Britain really is a nation of dog lovers with 76% of owners wishing they could pack up their pooch and take them on holiday, according to new research.
But though 73% say a trip is better with their hound at their heels, more than half (53%) admit finding pet-friendly accommodation is a nightmare.
This leaves three quarters of owners guilty about ditching their pup, according to the survey by dog food brand Cesar. Incredibly 55% of people have cancelled or changed travel plans because the destination wasn’t suitable for their pet.
And when asked what their dog’s dream travel itinerary would look like, UK dog owners were clear about their pups’ top choices.
To help those who want to holiday with their hound, Cesar has teamed up with TripAdvisor to launch the Ulti-mutt Bucket List Travel Guide.
It includes pet-welcoming accommodation and experiences that humans and their four-legged friends can enjoy together.
Stephen Judson, Senior Principal Client Partner at TripAdvisor said: “We’re already the go-to for millions of travellers looking for trusted recommendations. By collaborating with Cesar, we’re helping even more people feel confident about travelling with their dogs.
“From finding the perfect dog-friendly cottage to discovering that beach café where your pup gets their own little treat, we want to take the guesswork out of planning and help make holidays better for dogs and humans alike.”
Apart from accommodation, owners face a number of challenges when travelling with their pet including issues with transport (35%) and dogs getting stressed or anxious (30%).
Even the packing stage poses challenges, with 60% of owners having forgotten a vital item for their dog, such as poo bags (42%), food or water bowls (29%), enough meals (26%) or their dog’s favourite toy (25%).
To help deal with dog-related holiday stress, Dr Tammie King, Pet Behaviourist at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, has several top tips to ensure both owners and hounds enjoy their time away from home.
“Get your dog used to being in the car when stationary by feeding favourite treats or a meal, then slowly building up the journey duration before you commit to a long trip,” she says. “Familiarity helps reduce travel-related stress.”
If you need a helping hand to choose where to go, you can find top-rated UK dog destinations, and find travel tips here.
Explaining how to pack for your pet she adds: “Keep a checklist of your dog's key items in a notebook or on your phone to make prep stress-free.
“Don’t forget comfort items like their bed or favourite toy, and ensure you bring enough food and water, as well as bowls, and any prescription medication.”
It’s also a great idea to keep microchip details up to date and have an ID tag with your contact details attached to their collar. If a dog goes missing in an unfamiliar place it will be much easier for others to return your hound home safe and sound.
Most important though is to choose your destination wisely - you need a holiday spot with secure outdoor spaces for walks and pet-friendly facilities.
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