One thing that people need to take into account before getting a dog is holiday care especially as having a dog does place restrictions on where you can go and how long for.

However, there are things that can be done to ensure you can enjoy your holiday and know that your pet is safe and sound.

1 - Look for a dog friendly holiday place! There are many cottages in the UK that will allow you to take your dogs on holiday with you which means you don’t have to worry about finding a dog sitter or kennel - and it usually saves you money. It also means you get to enjoy the company of your furry friend on long walks or when you curl up by the fire in the evening!

You can find some of these wonderful places by clicking the following links:
Dogs Invited
Dog People
Pet Holidays

There is always the option of taking your pet abroad with you by applying for a pet passport but this can also include trips to the vets and quarantine!

2 - Ask a friend or relative to look after your pooch. This is a great option as chances are your dog is already familiar with the person and likely to feel comfortable with them. Even better, if they can housesit for you, your dog can stay in his own surroundings. This also means that the dog’s routine carries on as normal with minimal disruption.

3 - Find a reputable dog sitter / boarder. Word of mouth is usually the best way to find a decent, honest and reliable dog boarder or pet sitter. However, this could end up costing quite a lot so you will need to factor this into your holiday costs. Of course, if someone is house sitting for you, you also need to be confident that you can leave them - so don’t forget to ask about a CRB (criminal records) check and insurance as well as asking for references!

4 - Find a kennel. There are lots of dog kennels available across the UK that may be able to house your dog for a considerable amount of time whilst you are away. There are some very good kennels and word of mouth again is usually the best option for finding out which ones these are. However, from personal experience, I am always dubious about putting a dog into kennels as some are not as reputable and as caring towards your dog as they would have you believe. If you can take your dog with you, or ask someone you know to look after him, that would be the best option!

If you really aren’t sure what to do with your dog, get in touch here or find your local training class as they should be able to give you some advice about services in your area.