Travelling with pets when you go on holiday can seem like hard work but it might be easier than leaving them in a kennel or with a trusted dog-sitting friend or relative. Unlike overseas trips to far flung places, booking a holiday in the UK means you can bring your pet along, so why wouldn't you? No one likes to face the puppy dog eyes when leaving their dog behind. Is it better to bring them along for a family holiday or leave them behind? We have decided to settle the debate once and for all. Here are the pros cons, with special consideration given to dog-friendly holiday homes and, very importantly, costs. Read on
for our ultimate conclusion.
Pro – The Company
What’s the point of going on holiday without your best friend? Who else
acts like you haven’t seen them for 10 years when you pop out for 5
minutes? Not your actual best mate. That’s for sure.
Con – The Cost
Companies will generally charge a fee if you intend to bring your
pet with you. The fee often compensates for the additional cleaning
needed after having a pet guest.
However, quite rightly companies such as ourselves do not
discriminate! So your hand bag residing Chihuahua will be charged
exactly the same as the hairy mutt roughly the size of a sofa.
(Sorry Chihuahua owners everywhere). The cost of bringing your pet on holiday with you however can be minimal compared to the cost of having them board in kennels for a week or two. Even if you're just planning to leave them with a trusted friend or relative, you will still need to thank them with a gift or pay them for their time.
Pro – The Walks
Not that you need a dog to enjoy a good long walk but let’s be
honest, the presence of your precious pooch does provide you
with that extra motivation to go longer and further which can
inadvertently lead to discovery of some beautiful countryside
or hidden gem you might’ve missed otherwise.
Con – The Restrictions
Generally resort owners will not allow your dog to be left
unattended in your accommodation meaning the dog has to come
with you. Not a problem if you’re planning a hike across the
moors or down the coast but trickier when you’d like to visit a
fancy restaurant or spend the day on the ‘no dogs allowed’
beach.
This leads perfectly onto our next con which is…
Con – More Restrictions
The DDS is otherwise known as the Designated Dog Sitter.
This poor unfortunate soul is the type of person who often
gets called upon for activities like ‘holding the bags’ or
‘saving a spot in the queue’. Needless to say, your DDS is
sure to spend a lot of time with Rover Dangerfield this holiday as the
rest of you go scuba diving.
Pro – No Guilt
Dog lovers take comfort because if your dog wasn’t with
you right now where would he be? With the elderly
granddad whose hip replacement means he can’t take your
greyhound for his requisite 5 mile walk every day? Or
dare I say it at the kennels, a place guaranteed to
evoke a tragic Shakespearean-esque performance from
your precious mutt.
No, he may be a bit of a pain to include in your
family holiday activities but at least you won’t be
constantly imagining the sequel to the previously
mentioned award-winning performance.
This is why we’ve come to the conclusion that if
worrying about your dog is going to impact your
holiday, a small amount of inconvenience and perhaps an
extra few pounds (when you discover the pet grooming salon at your chosen resort and finally have the time to get Monty a full shampoo and set) are a fair price to pay for peace
of mind and, of course, lots of doggy cuddles. Booking a pet-friendly holiday in the UK often means you get complimentary dog treats and bags so you may even save a little on extras.
Travelling with pets when you go on holiday can be a lot of fun, especially when you know where to go. Booking pet-friendly holiday accommodation with Dog-Friendly Activities nearby will ensure you have a worry and guilt-free holiday and so does your beloved dog.
