Planning a holiday for the whole family - The Lost Dogs' Home

Taking your dog on a holiday with you can be the most memorable experience for you and your family ? after all they are part of the clan! Pets love our company and most of them also enjoy the great outdoors.

With the holiday season around the corner, last week we ran a story providing a few tips on what to do if you?ve decided to holiday without your pets this year.

Today, we provide handy tips for those of you who think holidays are not complete without your furry family member joining in.

- Identify, Update, Reunite: Before leaving home it is imperative your pet is identified with a microchip, collar tag and they should be registered with your local council. Equally important is to make sure all contact information corresponding to your pet?s identification is up-to-date. If you are going on an extended holiday, perhaps consider changing your contact details to where you are staying and always include your mobile phone number in your contact information. You should also include an emergency contact for someone your trust and who is not on holidays with you.

Keep in mind while you can make sense of your holiday surroundings your pet may not be able to. Being in an unfamiliar environment can make some pets anxious and therefore at greater risk of escaping and going missing.

- Will your pet enjoy the holiday as much as you? Research pet friendly destinations and accommodations that will have plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy the holiday with your pet- i.e. parks, dog-friendly beaches. Keep in mind cats feel safer in a familiar place, so perhaps they are better suited a holiday house if you have one or a place they have been to before and/or travel to regularly.

Some pets are more anxious than others, so while you may want to take them with you, they may in fact be happier left at home, or somewhere secure like a boarding facility. It?s important to consider will your pet really enjoy your holiday destination and will they be safe.

- Research and book in advance: Some places advertised as pet friendly do not accept pets during certain times of the year so it is important to make sure the accommodation provider is aware that you will be bringing your pet. Keep in mind that some may have restrictions on breeds and sizes.? Have a list of questions handy like, where is the nearest park, is my pet permitted in doors, will a kennel/pen be provided, and is there an extra fee for bringing a pet?

- Start off small: If you are considering holidaying with your pet, it may be a good idea to do a test run with a weekend away first, rather than an extended holiday. You will be able to find out a lot about how your pet copes with travel in just a couple of days.

- Invest some time in obedience training: A well-mannered, trained and socialised dog will make better company particularly when you are travelling. It will make holidaying more enjoyable for you as well as others around you.

- Vaccination and worming: Make sure your pet?s vaccinations and worming are up to date prior to your holiday, especially if they are likely to mix with other dogs and cat.

- Pack: A first aid kit is good particularly if you are camping. Make sure take pack ample food (especially if they are fussy eaters!) and water for your pet, prescribed medication, insect repellent, treats, protection for the sun and cold, toys and games. It is important to take your pets bed and any familiar things that will help them feel more settled and at home.

Online resources

There are a range of online resources.

Planning a holiday with your pooch? http://www.holidayingwithdogs.com.au/

Listing of parks and beaches to take your pooch http://www.dogsonholidays.com.au/holidaying/

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Please remember these are just a sample of tips to assist you.

To hear the Pets-A-Loud team?s favourite pet friendly holiday destinations and for more information on holidaying with or without your pet, tune into the program on Joy 94.9. If you are not in Melbourne, you can stream Pets-A-Loud live.

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Source: http://dogshome.com/planning-a-holiday-for-the-whole-family/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=planning-a-holiday-for-the-whole-family

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