In recent years staying in the UK has become the new ‘going abroad’, and while that was first triggered by the recession, people are still choosing to stay at home rather than go to more tropical climbs. A recent survey by the animal charity the Blue Cross has shed some light on this, showing that for many people, home is where the pets are, and that means UK holidays are in!
A massive 41% of pet owners questioned said that they would be taking their pets on holiday with them this year, that’s almost half of pet owners who can’t bear to be separated from their pets, and it isn’t just dogs either! Many people reported taking guinea pigs, hamsters and even horses on holiday, combing leisure time with time with their pets.
It’s not all about the love for pets though, many holidaymakers said that with kennel fees on top, the cost of a foreign holiday was just too expensive and so taking the pets away is a cost effective move. Although there are plenty of caring owners out there too, a quarter of those questioned said separation anxiety was a big reason to stay at home, as was the belief that no one else can look after our pets like we do.
Caravan parks and other holiday lets are taking on board the desire for people to take their pets away and many now offer pet-friendly services, although these do often come with a price, when you book your week’s holiday, expect to pay extra for the dog!
If you are wanting to take your pet on holiday this summer then do check and find a good pet-friendly site with good facilities, there are plenty around with designated pet walks and more. It’s also worth checking on the local council websites for dog-friendly beaches if you’re choosing a coastal holiday, no one wants to spend a week longingly gazing at the beach they can’t visit, and many beaches are closed to dogs between May and September. It’s also worth being prepared and taking a portable drinking bowl, and don’t forget it’s never ok to leave a dog in a car so you really do need to plan pet-friendly activities before you go.
Personally, we’ve always holidayed with our dogs and I couldn’t imagine leaving them, we’ve built up some fantastic memories over the years, and our dogs are part of every one of them!
By: Kath Cross
