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Things to consider before going on a holiday with your dog

Traveling with your dog can be a very positive and memorable experience, as long as you plan for it effectively. Going away with your pet will require a bit more effort and planning than any other holiday, but it is certainly worth the time.

Travelling is one of the most amazing things you can do. Getting away to a different place is a wonderful way to break from your routine and make new memories. The quality of this experience can increase even more if you bring your furry friend with you. Dogs are considered members of the family and as such, many individuals prefer to bring them along with them on holiday rather than leaving them in the care of someone else. There is no point in not making them a part of the plan, as there are many ways you can fully enjoy a pet-friendly holiday. 

As you can imagine, traveling with your dog will require a bit more planning than if you travelled alone or with other fellow human beings. You are the sole carer for your pet and you will need to ensure it is safe and that you can still have fun and enjoy your time away. This article will advise you of a few things to consider before going on a holiday with your dog so that you can plan for this appropriately. 

Plan for everything in advance
A holiday always requires appropriate planning, even if you go alone. There are a few of us that enjoy the occasional spontaneous holiday, which requires very little planning. However, when you have a pet, this option is certainly out the window. If you are planning to go on holiday, make sure that you start planning for this as soon as possible. The earlier the better. When you do this, you are more likely to get things right and you will not forget any details. 

Look for pet-friendly accommodation 
Accommodation is one of the most important things to look for when traveling. Not many places accept pets for the duration of your stay. This is for the obvious reason that pets can cause significant damage to the property. Thankfully, there are websites where you can explore and book dog-friendly holidays, which will let you know which accommodation accepts dogs. Make sure to investigate this carefully by checking the accommodation provider’s website and reading the reviews. Sometimes, they may have specific restrictions on the type of breed or the size of the dog that they allow on the premises. 

Think about what you will want to do during holiday 
Bringing your dog with you on holiday just so that they can be stuck indoors in a place that is strange to them will do your pet no good. They may quickly develop anxiety and display negative behaviors. Think about the type of activities you would like to do when you are away and whether these are dog friendly. It is a good idea to devise a plan that also takes your dog’s needs into consideration so that you can both take advantage of the time away and spend time together. 

Consider the journey
The journey to the destination is often one of the most difficult parts of the holiday with your dog, and also the one people fail to consider the most. Dogs may find it difficult to travel, especially if it is a long journey. Make a plan for the journey – decide which transport you will use and how this will impact your dog. Make sure to bring water, food, and any toys for them to stay entertained. You also must account for a few breaks as part of the journey to ensure that your dog gets fresh air and relaxes. 

Understand your pet may struggle to adjust
This will depend on the dog you have, as they are all different. Some dogs may adjust perfectly to a new location, whereas others may struggle. Regardless, this is something that you will have to consider, especially if you have never been away with your dog before. Once you arrive at your destination, it is a good idea to take your pet for a walk and let them explore the place and get used to being somewhere new. This will help reduce their anxiety. However, you should still have this in mind and be prepared for any meltdowns your dog may have, and be patient to handle these effectively. 

Pack your dogs favorite items
One thing that may help improve your dog’s adjustment to a new place and reduce their anxiety is by packing their favorite items. This is particularly important if your dog is very accustomed to their home as they will be more likely to struggle when away. If they have a brown bed, a favorite blanket, and a favorite toy, make sure to pack these with your things. Not only will it help you improve the holiday, but it will also help with the journey. 

Arrange a visit to the vet
Before you go away, make sure that you take your dog to the veterinarian. Getting a general health check-up with the vet is a smart move before going somewhere else. You can also ensure that they are microchipped if not already done and that they are up to date with their flea treatment. The vet will also be able to provide you with a few tips and recommendations on what to consider when traveling with your dog, particularly in terms of his health. 

Plan for emergencies
When we think about holidays, we usually associate this with positivity and good experiences and we hope that this is all that you get from your trip. However, it is not unusual for people to encounter a few challenges that may reduce the quality of their experience. Being prepared for the worst can help you overcome any challenges that you may face. This includes general safety for your dog at the destination of your choice as well as looking at vets in the area in case you need the support of a professional. 


Photo by Megan (Markham) Bucknall from Pexels

Traveling with your dog can be a very positive and memorable experience, as long as you plan for it effectively. Going away with your pet will require a bit more effort and planning than any other holiday, but it is certainly worth the time. The information discussed on this page will provide you with a few things to consider before going on a holiday with your dog, to ensure that you both have a wonderful time. 

Main photo by Spencer Gurley from Pexels

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