Booking a holiday is an exciting time for most of us, but what does this mean for our pets?

It can be difficult to know what to do with your four-legged friend when you head off on holiday. Ultimately, it will depend on where your cat or dog feels the most comfortable.

We explore the options available to help you decide which is best for your pet.

What to do with your dog when you travel

It can be difficult to decide whether to take your pooch with you when you travel or leave them behind. If you feel your dog would enjoy going on holiday with you, then there are a few factors to consider:

Before you travel:

• You will need to check your dog is allowed to enter your destination. If you are travelling by airline to another country, you can contact the Pet Travel Scheme helpline on 0370 241 1710 for the latest guidelines.
• If you are travelling by car, you will need to follow the Highway Code and ensure that your dog is suitably restrained either with a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard.
• Check the accommodation you book is dog-friendly with suitable amenities.
• Your vet will need to verify that your dog is fit and healthy and has had all the vaccinations required for travel. Your vet will also need to issue you an Animal Health Certificate if you are travelling to Europe or Northern Ireland.
• Check the weather forecast for your destination; dogs can suffer from heatstroke, so if temperatures are due to soar, ask your vet for advice on how to keep them cool.
• Prepare all their medications and try to take their usual food with you if possible.
• Take their favourite toys and blankets with you to comfort them if they feel anxious.

During the holiday:

• If your pooch feels anxious during the holiday, provide lots of reassurance and keep their favourite toys and blankets near them for comfort.
• Try to maintain their usual routine as much as possible, including daily walks and regular mealtimes.
• Ensure your dog has a place to rest and relax as they can become overwhelmed with too much noise and unfamiliar smells.
• Find the number of the local vet practice or animal hospital in the area in case your pup gets sick.

Who can look after my dog while I go on holiday?

Most people will usually ask family members or friends if they are willing to become ‘dog holiday carers’ while you are away. Having your pet stay with those familiar to them can help reduce their anxieties and may mean they can remain in their own homes. If your friend or family member needs to work during the day and you worry about your pup being bored, you could even consider placing them in doggy day-care during working hours until they can be picked up.

If you choose to leave your dog with a pet sitter or dog boarding service, you will need to ensure they have the necessary insurance, training, DBS check and license in place.

Where can I leave my dog when I go on holiday?

Knowing your pup is in safe hands while you are away is essential. Choosing the right place to leave your dog will depend on your dog’s personality and in which environment they are best suited. It is recommended you book dog care well in advance, as they can often be booked up during peak times, especially if you are seeking pet boarding over Christmas.

Kennels

If your dog is sociable and does not feel anxious around other dogs, then a kennel may provide the perfect option for you.

You will need to allow yourself plenty of time to choose the right kennel. It is recommended you arrange to view several kennels to compare which would be better. Your vet, family or friends may also be able to provide recommendations.

You will need to check the kennel you choose is licensed by the local council, check their ‘star rating’ and insurance. Your dog will also need to be up to date with their vaccinations.

During your visit, observe if the facility is clean, check the dogs have access to nutritious food and plenty of water and that bedding is clean and comfortable.

Ask plenty of questions when you visit to determine how much exercise your pup will have each day; the ratio of staff to animals; how they will manage any medical conditions and any dietary requirements.

If you feel the environment is suitable for your dog, you can ask if they could stay overnight at the kennel as a trial before your holiday.

Doggy resorts and spas

One of the more contemporary options to consider when searching for dog holiday care are dog hotels, resorts and spas.

If your pooch is used to living a life of luxury, they will love the facilities on offer. Many doggy hotels offer spacious accommodation, fine dining menus, luxurious bedding, and an endless list of grooming services. Some even offer a webcam service so that you can check in to see what your dog is up to while you are away.

If your pup would benefit from a quiet space with lots of one-to-one time from staff, a doggy resort might be the best option.

Professional pet sitters

Pet sitters usually come to care for your dog in your own home, which makes it a great option if your dog suffers from separation anxiety.

Being surrounded by familiar sights and smells can calm your dog and means it will not disrupt their usual routine.

You can find a list of holiday dog sitters on The National Association of Registered Pet Sitters. You will need to interview potential candidates and ask for their references, insurance certificates and check they have a current DBS check.

You will need to trial how they interact with your pet, and you will need to provide them with all the information they may need while you are away, such as their usual walking, feeding and drinking routine, any medications they take, vet details and emergency contact information.

Pet boarding

If you don’t feel comfortable having someone in your house, pet boarding may be right for you.

Pet boarding effectively provides you with a sitting service, but instead of your dog being cared for in you own home, your dog will be cared for in the sitter’s home.

Anyone who provides dog boarding will need to have a license from the local council, appropriate insurance, and any relevant training.

You will need to interview potential dog boarders and visit their premises to check it is clean, safe, and secure for your pet. You will also need to ask how many other animals they will have whilst your dog stays there and how they will manage any medical conditions and dietary needs. They will also need information about your dog’s health, medications, day to day routine and emergency contact numbers.

Can I leave my dog for two weeks?

Most kennels and boarding facilities will allow dogs to stay for up to two weeks, however, each facility will have its own policy, so it is best to check with them directly.

Is it cruel to put a dog in kennels?

While some people may think putting a dog in kennels is cruel, for dogs that love socialising, spending time in kennels can be enjoyable for them.

What do I do with my cat when I go on holiday?

Most people choose to have a neighbour, friend or family member check in on their cat twice a day while away to ensure the cat is fed, safe and well. However, this may not always be possible, and so some choose to place their cats in a cattery or employ a cat sitter while they are away.

Is it cruel to take your cat on holiday?

There are occasions where owners feel it is best for the cat to go with them on holiday. However, this is generally not recommended as most cats will find travelling stressful and as cats are territorial, they generally prefer to stay within their home surroundings. 

If you do decide to take your cat with you, there are a few factors you will need to consider:

Before you travel:

• If you are travelling to another country, check that your cat is legally able to travel by contacting the Pet Travel Scheme helpline on 0370 241 1710 for the latest guidelines.
• If you are travelling by car, you will need to use an appropriate restraint as per the Highway Code, such as a seat belt harness, cat carrier, cage or guard.
• Prepare your cat for carrier travel by encouraging them to use the carrier at home, placing their favourite blankets and treats inside.
• Check your destination is cat friendly.
• Consider microchipping your cat so that you can be reunited if your cat gets lost or goes missing.
• Your vet will need to verify that your cat is fit and healthy to travel and has had all the vaccinations required. Your vet will also need to issue you an Animal Health Certificate if you are travelling to Europe or Northern Ireland.
• Check the weather forecast for your destination and plan for any potential spikes in temperature to ensure your pet remains cool and well.
• Prepare all their medications and try to take their usual food with you if possible.
• Take their favourite toys and blankets with you to comfort them if they feel anxious.

During:

• If your cat feels anxious during the holiday, provide lots of reassurance and keep their favourite toys and blankets near them for comfort.
• Try to maintain their usual routine as much as possible, including feeding times.
• Ensure your cat has a place to rest and relax as they can become overwhelmed with too much noise and unfamiliar smells.
• Consider taking a cat harness with you so your cat has plenty of opportunities to get their exercise.
• Find the number of the local vet practice or animal hospital in the area in case your cat gets sick.

Where can I leave my cat when I go on holiday?

If friends or family members are not available to help care for your cat, there are several other options to consider:

Cat sitters

A holiday cat sitter can be a simple way to ensure your cat is cared for while you are gone. Cat sitters will come to your home to check on your cat and to feed, water and play with them. You can find a pet sitter on the National Association of Registered Pet Sitters and ask your vet, family and friends for recommendations.

The benefit of a cat sitter is that your cat can remain in its own home and in a familiar environment.

You will need to interview potential candidates to see how they interact with your cat and check for any necessary training and insurance certificates and an up-to-date DBS check.

They will need to know where your cat’s food, drink and litter tray is kept, your cat’s usual routine, favourite toys, their personality, medications, and emergency contact numbers. 

Cattery

If you do not feel comfortable having a stranger in your home, you may need to consider a cattery.

Before choosing a cattery, ask your vet, family or friends for recommendations and visit several facilities before choosing which one is right for you.

You will need to check they are licensed and have the appropriate insurance; your cat will also need to be up to date with vaccinations.

Ask plenty of questions, including what facilities are available, how they will manage medical conditions/dietary requirements and the ratio of staff to cats. Also, observe if the facilities are clean, comfortable and if the cats have plenty of access to food and fresh water.

Cat hotels

One of the most luxurious cat holiday care options is a cat hotel.

Cat hotels usually offer calming spaces, spacious facilities with perches and windows for your cat to enjoy, on-site grooming and five-star food.

You will need to ensure your chosen cat hotel is licensed and has the necessary insurance in place. Be sure to visit several cat hotels to check the environment is suitable for your cat and read plenty of independent reviews.

Knowing you have the best insurance in place will provide peace of mind while you are away that your cat or dog will be covered in the event of illness or injury. Asda Money offers pet insurance to suit different needs and budgets.