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Planning Dog-Friendly Trips

Taking a holiday with your dog can be a rewarding experience for both you and your pup. It’s an opportunity to connect, explore new places together, and make lasting memories. However, a vacation with your furry friend requires some extra planning so the trip is enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved.

Holidaying with your dog

The decision to take your dog on holiday with you is not one to make lightly. Before you book, consider your pup's health, temperament, and energy levels. A comfortable traveller is adaptable, healthy, and enjoys new experiences. If your dog seems anxious in new places or travelling long distances, ask a veterinarian or a professional trainer for help to get them ready.

Preparing for travel

Dogs generally love exploring new environments, and there are loads of locations that offer great pet-friendly options. Before you set off, it's important to make sure your destination choice and travel plans accommodate your furry friend's needs.

Domestic travel

When travelling domestically with your dog, think about how you are going to get there and make sure your holiday includes dog friendly travel methods. If you're driving, check that your doggo is comfortable in the car by taking several shorter drives in the lead-up to your trip. Pack a travel bag for your dog, including water, a bowl, snacks, a favourite toy, and any necessary medication, and make sure you take regular breaks so they can go to the bathroom and stretch their legs. To keep them safe, you might need a pet carrier, travel harness or boot gate. 

If you're considering public transport, check the pet policies in advance. Some trains and buses allow dogs, but policies vary widely. Ensure your pet is used to being in a carrier if required and aim to travel during off-peak hours when it's less congested.

International travel

If you are going to travel internationally with your dog, you need to put in a little bit more work. You'll need to research and comply with the destination country’s pet entry regulations, which may include vaccinations, a health certificate, and a period of quarantine.

Make sure you look into this well in advance, as some vaccinations have specific timelines. Also, check whether the airline allows pets and how they will be travelling. Some allow pets in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat, while others may need them to travel as cargo.

Finding dog-friendly locations

The key to a successful trip with your dog is choosing destinations that you will both love. Not all places are open to hosting pets, so do your research in advance so that neither of you end up disappointed.

Accommodation & dog-friendly locations

The secret to a successful dog-friendly holiday is finding accommodation that doesn’t just allow pets but welcomes them.

• Check Policies: Even when the accommodation is dog-friendly, they might have different policies you need to know beforehand. Some places may have restrictions on the size or breed of dogs allowed or they will charge more.
• Local Amenities: Look out for nearby dog-friendly parks, beaches, or trails where your dog can make the most of some off-leash time.

Activities with your dog

The best part of vacationing with your pooch is exploring together. Whether it’s a dog-friendly beach, park, café, or even a winery, sharing the experience can make your holiday memorable. Consider:

• Research: Look up dog-friendly activities and attractions in advance. Tourism boards or local websites are excellent resources.
• Plan for Flexibility: Even with the best-laid plans, sometimes things don’t go as expected. Maybe a planned hiking trail is closed, or your dog finds the hustle and bustle of a city overwhelming. Be prepared to adapt your schedule.

A holiday with your dog can be a great way to deepen your bond, but you’ll need to plan and prepare to get the best out of it. Always research and respect the local regulations and guidelines on dogs so your holiday is enjoyable and safe for everyone. With a bit of thinking ahead, holidaying with your dog can be an enriching experience. For more information on how to travel with a dog, check out our blog. 

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