip may also be advisable to ensure that your pet can find its way back to you quickly in the event of separation.
4. Choose the Transportation
The choice of transport can have a significant impact on your pet’s comfort. When travelling long distances by car, you should plan regular breaks so that your pet can stretch and relax. If you are flying, check the airline’s policy on pets in advance. Some companies offer special cabins or cargo compartments for pets.
5. Take Familiar Objects With You
To make your pet feel comfortable in its new surroundings, it is helpful to take familiar objects with you. A favourite toy, a familiar blanket or a bowl of food can give your pet a feeling of security and minimise the stress of the journey.
6. Take Care of Your Pet While Travelling
Make sure your pet gets enough water and food while travelling. Avoid overfeeding your pet before departure to prevent travel sickness. Stop regularly during the journey so that your pet can relieve itself and get some exercise.
7. Be Considerate of Other Travellers
Not everyone shares the same enthusiasm for animals as you do. Be considerate of other travellers by keeping your pet on a leash and making sure it does not cause any inconvenience. Also, respect the rules and regulations that apply in public places and accommodations.
8 Plan Pet-friendly Activities
When planning activities during your holiday, you should bear in mind that not all activities are suitable for pets. Hikes, walks on the beach or animal parks can be ideal options. Make sure that your pet gets enough exercise and can let off steam.
9. Emergency Preparation
Despite all your preparations, unforeseen situations can occur. Have a list of emergency contacts with you and know where the nearest veterinary clinic is located. A first aid kit for pets is also a wise precaution.
A holiday with your pet can be a wonderful experience if it is well-planned. By considering your pet’s needs, choosing pet-friendly accommodations and preparing for potential challenges, you can set the stage for a successful holiday trip with your furry companion. Make memories together and enjoy your time together in a pet-friendly environment!
