Our Pet-Friendly Summer Travel Tips For Adventures With Your Canine Friend

Summer is the perfect time for adventure and what better way to make lasting memories than by embarking on a pet-friendly vacation with your beloved furry friend?

If you plan ahead and take the necessary steps, traveling with pets can be a joyful experience. Our team have compiled their essential tips for traveling with pets during the summer, including packing essentials and highlighting pet-friendly destinations!

Plan Ahead:

• Research Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Be on the lookout for hotels, vacation rentals, or campsites that welcome pets. You can research in advance to ensure that they have appropriate facilities such as pet-friendly rooms, areas you can exercise your dog in and fun places nearby that you can go for a walk.

• Talk With Your Veterinarian: Make sure you schedule a visit to your local vet before your holiday. Here you can check that your pet is up-to-date on their vaccines, that they are in overall good health and your vet can issue any preventative treatments for fleas, ticks or worms.

• Update Your Dog’s Microchip And ID tags: Keeping your dog’s microchip information up to date and have an ID tag attached to their collar that contains your current contact details. This will help to identify them if they get lost during your trip.

Pack The Essentials:

• Your Pet’s Favourite Items: Bringing familiar items such as your dog’s bed, blanket or their favourite toy will help to make them feel at home while they’re in a new and unknown place.

• Food, Water And Snacks: Pack enough of your pet’s usual feed to last the length of your trip, as well as portable bowls for feeding time and some of their favourite snacks.

• Medicines and First Aid Kit: It’s essential to pack any regular or necessary medicine that your pet needs. If you want to be extra prepared, assembling a pet-friendly first aid kit will prepare you for any accidents during your travels.

• Harness, Collar, Lead and Poo Bags: Having a sturdy lead and a well-fitted harness will make your new and exciting walks much more enjoyable and safer too. Make sure to bring plenty of poo bags to clean up after your dog too.

Plan Pet-Friendly Travel Destinations:

• Beaches and Coastal Locations: Find pet-friendly beaches that allow dogs to enjoy the sand and fresh sea air. Check for any restrictions before visiting and ensure you clean up after your dog.

• Outdoor Cafes and Restaurants: In Ireland, we’re lucky that pet-friendly eateries have become very popular recently, with plenty of places offering outdoor seating areas that welcome four-legged customers.

• Pet-Friendly Events: Research pet-friendly events coming up or dog festivals happening in your travel destination. These events are catered for pets providing you and your pup with lots of entertainment, vendors and activities.

Practice Safety During Summer Travel:

• Never Leave Your Dog Unsupervised: It’s vital to never leave your dog alone in a parked car whether you’re on holiday or at home. The temperatures in the car can rise very quickly and cause serious health risks.

• Keep Them Hydrated And In The Shade: Ensure your pet has access to fresh water at all times. They will also need shade to rest in during the warmer temperatures so they don’t overheat.

• Exercise During The Cooler Hours: Bring your dog on early morning or late evening walks when the temperature is cooler. This will help to prevent them from overheating and keep their temperature at a safe level.

• Pet-Friendly Activities: You and your pet can take part in activities that are pet-friendly. Hiking, nature trails and pet friendly attractions will keep the two of your entertained and active!