Dog Friendly Holidays

It's almost that time of year again, when we get the holiday brochures out and pore over them, deciding where to go. For much of the population though, another consideration will have to be borne in mind when planning their annual vacation, and that is "Who will look after the dog?".

"For many dog owners the mere thought of putting their dogs into kennels will be out of the question, as pets are known to fret when separated from their families, but this does not mean that the family must forego their holiday."

Nowadays it is quite common to go on holiday with a dog. There are indeed an abundance of places which offer dog friendly holidays. So if you have a dog, and are planning a family holiday, why not take pooch with you?

Searching for dog friendly holidays

There are many places where you can go on holiday with your dog and an easy way to locate such places would be to search the internet. For example, the following sites all have on offer dog friendly holidays, but this list is by no means exhaustive!

• dogsinvited.co.uk
• dogpeople.co.uk
• petfriendlyholidaylets.co.uk
• petholidayfinder.co.uk

It is amazing the number of different types of accommodation on offer which are dog friendly. Indeed apart from the traditional bed and breakfast type guest houses, you are able to choose from static caravans, touring caravans, camping sites, apartments, lodges and some farmhouses now offer you the opportunity of holidaying with your dog.

Dog Holiday Rules and Regulations

Before you book your dog friendly holiday it might be an idea to double check on what their exact rules and regulations are, before you take the plunge. For instance, you may need to check:

• If you wish to take more than one dog; you must specify this at the outset as sometimes even dog friendly holidays only allow one dog per family.
• If you wish to go out for the day, must you take your dog with you? The majority of dog friendly holiday accommodation will specify that you must take your dog out with you if you leave the accommodation unattended. In other words they will not allow you to leave your dog in the accommodation on it's own.
• You may wish to check whether there is any doggy equipment available, ie beds/kennels etc.

Dogs on the Beach

It should be borne in mind that some Seaside Award resorts and those with Blue Flag beaches have rules concerning dogs. Dogs are in fact banned from such beaches and must be kept on a leash in areas adjoin the beaches. This enforcement only usually applies to the main section of the beach at peak seasons (usually between May and September).

Dogs are normally allowed on nearby stretches of beach and on most rural and any areas where dogs are banned will be signposted quite clearly.

A Walk in the Park

There can be restrictions regarding dogs in relation to National Parks and some inland resorts, and therefore you should plan ahead carefully to ensure that your dog can be catered for whilst you are away. Alternatively, if you are going to be walking in the countryside, always remember to adhere to the Countryside Code of Practice.

Cost Implications of your Dog Friendly Holiday

Naturally you will have to pay to take your dog on holiday with you, but from the various options available you should be able to find a suitable holiday for your particular budget.

Travelling Light

Besides packing your own suitcase, don't forget that you will also need to take items for your dog, including:

• Water bowl and food dish.
• Dog food.
• Blankets and bedding if not supplied by your accommodation.
• Towels.
• Grooming kit.
• Collar and lead - you may wish to consider taking an extra one in case of loss.
• Any medication your dog requires.
• If you intend to go on the beach, some form of protective shade.
• Some toys for him to play with.

Britain really is very dog friendly - and what better than to take your dog on holiday with you. Some dog friendly holidays even include Dog Welcome Packs - now isn't that a treat?!

If you are looking for a dog friendly holiday, but budget is a bit tight, have a read of our guide to finding cheap dog holidays.