Taking your pet on holiday
For most of us, dogs are members of our family - we want to be able to include them in our leisure activities. Having a pet need not restrict or limit the holidays you can enjoy. In response to popular demand there are now so many more holiday locations and accommodation that welcome pets. In this section we will refer to dogs specifically as they are by far the most popular pet to take on holiday.

Vaccinations
It is to be strongly recommended that you keep your dog's annual booster vaccination up to date. This is as much for your pet's protection as on campsites you are very likely to come into contact with un-vaccinated dogs with the risks that entails for your pet.

Keep your dog on a lead
The vast majority of caravan parks operate a strict "dogs on leads" policy at all times. This even applies when your dog is on your pitch outside the caravan or lodge. No matter how well-trained you think your dog is, it is simply not worth taking the risk. On some parks dog owners breaking the "dogs on leads" rule may be asked to leave the park.

Caravan parks that welcome pets
Visit our directory for a choice of 1680 selected pet-friendly caravan parks.

Leads, collars and tags
You will need a good strong collar and lead to be sure your dog will not accidentally get away from your control. In case the unthinkable happens and your determined pet does manage to escape, be sure you have a sturdy dog-tag with the dog's name, your home phone number and your mobile phone number. Check this regularly, as lettering can fade with age or wear.

Walking the dog
Most caravan parks and campsites have dedicated dog walking areas where you may exercise your pet freely. The park may still require pets to be on a lead. If there is no dog-walk, check locally for public footpaths or farm tracks available to the public.

Pick It Up
Always 'pick up' after your dog on a caravan or camp site. Dog waste is unlike other animal waste in that it can cause disease and blindness, and is bad for the environment, particularly near water sources. It is particularly irresponsible to allow dogs to relieve themselves on playing fields or parks where children play.

Dog beds
If you are holidaying in a static caravan or a lodge, and if space allows in the car, you can take your dog's own bed on holiday. This will reduce the anxiety your dog may have about being in a strange 'house' and location. Whatever you allow at home, if you are renting holiday accommodation, dogs must never be allowed on furniture or beds intended for people.
If you are holidaying in a touring caravan or tent, where space may be limited, a folded blanket, or large towel may suffice for a dog bed. A old cot quilt makes an ideal camping bed.
Food and water
Take enough dog food to last at least the first day in case there are no shops handy when you arrive on site. Keep a bowl of clean drinking water available for your dog at all times.

Dog towels
Pack a couple of old towels just for the dog. Great for wiping wet and/or muddy paws after a walk out in the rain.

Pets in cars
Every year dogs die when left in a car when the weather is warm and the sun shining. We all know how hot it can be inside a car on a sunny day. Even leaving a window open won't be much good as, for security reasons, you can't leave a wide gap. If in doubt, take the dog with you.

Pets on journeys
When making a long journey to a holiday destination, allow frequent toilet stops for your dog as well as your human passengers. At motorway services there will usually be a grassed area, away from the main building, for pets to be exercised. Make sure you take a plastic bottle of water and dog bowl so your pet can have a drink too.

Pets left in holiday homes
Unless the weather is extremely warm, and as long as several windows can be left open safely, you may feel it is safe to leave your pet behind if you need to go shopping for a short time. It is a good idea to test this out first by going for a short walk, just out of sight, to see (and hear) what your pet does when you are not around. Creep back after 10 minutes and peep in through a window to see what is going on - whether the dog is lying peacefully awaiting your return, or chewing the furniture in frustration at being left alone! Some holiday home renters may have rules against leaving pets unattended at any time.

Consideration for others
You may love your pet and love to hear it 'speak', but the people in nearby caravans or lodges may not. Don't allow or encourage your dog to bark. If he does so of his own accord, and you can't stop him, there are dog obedience courses available.