Tips for taking your puppy on holiday

Taking your puppy on holiday can be a wonderful experience for both you and your furry friend. You can enjoy spending quality time with your beloved pet, strengthening your bond and creating memorable experiences together. However, there are some key considerations to make when holidaying with your pup, ranging from choosing a pet-friendly destination to ensuring they stay comfortable during the journey. Read our top tips for taking your puppy on holiday now.  

Research pet-friendly destinations

When taking your puppy on holiday, it’s essential to choose a destination that caters to their needs and offers a safe and enjoyable environment for both you and your pup. Coastal destinations with dog-friendly beaches are excellent choices for a holiday with your puppy. Your dog can enjoy playing in the sand and water while you relax by the shore. If you’re thinking of heading to a town or city, check that it has dog-friendly parks or other green spaces where your puppy can run around and play off the lead. 

Choose accommodation that welcomes dogs Puppy Dog Kennels Maltby

You should also research pet-friendly accommodation in your chosen destination. Whilst you’ll certainly find hotels that welcome guests with dogs, it might be best to rent a cottage, cabin or lodge that provides a more home-like environment. This can make it more comfortable for your puppy. You may want to consider caravans and campsites too, particularly if you’re looking for a fun outdoor adventure with your pup. Choose accommodation very carefully when holidaying with your pup to ensure it is suitable for you both.

Pack the puppy essentials 

When going on holiday with your puppy, it’s essential to pack a range of items to ensure your puppy’s safety, comfort, and well-being throughout the trip. We recommend packing the following: 

  • Copies of your puppy’s health records, including vaccination certificates, recent vet checkup records, and microchip information in case they are lost. 
  • A sturdy lead and harness. Don’t forget poop bags for clearing up your puppy’s mess whilst out walking. 
  • Food and water bowls, and a good supply of your puppy’s regular food to last the entire trip. You could also add their favourite treats. 
  • Toys such as balls, chew toys and tug toys. 

Keep your puppy comfortable during the journey

Another of our top tips for taking your puppy on holiday is to keep your puppy comfortable. Bring a travel bed and blankets for your pup to rest on, and make sure you maintain a comfortable temperature in the car. We also recommend planning regular rest stops to allow your puppy to stretch, go to the toilet, and stay hydrated. Keep your puppy’s safety in mind during stops and use a lead or harness.

Use a travel crate or dog seatbelt 

If your puppy isn’t accustomed to car travel, consider using a travel crate or a dog seatbelt to keep them secure. This will protect your puppy’s safety during the journey. Unrestrained puppies could be thrown forward in the event of a sudden stop or collision, leading to severe injuries or even death. An unrestrained puppy can also distract the driver, leading to accidents. There are many crates and seatbelts on the market, so it’s wise to consider your options carefully before purchasing. 

puppy on the grassTrain and socialise your puppy 

We recommend using the holiday as an opportunity to train and socialise your puppy. If possible, begin basic obedience training before the trip. Teach essential commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come”. This will make it easier to manage your puppy in a new, unfamiliar environment. When it comes to socialisation, expose your puppy to different people, animals, and environments during your holiday. This helps them become well-adjusted and confident. Take your puppy to dog-friendly parks, beaches, and walking trails where they can interact with other dogs and people. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as giving them treats and praise, to reward good behaviour. This will encourage your puppy to repeat the desired actions.

Plan a pre-trip vet visit

We recommend taking your puppy to the vet before your holiday to ensure they are in good health and up-to-date with vaccinations. Your vet can check for any underlying medical conditions, injuries, or illnesses that you may not be aware of. Identifying and addressing health concerns before travel ensures your puppy is fit for the journey. Your vet may also be able to provide advice on travelling with your specific puppy.

Not holidaying with your pup? Book dog boarding in Sheffield 

If after reading our top tips for taking your puppy on holiday, you’re still feeling doubtful about taking them with you, don’t feel guilty. Holidaying with a puppy can be challenging, particularly as it will disrupt their routine and make toilet training more difficult. You may also be concerned about safety since puppies are naturally curious and may be unaware of potential hazards in a new environment.

An alternative is to look for reputable local kennels where your puppy will receive all the care and attention they need whilst you’re away. At Jaycliffe Pets, we’re widely regarded as the first choice for dog boarding in Sheffield. We’ve cared for hundreds of dogs of all ages over the years, building a fantastic reputation for our comfortable, well-equipped facilities and our commitment to providing the highest level of care. 

Contact us 

To book dog boarding in Sheffield or the surrounding areas, call us on 01709 645 046. Our team are on hand to answer all your questions and queries. Alternatively, you can send us a message via our website and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Feel free to visit our kennels so we can show you around our facilities and tell you more about our services.