Dogs just wanna have sun? Pet-care expert shares holiday checklist to help your dog have the perfect UK summer break

Did you know? A whopping 34% of UK pet owners1 have declared it’s their first experience of owning a pet as an adult2. This rise of first-time pet ownership has led to an increased need for expert advice around all thing’s pets. For many owners, this summer will be the first time they take their dog away with them, and careful planning is required to make sure that their pet has the best ‘pupcation’ possible. With this in mind, Director of pet-care specialists Kevin Thackrah shares his dogtastic staycation checklist so you can prepare for the perfect holiday with your dog this summer.

Food glorious food

Make sure you bring enough of your pet’s own food for the stay, and some backup meals too. You never know if your brand of choice won’t be available, or even if you will get delayed by traffic on the way home. Changing your pet’s diet suddenly can cause problems, so it’s always best to bring the food you know they enjoy.

Don’t forget their water bowls too! I like to bring a portable one just in case there’s an especially hot day. Being somewhere new can be very exciting for your dog, so a chew while you eat breakfast, lunch or dinner can make all the difference.

Poo bags

Because some things even sand shouldn’t cover!

Towels are a life saver!

It doesn’t matter where you go, somehow your dog will always get wet or messy! Having a towel by the front door of where you’re staying can be incredibly handy, as it means you’ll never have to do a bunch of cleaning once you’ve realised your dog has made a mess. Towels will also protect furniture and the seats in rental cars if you are using one.

Sort out medical details

Having these at hand for emergencies is essential. An email copy of pet insurance documents is important to ensure you are best prepared for any holiday mishaps. I also like to go to my local vet to make sure my dog’s microchip is still working ahead of the trip.

A pet first aid kit is also a fantastic resource for your trip - of course, we hope that they’ll never need to be used, but it’s sensible to have a fully stocked one with you. Remember to take note of where your nearest vet is before you set off and find out if they offer a 24-hour service in case of an emergency.

Keeping your pets cool

Overexposing your pets to the sun can cause serious issues such as dehydration and heatstroke. Some dogs are more vulnerable to heat than others, including those with thick coats or flat-faced breeds. If your pet is obese or elderly, they are also vulnerable to suffering from heat exhaustion. Try to keep your pets in a cool shady place on those sunny summer days and ensure your pets always have access to plenty of water.

The other essentials As well as your pet’s usual lead and collar - with the required identification - you should also consider a harness if you’re planning on going for long walkies.

Think about your dog’s toys! If your doggy has a beloved toy or a ball that will help keep them entertained, bring it on the trip with you. I promise you; it’ll end up becoming your new best friend while you’re on holiday.

And don’t forget the bedding - you’ll definitely want your dog to sleep comfortably after a lovely day out. Otherwise, you may not.

Is your dog ready? My final question would be is your pet ready to go away with you? A holiday with your dog can be a thrilling experience, but it can cause a major headache for the whole family if your pet isn’t ready. If your dog isn’t comfortable with basic commands such as sit, or name recall, and gets anxious in busy areas you could end up regretting taking them on holiday. As an owner, you should be putting your pet first in all holiday decisions and sometimes giving your dog a holiday of their own with a qualified pet-care specialist may be a better and less stressful solution. At Petpals, we can offer home-boarding options and other pet-care solutions that might work for you – just visit our website to find your local branch.

My last bit of advice would be to have fun with your pet! With the right preparation, a holiday is a perfect time to hang out with your pooch stress-free, so enjoy it!

For more information about Petpals’ pet-care services, visit www.petpals.com/

1 (since March 2020)

2PDSA, Population Report, 2021

Notes to Editors

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Editor’s notes:
For more information, or to speak with Kevin Thackrah, contact Andy Jones at Rev PR on 07895 876745 or email andy@revpr.co.uk


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About Petpals

As the largest multi-service pet care franchise in the UK, Petpals know its way around the marketplace. Petpals has been helping franchisees achieve their goals for over 20 years and can help you capitalise on the nation’s love of animals to build a strong, profitable business. Whether you choose to start your business as an owner-operator or decide to invest in a team from the outset, the Petpals management franchise gives you the system for success. As a Petpals franchisee, you benefit from the knowledge and experience that has kept the franchise model as the market leader for the last 20 years. In a UK market where 59% of all households own a pet, including 12.5 million dogs, 12.2 million cats and another 8.1 million small pets*, Petpals' services are in high demand. * Pet Food Manufacturers Association’s Pet Population report 2021