As a pet loving nation, more and more of us are wanting to take our dogs on holiday. After all, they’re part of the family too. But planning your trip can seem like a daunting task, especially with a kid or two along for the ride. So here are our ten top tips on how to holiday with a dog and a baby in tow. Where to stay, where to go and what to pack. Happy Travels!
1. Research Your Destination
Yes of course you can find dog friendly hotels in London, but that’s not really going to be an enjoyable break for you all. Consider what activities you’re going to be doing in the day. If you want to go to the beach, make sure you stay near a dog friendly one. Its best to do your research before you go, so you’re not in a hurry trying to find dog friendly restaurants or beaches nearby.
2. Choose Your Accommodation Wisely
3. Consider using a Pet Travel Agent
4. Don’t Rule Out Europe
Many people think holidaying with a dog and baby means you have to stay in the Uk, but actually they can travel to any EU country without needing to be quarantined on return, As long as they have a Pet Passport, (available from your vet) and all the necessary vaccinations, they can travel with you! Much better than putting them in kennels for a couple of weeks, and cheaper too. If you’re not keen on your dog flying, you could consider ferry destinations like Brittany, Guernsey, or the Isle of Skye.
5. Pack a Piece of Home
It might sound obvious, but dogs appreciate their own comforts as much as a baby. So take the dogs own bed, or just a blanket they lay on so they settle quickly.
6. …And a Portable Babygate
This one depends on the age of your child, but in our house we find stairgate across the kitchen perfect for separating toddler and puppy when it all gets too hectic. The kids don’t get knocked over by an energetic dog, and the dog can have some quiet time too. Bonus if the dog is muddy or sandy after a walk, then being shut in the kitchen or utility room means the mud wont get all over your carpets. The dog can still see you so won’t feel alone. Portable ones are retractable and fit any doorway without the need for tools. Lots on the market. Vital on a holiday with a dog and a baby .
7. …And Wearable Towels
8. Scout out a Local Vet
Dogs are notoriously always getting up to mischief, so make sure you know where the nearest vet is in case they eat something they shouldn’t , cut their paw or have some sort of other accident! This is especially important if you’re travelling abroad where you don’t speak the language – you don’t want to be panicking in a crisis.
9. Rise Early
Getting everyone out the house early may not sound like rest, but trust us it will payoff! Toddlers and puppies are pretty similar in that they both have a lot of energy first thing! So getting up and out for a walk before a leisurely brunch is a good idea. Then the rest of the day you can slow down, relax and take your time exploring.
10. Schedule in Downtime
Similar to young children, dogs also need downtime – don’t we all?! So even if your child no longer naps (sob!) they will appreciate a quieter activity after lunch if you’ve had a hectic morning. Dogs and kids might seem like they’re raring to go all day long, but actually a quiet hour or two is actually really needed. That might just be an hour back at your cottage, reading the paper (adults) colouring (kids) and snoozing (dog)! Enough time to recharge, before you head out later for more fun. If the weather is hot this is especially important, for both kids and dogs. You could even let them watch an afternoon movie if it give you a chance to rest your eyes… no judgement here!
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