Dog Friendly Holidays: Some of the Best

Planning a holiday is exciting but you also have to take into consideration your furry family member! Kennels can get expensive and sometimes it can be hard to find a place, especially in peak holiday seasons… but also why wouldn't you want to take your dog (a.k.a your best friend) on holiday with you?

There are plenty of dog-friendly holidays where you’ll be able to have the best time and so will your pooch! Pick a destination where you can create memories with your whole family!

A holiday can not only be a nice change of scenery for you but also your dog! When the right facilities are available, it can make it easier for you and your pooch to enjoy the getaway.

Whilst some dogs are able to adapt to different environments, some aren’t. Dogs can suffer from separation anxiety or can get nervous, and a new environment may trigger this or make it worse.

When you’re more relaxed on holiday it can help your dog to feel more relaxed as well. New scents and different environments can help stimulate dogs' senses and can help many dogs reduce stress, open spaces can excite dogs as they are free to run around. It can also help dogs to socialise around other people and dogs. If your dog is not used to being around other people or dogs then it is best to approach the environment with caution and ensure that your dog is in an environment that is most suited to them.

Holidays can be stressful to plan at the best of times - add your dog to the mix and it can be even harder! A great option for those planning getaways with their furry friend is a holiday cottage. There are plenty of holiday cottages available that are dog friendly and will provide all of the facilities required for your pup. With wide open spaces surrounding most cottages, it can be great for long walks and letting your pooch run around freely to explore the outdoors.

Whilst these dog-friendly cottages can be great for your getaway, there are still things to take into consideration such as the extra charges you may incur from leaving the cottage in an unclean state if you are unwilling to clean up after your dog. If you are taking your pooch for a nice, long, muddy walk then be aware that they could leave mud stains in the cottage and this or any other mess should be cleaned up.

Another thing to be wary of is that the area surrounding the cottage such as the garden may not be safe for the dog to roam unsupervised; if there are big gaps in the fences or any other animals such as sheep in the surrounding land then it’s important to keep an extra eye on your dog, for their safety and for others. Leaving your pooch alone in the cottage at any point is not advised as you can never be too sure how a dog is going to react to a new environment. Whilst these cottages may provide the necessary facilities for a dog, they may not have everything you have at home, so it's worth double checking to see what they provide and what you would have to bring along.

Caravan holidays are really popular in the UK and if you’re considering taking your pooch along for an adventure, this may be the perfect answer!

Caravan holidays are so much more convenient to book as they are usually dog friendly and provide the facilities needed along with plenty of fields and paths for dog walks. They tend to be on the smaller side so it may not feel like there's enough room for everyone including your pooch! It is important to follow the caravan site’s rules and regulations when it comes to pets and to consider others that are at the site by ensuring that your dog doesn't dominate the area and to always clean up after them!

Your dog shouldn't be left unsupervised in the caravan at any point as you never know how a dog will react to unfamiliar surroundings.

If your pooch loves water then a beach holiday would be ideal for you! There's also plenty of space for them to blow off steam by running around and leaving their paw prints all over the sand!

Some of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in the UK are:

Picking a dog-friendly beach is really important so that when you do head to the beach you’re not at risk of being turned away, this could result in a wasted trip! A lot of UK beaches do not allow animals, so it pays to do your research. This handy resource shows all of the dog-friendly beaches across the country.

So why not go take a splash in the sea… we know your furry friend will be straight in the water!

If you are a keen fisherman or woman and want to take your dog on a fishing trip, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of pet-friendly fishing locations around the UK! Your dog can be a great companion for a getaway like this and there are various types of holidays you can pick, from camping to renting a cottage or lodge, that’s suitable for pets. If you are looking to go all out combining fishing and camping, then there are plenty of dog-friendly campsites around the UK. Not only will you be able to fish but you’ll also be able to take your pooch on a nice long walk in the surrounding fields!

Some of our favourite dog-friendly fishing locations in the UK are:

Some things to consider would be how hyperactive your dog is, with fishing being a relaxing, quiet hobby, it may disturb others if you have a really excitable dog that's barking away and has got the zoomies! You would also need to double check what facilities are provided for your dog at the location - just in case you need to pack up anything extra for your furry friend. Be prepared for all of the mud!

Planning a dog-friendly staycation is one thing but taking them abroad with you is completely different! Whilst you may want your canine companion to travel the globe with you, there are plenty of things to consider and a whole lot more planning involved!

Two of the main ways of travelling are flying or driving, it would all depend on the location, how long it would take to travel and also if your dog can manage travelling; the most important thing to consider when it comes to your pooch is how comfortable and settled they are going to be. Some dogs suffer from anxiety and new environments may trigger or make it worse! There are calming tablets available to help with this. Your dog may also suffer from motion sickness from travelling and a long-haul trip in the car, plane or ferry may not be ideal! If you are travelling by car, will you have stops off along the way and if so, if you have any overnight stop-offs, will the accommodation be pet friendly?

Remember that not only will you packing for yourself but also your furry friend, here is a list of the travel essentials:

When considering locations abroad it’s best not to go during the peak summer season as the temperature can be dangerous for your dog. Self catering options are far better when you travel with pets and there are many dog-friendly holiday properties for rent. Many locations abroad require a passport, vaccinations and microchip for your dog, so it's worth checking the requirements before booking!

Some countries have even more nuanced requirements for entering with a pet. For example, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Finland, Malta and Norway all stipulate that your dog should have tapeworm treatment before they are granted access. The RSPCA has some good information on this subject if you are planning a trip overseas.

With plenty of tips on how to pick a destination and prepare for a dog-friendly holiday, you should definitely be able to include your furry friend in your family holidays and create some memories with them! From locations to checklists, you'll have all the information you need to pick the perfect holiday spot! Prepare your dog for the summer and shop for all the essentials you need here at Jollyes!