A case of what’s best for holidays

As a pet owner, going on holiday is always a stressful time as you have to take into consideration who will care for your animal when you are away. Plan in advance

Just as many people book holiday flights and accommodation many months in advance, so it makes sense to do the same with pet care.

Pet related services are busy in the summer months, whether pet-friendly accommodation, pet travel specialists, pet sitters, boarding kennels or other holiday-related pet activities.

Sort out your plans as early as possible to give yourself the widest range of options and the best value.

Taking your pet with you is easier than ever

If planning to leave the UK, you do need to get a pet passport for your dog or cat, with rabies vaccinations being given at least three weeks before your departure date but once you get the paperwork in place, there are few restrictions on where you can go.

If travelling with your pet, do your research first

Plan properly: think about what will be involved with your pet when you are away, and make sure that you have checked on the important details.

Is the accommodation definitely suitable for your particular type of pet? Where will they sleep at night? How will you spend your days with your animal? What will you feed your pet while you are there? What will you do with your pet if you are engaged in other holiday activities? Make sure that there are no surprises when you reach your destination.

Boarding kennels

Boarding kennels and catteries are the traditional form of pet care over holiday periods, and a well run kennel can be a positive, enjoyable experience for a dog or cat. Plan as far as possible in advance: the best establishments are fully booked for the summer season. If you leave it too late, you won’t have the same level of choice of places to use. If using kennels, double check that your pets’ vaccines are up to date.

Pet and house sitter

For pet owners who have more than one dog or cat, rather than leaving them to be cared in someone else’s house, it can make more sense to have a pet sitter come to live in your own home while you are away. You can set this up informally, with a friend, you can employ a professional pet and house sitter, or you can use a new online service which has been growing rapidly in recent years.