…AND THE PETS CAME TOO
When you have pets, booking a holiday means more than deciding where to go and what to pack. You have to make plans for your cat, dog or rabbit, too. The Animal Welfare Act means you have a legal responsibility to provide for your pet’s needs while you’re away. Failing to make proper arrangements for them is a criminal offence.
So what to do with Fluffy and Rover? You can, of course, take your dog with you. Search online for dogfriendly accommodation in the UK, or check out specialist doggy travel operator www.chienbleutravel.com
Taking your cat is not so easy – and felines are rarely happy travellers anyway – so it’s best to ask a neighbour or relative to look after them, or else book fluffy into a local cattery.
To take your dog abroad, there’s rather more to consider. For a start, you will need to ensure they have a pet passport. These are issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV). Not every veterinary practice will have a resident OV but they should be able to tell you where the nearest one is. Your dog must be microchipped and up to date with vaccinations, and you will have to take proof of this with you when you apply for a pet passport.
You will also need to ensure your dog can be transported by the airline you are travelling with, on the route you wish to take.
The Pet Travel Scheme helpline (0870-241 1710) can offer more advice.
You will also need to check that your holiday destination has all the equipment your pet will need (food and water bowls, dog bed, etc) for their stay. Make sure your dog’s collar has a tag labelled with their name and the address of your holiday accommodation, so if they get lost you can be reunited quickly.
But if you would rather leave your canine friend in their home environment, www.mydogbuddy.co.uk is a useful website that helps you locate dog sitters near you. To find boarding kennels and catteries in your area, go to www.findpetboarding.com
Before choosing a kennel or cattery, pay them a visit so you can look around. Invite prospective pet sitters to your home to meet your pet – they may have a great reputation but your dog simply might not take to them. Apart from that, enjoy your trip.
Malta
With more than 7,000 years of history, beautiful Malta has plenty to o er. With stunning scenery, ancient architecture and great nightlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And with near year-round sun, you can look forward to a balmy break.
Choice Holidays specialises in Malta. Contact 0800-811 9025, www.choiceholidaysdirect.co.uk
Hungary
Home to the largest lake in central Europe, Lake Balaton, Hungary, o ers exquisite spa towns for the ultimate relaxing getaway. The country’s capital, Budapest, is a European highlight.
For more information on Hungary and where to stay: www.gotohungary.com
Fuerteventura
With enormous sand dunes and beautiful beaches, this is a perfect location for seaside lovers and water-sports enthusiasts, but there’s plenty of culture, too. Great places to stay include the Grand Hotel Atlantis Bahia: www.bahiarealresort.com
For more information on Fuerteventura and hotel and apartment accommodation: www.fuerteventura.com
So what to do with Fluffy and Rover? You can, of course, take your dog with you. Search online for dogfriendly accommodation in the UK, or check out specialist doggy travel operator www.chienbleutravel.com
Taking your cat is not so easy – and felines are rarely happy travellers anyway – so it’s best to ask a neighbour or relative to look after them, or else book fluffy into a local cattery.
To take your dog abroad, there’s rather more to consider. For a start, you will need to ensure they have a pet passport. These are issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV). Not every veterinary practice will have a resident OV but they should be able to tell you where the nearest one is. Your dog must be microchipped and up to date with vaccinations, and you will have to take proof of this with you when you apply for a pet passport.
You will also need to ensure your dog can be transported by the airline you are travelling with, on the route you wish to take.
The Pet Travel Scheme helpline (0870-241 1710) can offer more advice.
You will also need to check that your holiday destination has all the equipment your pet will need (food and water bowls, dog bed, etc) for their stay. Make sure your dog’s collar has a tag labelled with their name and the address of your holiday accommodation, so if they get lost you can be reunited quickly.
But if you would rather leave your canine friend in their home environment, www.mydogbuddy.co.uk is a useful website that helps you locate dog sitters near you. To find boarding kennels and catteries in your area, go to www.findpetboarding.com
Before choosing a kennel or cattery, pay them a visit so you can look around. Invite prospective pet sitters to your home to meet your pet – they may have a great reputation but your dog simply might not take to them. Apart from that, enjoy your trip.
3 MORE EUROPEAN ESCAPES
Malta
With more than 7,000 years of history, beautiful Malta has plenty to o er. With stunning scenery, ancient architecture and great nightlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And with near year-round sun, you can look forward to a balmy break.
Choice Holidays specialises in Malta. Contact 0800-811 9025, www.choiceholidaysdirect.co.uk
Hungary
Home to the largest lake in central Europe, Lake Balaton, Hungary, o ers exquisite spa towns for the ultimate relaxing getaway. The country’s capital, Budapest, is a European highlight.
For more information on Hungary and where to stay: www.gotohungary.com
Fuerteventura
With enormous sand dunes and beautiful beaches, this is a perfect location for seaside lovers and water-sports enthusiasts, but there’s plenty of culture, too. Great places to stay include the Grand Hotel Atlantis Bahia: www.bahiarealresort.com
For more information on Fuerteventura and hotel and apartment accommodation: www.fuerteventura.com