Our Ronnie, a lovable yet incredibly energetic five-year-old cockapoo, loves an adventure. So whenever we do go away in the UK, we do try to find a location that’s dog-friendly. Thankfully, there are plenty of great places to visit and that are catered to dogs too. From Airbnb stays to cottage stays, you’ve got a lot more choice now than dog owners had before.
So why take your four-legged pooch on your next getaway? And how do you get the most out of your family adventures with your dog in tow?
Five reasons to take your dog on your next getaway
There are many reasons to take your dog on your next getaway. Such reasons include the following:
#1 No leaving-behind guilt
By bringing your dog with you, you don’t get that guilt of having left them behind with a family member or at a kennel. You also don’t spend the majority of your holiday worrying about them or whether they’ve settled into the kennels/with their sitters.
#2 Unmatched companionship
Having a loyal friend like a dog by your side is the type of unmatched companionship you’ll want when on your holiday. They’re not likely to annoy you as much as some hoomans may do.
#3 Guaranteed outdoor time
With a dog in your group, you’re going to need to get outdoors for daily exercise and potty breaks. This forces you to explore the local area on foot and ensures you soak up all of that well-deserved fresh air.
#4 Cognitive enrichment
Traveling isn’t just physically tiring for your dog; it also provides plenty of mental stimulation. Exploring new environments and seeing new sights is great for keeping your dog’s mind sharp.
#5 Deepened bond
Time away from the daily grind, even if it includes your usual routine with your four-legged friend, is a great way to strengthen your relationship and deepen the bond.
How to travel with your dog and make it stress-free in the process
So how do you make travelling with your dog stress-free and fun? Here are some additional tips worth knowing.
Check that the accommodation is dog-friendly
First and foremost, you’ll want to check out all of the dog-friendly accommodations that are within the area you’d like to stay. If you’re a big fan of the Cotswolds, then these dog-friendly cottages are a must. Nowadays, there’s a lot more choice in the way of accommodation for dog owners and different types, whether you prefer a cottage or a hotel environment.
Pack for your dog
Packing for your dog is definitely something that’s forgotten about, but it’s something you want to make sure you’ve planned for. After all, they come with plenty of belongings too. From the food they need for the week, to their dog bed and favourite toys. Make sure you’ve packed plenty of poop bags too!
Make plenty of time on the road for stops
Be sure to set some time aside for extra stops required on the road. Your dog will likely need a pee and poo stop, as well as an opportunity to stretch its legs at some point too.
Maintain your routine
Even though you’re on holiday, you’re still likely to need to maintain the day-to-day routine. With that in mind, make sure to keep on top of the daily walks, as well as the routine meal times, so they’re not thrown off completely from the change of scenery.
Do you take your four-legged friend on your getaways with the family? Let me know in the comments below.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. All words are my own.
