The holiday season is around the corner! While planning your big annual break should be a fun and exciting time, it can get a bit complicated if you want to bring along your favourite fluffy friends. Whether trying to find pet-friendly accommodation or puppy-proofing your car for a long drive, there are several things you need to consider before taking your pooch on holiday.
Fortunately, the crew at Kennel Store have all the tools and tips for a smooth and stress-free vacation with your canine companions. As a leading manufacturer and supplier of kennel systems and accessories in the UK, the dog-loving salesmen offer everything a pooch could possibly need, including plush dog beds, secure holding pens, bespoke kennels, car ramps and crates.
We recently spoke to the Kennel Store team to discover what five things every dog-owner should do before embarking on a holiday with their pets. Follow these steps to make your next holiday with your dog a howling success.
1. Prepare the essentials
Just like us, pets have a list of documents they need to have in order to travel, especially abroad. If you’re taking your pooch on an overseas trip, you need to ensure their passport, pet insurance papers and travel documents are all up to date and prepped. Travelling to certain countries with your dog can be a bit tricky, so make sure you research what is required to avoid any delays to your schedule.
2. Pack a bag for your pooch
Whether it’s a squeaky toy or a tattered blanket, our dogs all have a few items they just can’t go without! When packing a bag for your pooch, remember to include all the essentials like leads, collars, bowls, and pet food, as well as the toys or items that bring them joy and comfort. This will ensure they remain calm when in a strange environment and entertained wherever you are.
3. Find a pet-friendly place to stay
Pet-friendly accommodation is hard to come by, even more so during the festive season. When planning a holiday, pick a destination that has plenty of outdoor spaces and a wide selection of hotels or Airbnbs that happily allow dogs. Once you’ve found a few great spots, give the manager or owners of the accommodation a call to check that there is enough space for your four-legged friend, especially if they are a larger breed.
4. Go for a check-up with the vet
Although the vet is a far cry away from a vacation, it’s an essential stop for a headache-free holiday. Taking your dog for a full vet check-up is not only necessary if you plan on going abroad, but it’ll also give you peace of mind that your travelling companion is up-to-date on all their vaccinations and ready to broaden their horizons.
5. Make the journey comfortable
Travelling can be a very stressful experience for dogs, filled with loud noises and unfamiliar smells. Whether purchasing a quality pet carrier, car ramp or kennel for the journey, it’s important to make the journey as comfortable and calming for your dog as possible. Bringing their favourite blanket or bed with will also help them feel more settled and at ease.
Looking for a bespoke kennel or comfy bed to take your pooch on holiday? Visit the Kennel Store website to find out more about their high-quality pet products or read their inspiring business journey on our blog.
Do you have a business story that you would like us to hear about? Send us a message on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn to be part of our Local Business Spotlight campaign. You can also email us at [email protected].