Tips for a Safe and Happy Pet-Friendly Holiday

When the holidays come around and you’re looking to go away for a while, it’s always an exciting time, but if you have a pet, you need to be mindful of their arrangements too. It’s an essential part of being a pet parent, that you find holiday arrangements, for your pet which keeps them safe, secure, stress-free and comfortable.

Being pet owners ourselves, and after many years of experience, we have garnered some very useful information and tips when it comes to holidaying with your furry friend. The key is to avoid rushing in and acting on impulse. Here are our tips for a safe and happy pet-friendly holiday.

Plan in advance, plan properly

Just like you would book your own accommodation in advance, you should have the same approach when it comes to your pet. Whether you decide to go the pet-friendly accommodation route, plan on having someone housesit, or if you’re thinking of taking your pet to a boarding kennel, be sure to look through your options as early as you possibly can. This way you are giving yourself the best possible options for your pet.

Is your accommodation truly pet-proof?

The last thing you need is to arrive at your holiday destination to elements you might not have anticipated. Are you 100% sure that the accommodation is suitable for your pet? Consider factors such as size of the garden and whether it is secure for your pet to enjoy their time in.

Where will your pet sleep at night? Will you be spending every day with your pet? If not, what arrangements have been made for  them when you are out and about? All of these aspects should be thought about months in advance.

Consider your pet’s healthcare

Your pets can fall ill on holiday just like you. As a pet owner, it’s important to consider diseases and health risks that may be exclusive to your holiday destination. Should you be taking extra preventative care? Consider tick control and even anti-heartworm medication. Our advice is to conduct thorough research into the area you’ll be staying and then seek advice from your vet.

Keep your pet hydrated

It seems like an obvious point, but when travelling with your pet, make sure to always have water readily available. Why not try the Torus bowl? It is an incredibly nifty, portable and sturdy water bowl for cats and dogs. It provides fresh, carbon-filtered water as often as the animal needs.

After purchasing a Torus bowl, you’ll never want your pet to use another bowl again. This is because it auto-replenishes as your pet drinks from it, ensuring there is a constant supply of clean, fresh drinking water, even when on the go. The water level in the drinking well is always high enough to allow seamless drinking but low enough to minimise water spills and splashes.

Pack enough food

When travelling with your pet, grocery stores located along your travel route may not stock the food your pet normally eats, so pack enough with you, ensuring that’ll last the entire duration of your holiday. Don’t expect the local grocery store at your holiday destination to stock the usual food your pet requires either – even if it’s the same chain of store, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll stock the same product.

Stop for a stretch

When travelling with your pet, make the trip fun! If you’re travelling over a long distance, we suggest stopping every 2-3 hours to give your furry friend the opportunity to stretch, walk, run and conduct their “business”.

Pack all of your pets’ toys and do the fun activities you usually would if you were at home or at a park. One of the key factors to ensuring your pet is comfortable when travelling, and on holiday is to try and make its surroundings as familiar as possible, whilst incorporating its usual daily activities.

Tag your pet

Now, more than ever is when your pet should be tagged with an ID. If your pet doesn’t have an ID, be sure to get one made and attach the ID to a collar that is secure, so that if your pet runs away, whoever finds it will be able to contact you.

Finally, enjoy this valuable time with your furry companion. Explore your destination together and take it all in!