If you’re anything like me, being able to take your pets on holiday with you can really make it feel complete. Bushland and seaside escapes are particularly enjoyable for dogs and seeing your beloved furry mate at their happiest can really help with your own relaxation and happiness too. Unfortunately, not every inch on this great land is pet friendly however. This is understandable as not every person in this country loves animals as much as you and I do.
Whilst it may make us happy and relaxed to have them alongside us, these emotions might not be shared by everyone around us on holiday. Nowadays, most holiday websites allow you to search for pet friendly accommodation, hikes, shops and beaches. This means that those of us who do want our dogs with us, can prepare to take them somewhere that is appropriate, safe and expected by others.
With such valuable information, we can not only plan a wonderful and well-deserved break, we can organise to take our dogs with us too. I have a prepared a checklist for you, so that you can ensure your dog able to make the most of their howliday as well.
Checklist for planning a holiday with your pet
• Research the area you are visiting. What is the weather going to be like? Where is your dog permitted? Where are the no go zones?
• Make sure the drive is not too long. If it is more than 3 hours, stop regularly and ensure your dog is hydrated. Dogs need to stretch their legs, get fresh air and relieve themselves just like we do. Try not to feed your dog too much before the trip, as they can become nauseated.
• Bring a water bowl, fresh water, a blanket, doggy bags and their seatbelt harness along in the car with you. Make sure your dog is secured and safe at all times whilst traveling.
• Ensure your dog is wearing their collar with their identification at all times on your holiday. Whilst you may not plan for your dog to go missing, new environments make it easy for dogs to become lost. Keep them on lead in open areas at all time.
• When searching for accommodation, make sure the residence is pet friendly. Accommodation that does not states this can have the right to remove you if you have not complied with their expectations. Pet friendly homes are usually better fit-out with appropriate décor and furniture. They are often fully fenced too.
• When you arrive at your location, show your dog through the property and house on lead. Allow them to explore and locate where they go to the toilet, where they eat and where their water bowl will be positioned. Put out their bed in the home and station them to it with their favourite food.
• Make sure that your dog is microchipped. If their collar comes loose and they lose it, the microchip may be the only way to identify your dog.
• Enjoy your time with your dog. Visit new places, experience new things and enrich your routine together.
• Ensure you have all your dog’s medications and that you know where nearest vet is located. It is always valuable to know where you can take your vet, in the unlikely event that you need to.
This month, I will be driving up to Sydney with my three dogs. I have decided to break the trip up into two days. You may choose to make your driving trip less onerous by breaking it up too. Your holiday is intended to be relaxing, and there is nothing more taxing or dangerous than driving for prolonged periods of time.
Enjoy the journey. The journey and how you get there is just as important than the destination. Your dog will be living in the moment, absorbing the wind in his hair, the snoozing in the sun through the car window and the new sights. Let your dog show you how to make the most of your holiday. Dogs live in the moment and teach us how to enjoy the simplicity of life. Enjoy your time together.