TravelSupermarket reveals 107% increase in holidaymakers looking for dog-friendly holidays in the UK
Brits are gearing up for another year of summer holidays at home – and this time, it looks like our pets will be coming along too. Data from travel comparison site TravelSupermarket reveals a 107% year-on-year increase in holidaymakers looking for dog-friendly holidays in the UK[1], suggesting our furry friends will also be enjoying a break this year.
To help plan that pet-friendly holiday, TravelSupermarket have pulled together their top tips for long car journeys with your dog.
Steph Marinkovic, travel writer at TravelSupermarket said:
“We’ve seen a 107% uplift in visitors looking for dog-friendly staycations in the UK. With restrictions on international travel, plus post-Brexit changes to pet travel in the EU, holidays in the UK are an especially attractive option for pet owners this year. There’s plenty of choice out there too, so we’ve rounded up the best places for dog-friendly holidays in the UK, plus have shared our top tips for hitting the road with your pet in tow.”
5 tips on travelling safely in the car with your dog.
1. Consider a bigger car
Does your car have room for you, the kids, the dog and the luggage to fit comfortably? If car space is at a premium, you may want to consider hiring a car to ensure the whole brood is comfortable and happy when you’re on the road.
Most car hire companies allow puppy passengers, though some may require your pet to be crated. Read the fine print and keep an eye out for any T&Cs on keeping the car clean – or you may face additional fees!
2. Don’t sit them on the passenger’s lap
Although your dog may enjoy sticking its head (and tongue) out of the window, it is unsafe to do so. It’s also illegal according Law 57 of the Highway Code, which says your dog should be suitably restrained so they cannot distract the driver or injure you, or themselves, if you have to stop quickly.
Before buying any restraints, consider whether a dog guard, seat belt or pet carrier is right for your pooch (and for the size of your car). It’s also important to ensure the restraint has been crash-tested.
3. Get the air-con blasting
You might be beach ready in the hot weather, but your pooch has a fur coat on! Keep them cool and comfortable by rolling down the windows or blasting the air-con, making sure the cooler air can reach your dog in the back seat or boot. It’s also a good idea to take lots of water with you to keep your pet hydrated.
Signs your dog may be overheating include excessive panting or breathlessness, a change in the colour of its gums, or excessive thirst.
4. Plan regular stops
Just as people enjoy a break from being on the road, your pooch will appreciate the chance to stretch its legs, burn off some energy and do its business. It may be worth checking out your planned route ahead of your trip to take note of suitable places to stop, such as picnic areas or parks – service stops with fast food drive-thrus may be appealing to you but can be very busy with cars and dangerous for dogs off leash.
5. Get in touch with your vet
Dogs can experience motion sickness so it may be worth talking to the vet when planning a trip – they should be able to recommend anti-motion sickness medication to make the journey smoother. Another way to avoid motion sickness is to feed your dog around two hours before setting off to allow it to digest.
And, although some dogs will be quite chilled out on long car journeys, and will be happy to curl up and go to sleep or look out the windows, anxious pooches may need a little more comforting. Talk to your vet about calming products such as medication or a compression coat to keep your pet at ease.
Alison Thomas, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at the Blue Cross hospital in Victoria advises:
“Before you decide on whether to take your pet with you or not, you will need to think carefully about whether they're happy to travel for long distances, the temperature of the location you'll be travelling to, which is the best way to travel there and whether your pet would be happier staying with someone at home. Car travel can be stressful for your dog, especially if they’re not used to it. The best thing to do is to slowly introduce them to the car to get them used to it.”
To find the best rental car for you and your pooch this year, use TravelSupermarket’s car hire comparison service and find more dog-friendly holiday ideas here.
