Solving the doggy dilemma: should I take my dog on holiday?

Vets agree that most pets prefer to stay in their own home when their pet parents are away, and that’s why we're here — to help keep animals safe and happy at home. However, with the rise of dog-friendly holidays, more people are wondering whether they should be taking their dog on holiday with them.

If you’re a pet parent currently pondering over this doggy dilemma, here’s what you need to know...

Bringing your dog on holiday: what to consider

Can I take my dog on holiday? Should I take my dog on vacation? These questions are all too common for holidaying pet parents.

If you plan your pet-friendly holiday properly and are confident your pooch is ‘holiday-friendly’ too — meaning that leaving their home comforts won’t cause them distress — there’s no reason you can’t set off with your four legged friend.

However, if your dog isn't well-suited to taking a trip, a pet-friendly holiday can turn out to be more of a doggy trauma than a doggy treat. That’s why it’s important that anyone considering taking a dog on holiday with them asks themselves the following questions before going ahead...

1. Will my pooch enjoy a doggy holiday?

Think about your pup’s personality and ask whether they will deal well with a long journey to an unfamiliar destination. While some dogs will relish in the adventure and love soaking up the new sights and smells, many dogs will find the travel and disruption to their daily routine distressing.

It’s also a good idea to consider your pup’s behaviour. For example, if they’re prone to running off, taking them somewhere unfamiliar and far away is pretty risky. Even if your loveable runaway doesn’t go missing, your doggy holiday is still likely to be overshadowed by the worrying possibility.

2. Is pup fit for a doggy holiday?

Travelling can be uncomfortable, stressful, and take its toll on our health, and it’s no different for our pets. That’s why before taking your dog on holiday it’s important to ask their vet to check whether they’re fit to face the potential challenges of travel.

In fact, if you're planning to take your dog abroad, you’ll likely be required to provide a pet passport, plus proof that your pooch has been deemed fit to travel.

3. What do I need to take my dog on holiday?

Your dog may be fit to travel, but are they ready? Before taking your dog on holiday, it’s important to ensure they're properly prepared with the following...

• A microchip: Ensuring your pooch has the painless electronic implant is not only a legal requirement in many countries but can also be invaluable in finding your dog if they were to get lost while away.
• Pet travel insurance: Covering you if your dog is ill or injured while you’re away, again, insurance is particularly important if you’re taking your pet on holiday abroad.
• Appropriate vaccinations: Depending on your destination, your dog may need to be vaccinated in plenty of time.

Planning a doggy holiday...

If you're sure your pooch is well prepared to travel away with you, the next step is to plan a suitably dog-friendly holiday. Choosing the best holiday destination for a dog may seem like a daunting task, but fortunately, with trustworthy travel sites like PetsPyjamas, it’s easier than ever to find and book accommodation that warmly welcomes four-pawed guests for the doggy holiday of their dreams.

Holidays I can take my dog on

We can all agree that flying with a dog isn’t exactly ideal - they’re often kept in tight spaces, and some of the time are completely out of sight until you land. So, rather than taking your dog on a flight, consider that some of the best holiday destinations for dogs are those a little closer to home. Think spots you can drive to with beaches and rural areas great for hiking that your fluffy friend will love.

How to take your dog on holiday

When deciding where to bring your dog on vacations, it’s important to consider whether you can get your pooch there without causing them distress.

Our top tip to avoid travel trauma is to do whatever you can to minimise the journey. This could mean paying more for a direct route or, better yet, choosing a nearby dog-friendly holiday destination instead. Ultimately, the key to planning a successful holiday with your dog is to put your pooch’s needs first. And, if you’re still unsure about bringing your pet away with you, the kindest, safest, and most convenient solution is to simply let them stay safe at home with a pet sitter.

Related article: Five things your pet thinks about your holiday

Would your furry friend rather take a nap than take a trip?

If you're questioning whether to bring your dog on vacation, there are plenty of brilliant pet care options for when you're away. Why not give them a real treat by letting them stay home with a kind and caring pet sitter from our loving community? Our sitters care for people's pups simply because they love it - you can connect with a world of fellow pet lovers who won’t charge a penny to care for your pooch.