The sun is shining, your bag is packed and you’re ready to put your feet up. It can only mean one thing: holidays!
With staycations still the order of the day for 2021, it’s unlikely that many of us will be heading for the airport any time soon, but there are a lot of pros to consider when planning a summer holiday right here at home; the first being that your prized pet can come along too!
Domestic travel with a pet is easier than foreign travel on many levels, and with recent research suggesting that pet owners should be more aware of separation anxiety post-lockdown, it seems to be a no brainer that they join you for a much-needed break away.
If you haven’t already started to plan your staycation, you can begin by building your trip around your pet.
Accommodation
Choose a hotel, B&B or other accommodation that is pet-friendly. There are numerous options now available that not only allow pets, but also provide certain facilities such as grooming parlours and a pet-sitting service, giving pet parents some well-deserved time for themselves!
Research parks, beaches and walkways nearby
With the accommodation in the bag, it’s time to get the map out and take a look at nearby amenities that will provide your dog with ample space to stretch their legs and investigate their surroundings.
Your pooch will get to expend some energy, while giving you the chance to explore the area and take in some fabulous scenery. Bonus!
Pinpoint bars, restaurants and shops that will welcome your pet
With more pubs and restaurants now offering outdoor dining options, this leaves more scope for venues to also accommodate pets. Similarly, certain shops will allow you and your pet to browse happily together.
It’s all about researching your options in advance and choosing to spend your time in the places that will welcome everyone in your party – even the furriest member!
Prepare for every eventuality
While the familiarity and safety of home might not be too far away from your staycation destination, it helps to be prepared in case of an emergency relating to your pet. Locate the nearest vet or animal hospital to where you’re staying and note the address.
Now that the destination is checked and verified, it’s time to get your pooch’s packing list in order! Here is a rundown of the 10 essentials that you shouldn’t leave home without:
1. Poo Bags
Treat your holiday destination as you would your own home by cleaning up after your pooch when the need arises. Make sure to pack more than enough bags so you won’t be caught short.
2. Collar and Name Tag
Bringing your cat or dog into an unfamiliar environment can be a scary prospect. Avoid the nightmare of “runaway” moments by popping a collar and tag on your pet with your name and contact details clearly visible.
3. Leads
With your dog in the passenger seat, it’s likely that your staycation will be an active one! Pack a long and short lead for your pooch so that you can keep them close or let them run free when the moment arises. Plus, having two leads means you’ll always have a spare!
4. Food and Treats
Staycations are for relaxing, not for queuing in supermarkets or pet shops. Come armed with enough of food and treats for your pet to last the duration of your holiday, plus a little extra for good measure. Not only will this save you time and hassle, but it will also eliminate the risk of your pet having a bad reaction to food they may not be used to.
5. Food and Water Bowls
While your destination might be pet friendly on the whole, it will be difficult to ensure all boxes are ticked until you get there. Prevent potentially stressful situations by bringing a food and water bowl for your pet so that you can feed on the go. It will make your life so much easier!
6. Toys
Much like babies, pets need to be entertained! Make sure your pet is living their best life on staycation by packing a bag of toys into the car, which will provide a welcome distraction when they’re in search of some excitement.
7. Towels and Sheets
Pets on holiday equals mess on holiday – especially where beaches or outdoor pursuits are involved. Having a couple of old towels handy in the car will allow you to clean off your cat or dog before they have a chance to destroy your car or worse – your accommodation! Similarly, draping a large sheet over your back seat will limit hair or dirt getting embedded into your upholstery.
8. Lint Roller and Pet Brush
Take your hair-eliminating measures to the next level by coming armed with a lint roller, which can be used on anything from your clothes (for that fancy dinner out) to the bedsheets. Giving your pet a good brush down outside after a particularly busy day exploring can also reduce the amount they shed, while keeping their coat snag-free.
9. Bed
If your dog uses a bed for their nightly slumber, it’s hugely important to bring this along with you on your staycation. Having their familiar bed close by will lead to a calmer transition to their new surroundings and better sleep, which in turn will have a knock-on effect on their overall enjoyment of the experience.
10. Stress Reducer
You can take further measures to ensure your pet is relaxed and happy throughout your staycation with a stress-reducing supplement such as VetIQ Serene-UM®. Available in tablet and drop form, the natural dietary supplements contain a blend of vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids and they work by controlling the underlying emotional state to calm your pet.
With a well-thought-out plan in place and a happy pet in tow, the only thing you need to think about is enjoying your staycation!
