Dog-friendly holidays are increasing in popularity among dog owners.
After all, they can bring you and your four-legged friend many benefits.
First, it gives you an excellent opportunity to bond with your pet, which is important for both of you.
Your dog will also love spending more time with you, and you could take the opportunity to give them all the attention they deserve.
You and your dog could also experience something new together and create some incredible memories.
Keeping the brain of your doggo busy and stimulated could help them to improve their overall health too.
Of course, it can also give you and your pet time to relax.
Dogs might get stressed in the modern world just like people do, and going on holiday could help them to become more peaceful and calm.
At the same time, it could take many worries off your shoulders.
When you go on holiday, you may feel guilty about leaving your dog behind.
This way, you can travel together and enjoy the trip.
But remember to bring anything you might need to keep your pet happy and healthy, such as treats, bedding, their favourite toy and any supplements your dog takes.
Our tips will help you to plan the perfect trip with your four legged pal and overcome some of the challenges that you could both face along the way.
Choose The Right Destination
The first thing you need to consider when planning a dog-friendly holiday is the destination.
Not every location might be suitable for your doggo, so it’s essential that you do your research in advance.
Make sure that the destination where you want to travel has a suitable climate and weather conditions for your dog.
If you plan to go somewhere with a hot and humid climate, you must ensure that there’s plenty of shade where your dog can rest.
You also have to research the local regulations regarding dogs, such as leash laws and dog-friendly areas.
To find the right destination, you should take into account your dog’s personality and preferences.
For instance, you might want to stay close to a beach or lake if your pet loves water.
Make sure that there is veterinary care in the area – just in case you face an emergency during your stay.
Finally, consider how much time it takes to get to the destination and how it could affect your dog’s comfort and well-being.
Take Care Of Your Dog’s Health
Bringing your dog along for a holiday can be exciting.
However, you should take steps to make sure that they stay happy and healthy throughout the trip.
Before travelling, ensure that your dog is up-to-date on all of their vaccinations and has had any necessary booster shots they may need – especially if you’re travelling to a place with a higher risk of certain diseases or illnesses.
If you’re planning to go abroad, you might need to get certain health certificates or medications for your dog.
But you should take your dog for a check-up even if you’re going only for a staycation.
If your dog is on any medication, make sure you bring enough for the trip.
You might also want to get dog supplements from companies like ProDog Raw that could help your dog to get more vitamins and minerals.
It could support healthy skin and coat of your doggo or even digestive health.
Keep in mind any dietary restrictions your fur pal might have, and provide them with plenty of fresh water no matter where you go.
Pack For Your Dog
To make sure that your four-legged friend is comfortable and well-cared for during the trip, you need to pack all the necessities.
Bring enough food and treats to last the entire trip.
You might even want to pack a little extra – just in case you need to deal with travel delays or unexpected events.
To bring your doggo more comfort, you might also want to bring their favourite blanket, so they can sleep throughout the night without any worries.
You might also want to bring some grooming supplies.
If your dog is prone to shedding, a brush could help you to minimise hair in the accommodation and on your clothing.
Don’t forget to bring accessories such as a leash, collar, or harness.
That could help you to keep your doggo safe in busier areas and follow any local guidelines.
Another thing you need to pack is any medication that your pet needs to stay fit and healthy.
Packing some toys could also help you to entertain the dog throughout the journey and enjoy the trip with fewer problems.
Book A Dog-Friendly Accommodation
When you plan to stay at your destination for one night on more, you will need to look for accommodation that would welcome your fur pal with open arms.
Before you book anything, you need to check the accommodation’s pet policies – including any fees or restrictions that might apply.
You should also choose a place that’s conveniently located near any dog-friendly attractions or activities that you might be interested in.
Some of the places might also offer pet amenities, such as dog beds, bowls, or treats, that might make your stay more enjoyable.
Choosing a quieter and more peaceful location could help your pet to settle and keep their stress levels at bay.
It would be a good idea for you to read reviews from other travellers.
That might help you to see how supportive and dog-friendly the accommodation really is.
Once you get to the location, make sure that you’re respectful to other guests and follow any pet policies and guidelines.
Plan Your Transportation
Transportation plays a key role in any travel plan.
When you’re going to the destination, it’s important that you keep your dog safe and comfortable.
Before you book any tickets, you should do your homework and look for transportation that welcomes pets on board.
Look through any airlines or trains that allow pets in the cabin.
You should also check any rules and guidelines for car rentals. To make sure that there’s availability for your fur pal, you need to book the transport in advance, as some companies might have only a limited number of spaces for pets.
Consider your dog’s size and temperament, and choose transportation that could make your pet feel comfortable.
Ensure that you can keep the dog safe throughout the journey and take any supplies like water and food bowls that your pet might need.
Travelling can take a lot of time, and it could be draining for your four-legged friend. So, take breaks as necessary and enjoy the adventure.
Enjoy The Time With Your Doggo
Once you get to the destination, it’s time for you to enjoy the moments with your canine friend.
Whether you’re on a staycation or want to head abroad, make sure that you do your research and follow any local rules and guidelines.
Consider enhancing your holiday by using a dog training app to keep your dog engaged and well-behaved. Apps like Woofz can make the experience more enjoyable for both of you.
That might help you to stay out of trouble and enjoy the trip to the maximum.
Book all the tickets in advance and check the transportation or accommodation rules to make sure that you and your dog can have a stress-free adventure.
To make the most of your trip, look for any activities that you might do with your doggo.
Places with hiking trails or dog-friendly beaches could help you to stay active and explore a new destination at the same time.
No matter where you go, make sure that you’re a responsible dog owner.
Be respectful towards locals and other guests or tourists.
That might help you to ensure that you can avoid unnecessary trouble and take your time to relax.
