Travelling With Pets

Here’s how to have a safe, relaxing and fun holiday with your furriest family member. Tim Falk reports.

- Tim Falk

Let’s face it, no family holiday is complete without your four-legged fur-kid. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend away or a long and lazy road trip, it’s so much more fun with your dog or cat by your side.

However, taking your cat or dog with you on holiday isn’t as simple as just loading them into the car and setting off. You’ll need to do some forward planning and preparation to ensure that your howl-iday runs as smoothly and safely as possible.

WHAT TO PACK

Do you struggle to remember to pack everything you need for yourself on holiday, let alone everything your pet needs? Dr Jo Paul from creatureclinic.com offers a few tips on what you need to pack into your suitcase for your furry friend.

“Ensure your dog has clear identification and that microchip details are up to date. It’s a great idea to bring along your dog’s usual food if it’s not something that can be easily purchased on holiday. Abrupt changes in diet can lead to tummy troubles including vomiting and diarrhoea,” she says.

Don’t forget to pack any medications your pet is taking, ensuring they are clearly labelled and stored appropriately. Bringing your dog’s own bedding will also give him somewhere comfortable and familiar to rest.