A Guide To Taking Your Pet on Holiday
Our four-legged friends are part of the family and taking them on holiday if they generally get left behind can be a truly rewarding experience. Watching your dog discover new sights, sounds, and smells while you explore together, and having the time to play and give them the attention you may not always manage at home, can create some truly lasting and magical memories.
And with more resorts and hotels in South Africa now offering pet-friendly accommodation like Midlands Saddle and Trout, Hole in the Wall, and Qwantani – which are true havens for pet parents and their fur babies – it’s becoming easier than ever to travel with your pets. Whether it’s the beach, the mountains or a countryside escape, including your pooch adds an extra wag to your getaway. Just like any other trip, though, it requires careful planning and preparation to make sure that your time is spent having fun, rather than dealing with unforeseen four-legged challenges.
Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, offers some great tips to make your trip with your beloved fur baby(ies) smooth and stress-free, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a longer holiday.
1. Smart Accommodation Choices: When deciding on where to stay for you and your furry friend, consider self-catering resort chalets instead of hotel rooms for longer getaways. They provide more space and flexibility, and access to outdoor areas also means fewer indoor pet accidents and less worries about disturbing other guests. Just remember to practise good pet-iquette by carrying a poop scoop and bag to clean up afterwards.
2. Health First: Keep Those Vaccinations Current: Just as you would when placing your pet in a kennel, it’s important to make sure their rabies vaccinations are up to date before travelling. New environments can increase the risk of parasites, especially in coastal areas where fleas and ticks are more common due to the warm and humid climate. Give your furry friend a three-month chew treatment before you leave and be sure to pack a basic first aid kit for them too.
3. Pack Their Comfort Zone: Take along familiar-smelling items like a blanket, favourite toys, and treats to provide a sense of security for your fur baby in an unfamiliar environment. Their favourite squeaky toy might seem silly to pack, but it could be the difference between a relaxed pup and an anxious one.
4. Ensure Road Trip Comfort: When travelling with a pet, it’s important to factor in extra time for their needs to ensure a ‘hassle-free’ journey. Dogs require regular bio-breaks and opportunities to stretch their legs, so be sure to plan for these stops. Don’t forget to bring along their water bowl too, to keep them hydrated.
5. Maintain Routine and Diet: Try to follow their usual routine as much as possible. This includes maintaining consistent walking, feeding and toilet times. It’s also wise to avoid giving your pets too many “holiday treats” from the dinner table. Rather, continue with the same diet they have at home to prevent any tummy upsets.
6. Adventure Time (With Boundaries): Let your pet take their time exploring and getting used to their new surroundings, but stick to a leash unless you’re in a secure, designated space. It helps avoid issues with other guests or four-legged visitors.
7. Be the Guest Everybody Loves: Good pet-iquette goes beyond cleaning up after your furry friend. If they tend to be vocal, manage their barking, particularly during quiet periods, with a favourite toy or extra walk before bedtime.
8. Plan for the Unexpected: Research nearby veterinary clinics at your destination. Keep a copy of your pet’s medical records and emergency contact details for your home vet.
“Including your furry family member on a holiday just means a little additional planning, packing a few extras, and making space for shared experiences that will enrich your time away and ensure your fur baby can share in the fun,” Lamont concludes.
For more information about First Group resorts, please visit https://www.firstgroup-sa.co.za.