Taking your dog on holiday is so much fun. They enjoy it just as much as you do and get to explore a whole new place. Driving, flying, or crossing the channel with a dog can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Whether you are staying in the UK or going abroad with your dog, here are some travel tips you need to know to make your life easier.
Pack Food
Whether you are travelling abroad or staying in the UK, you should pack the pet food your dog is going to need. The last thing you want when you reach your holiday destination is to go searching through supermarkets for food your dog will eat. You will not find the same brands on the shelves everywhere you go, especially if you go abroad.
You can find some easy-to-carry, all-natural pet food at Encore which is perfect for travel. Keep your dog healthy and happy with high-quality meals that will help them settle in their temporary holiday home. Pouches are the best choice for travel. There is less packaging so you can fit more of them into your dog’s suitcase.
Plan Road Trips Carefully
Driving with a dog can be stressful if they are not used to it. Before you start a long road trip with a dog onboard, take some smaller trips with the same set-up so they get used to settling down in a car. Remember that dogs have much smaller bladders than we do. You should schedule regular bathroom stops along the way to prevent any unfortunate accidents.
Interaction is important on road trips. If you are travelling as a family, make sure your dog has access to the kids in the back for attention and comfort. They can also help keep an eye on your precious pooch and judge how it is getting along. Keeping your dog in a caged section of your car boot may seem a little unfair, but it is the safest way to travel.
Passports for Pooches
If you are planning on taking your dog abroad with you, they will need to have their papers in order. Before travelling in the European Union your animal will need a health check-up and an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from your vet. They will also need to be microchipped if they have not been already. Rabies vaccination and tapeworm treatments must also have been recorded.
Depending on where you travel, your dog may have to complete an antiparasitic treatment before returning to the United Kingdom. Animals returning from Spain, for instance, must have completed this treatment before they can come home. The cost of health checks and certification varies between veterinary practices, but you should expect to pay around £100 to £150. Dogs usually travel for free on trains and car ferries though, so think of this as the cost of their ticket.
Follow these tips and get prepared for your journey, and your pooch should not present any problems. Going on a family holiday or a short romantic break with your dog is a lot of fun. Just make sure you take steps to provide for their needs while you are away.