Are you 'staycationing' in the UK this year? And are you doing so with your pet, perhaps for the first time?
You're not alone. Airbnb says searches with its 'allows pets' filter have increased by 65%, searches for gardens and backyards have leapt by 343%, and 'pet-friendly' has become the most searched-for amenity by guests so far this year.
Here's what you need to know to ensure a happy time for you and your furry friend.
The rules governing foreign travel have been relaxed – the government's Covid green list was extended on 24 June – but many Brits have already decided a UK 'staycation' is a safer bet if they want to guarantee some kind of holiday this summer.
After all, uncertainty still surrounds holidays abroad. Portugal was shunted off the green list early in June, and the latest additions to the green list – with the exception of Malta – are on a 'watch list', signalling that they might be moved back to the amber category if the situation deteriorates.
According to a survey of 1,000 dog-owners by the Blue Cross pet charity in May, over half (51%) of dog owners plan to take their pet with them on their UK holiday – many for the first time ever- and two-thirds are nervous about it.
Many kennels and catteries across the UK have been forced to close over the course of the past 12 months because relatively few people were going on holiday and needing care for their pets. That means some staycationers may be obliged to take their pet with them because there is no alternative.
Compare Travel Insurance Quotes
Compare from our range of over 100 policies
But taking your pet on holiday with you is not always straightforward, as many cottages, hotels and other forms of accommodation have strict 'no pet' rules. But the UK staycation industry is responding to the new reality.
Graham Donoghue, Sykes Holiday Cottages CEO, said: "With countless households across the UK adding a four-legged friend to their family over the past year, we've seen a huge growth in demand for pet-friendly properties. In fact, bookings for staycations with pets have risen by 85% this year according to our latest figures.
"From coastal stays to countryside boltholes, we have a range of different pet-friendly properties for holidaymakers. Being able to take them with you on holiday is just one of the many benefits to holidaying in the UK."
Dog-friendly cottages
National Trust has boosted their total number of dog-friendly holiday cottages to 257 – nearly half of their entire portfolio.
The group doesn't charge extra for dogs, and even offers complimentary samples of a co-branded dog food range. An NT spokesperson said: "We've a Dogs Welcome programme designed to make welcome dogs and their owners, as well as supporting our staff, volunteers, and tenants to manage any challenges.
"It's things like putting in more dog poo bins, helping develop information for visitors (maps, guides, welcome information on arrival) and also supporting our places to put in more dog-friendly offers, like food and beverage offers that you can enjoy with your dog, or dog walks that are tried and tested that we can suggest for you."
Lottie Gross, author of the upcoming book, Dog-friendly Weekends: 50 Breaks in Britain for You and Your Dog, said: "I've always travelled as much as I can with my dogs. I hate leaving them at home, and when I'm travelling in Britain it just makes sense to bring them with me on outdoorsy, adventurous trips.
"I've been travelling with my current dog, Arty, an 8-month-old Manchester Terrier, for the last six months while writing a guidebook on dog-friendly places in Britain. It's generally pretty easy to find places that let you bring your dog, but it can be tricky to find places that are practical.
"There's a difference between dog-friendly and dog tolerant, and the latter can be an unpleasant environment for dog owners."
Special rules
Are there any special rules? Graham Donoghue at Sykes Cottages says: "More than 8,000 of our properties are pet-friendly. Each pet friendly property may have its own set of rules or preferences when it comes to accommodating a four-legged friend, for example some properties allow up to two well behaved pets to stay, while others only permit one."
At National Trust they advise vacationers to check the accommodation page of the website or brochure for the number of dogs allowed and caution against bringing dogs to non-dog friendly accommodation as you and your dog will be asked to leave.
They also say: "For all dogs, we respectfully request that dogs are kept on the ground floor at all times (or upper floor if the living space is inverted). Dogs should not be allowed on the furniture or left unattended in the accommodation. In the event of your dog fouling the gardens, we require you to clean up and dispose of this in the correct manner.
"We reserve the right to charge for any damage caused to the accommodation by your dog, and we regret that no other pets are allowed at our accommodation."
Having your own pet insurance is a good idea, but there's nothing extra required. National Trust they would always expect guests to take out their own travel insurance and pet insurance, and Sykes Cottages says that there is no special insurance required ahead of a pet friendly stay.
It's also worth noting that, while pet insurance provides essential cover for your pet's health and any liability issues if it causes injury or an accident, most policies will not pay out for breakages, stains or other damage caused by the animal.
Making memories
So how do you make your pet-staycation memorable (in a good way) for all concerned?
Dr Jo Gale, vet at Mars Petcare, says it starts with the actual journey. She advises making sure your pet is secure in the car – cats should be in a cat carrier/cage and dogs in the boot with a dog guard or in a cage/crate or in the main part of the car with a seat belt harness.
She recommends planning a journey to allow breaks for both humans and pets.
Also, careful packing is crucial: "Always carry some fresh drinking water and a bowl and remember to bring the poop bags.
"To help them feel comfortable, bring your pet's regular food, bedding, bowls and favourite toys so they feel at home when you reach your holiday destination. And if your dog enjoys chews, bring some tooth friendly ones to occupy them on the journey or when in your holiday accommodation.
"And if your pet is on medication be sure to bring enough for your trip and look up the location and phone number of the nearest veterinary surgery in case of any emergencies while your away."
Playing it safe
As for keeping them safe once there, Dr Gale says: "Don't allow your pet to run free near roads or in unfamiliar spaces. Keep your dog on a lead around livestock and when walking near cliff edges or other potentially hazardous areas.
"If your dog is a keen swimmer, they will love a dip in the sea or river, but keep a close eye on them at all times as even dogs can sometimes get into difficulties."
Lottie Gross says solo travellers can encounter unique challenges: "I travel alone a lot, so it can be difficult having the dog at my side when I need to pop to the loo in a restaurant, for example, or if I need to go to the supermarket.
"We just spent a month living in a motorhome in Wales and it was quite tiring having to constantly think about him alongside my own needs. It's always easier when I am with someone else to help, but Arty and I find a way to make it work regardless and it never takes away from the fun."
Dr Gale adds: "Travelling with your pet adds a wonderful and deeper dimension to the experience. You are taking with you a daily companion and a family member who is able to relax and enjoy themselves alongside you. Sharing the experience is part of the magic. And the reality is that almost all pets will settle well if their beloved humans are there with them."
Compare Travel Insurance Quotes
Compare from our range of over 100 policies
Comments
Post a Comment