A complete checklist for caravan holidays with dogs

Caravan holidays are about taking a little slice of home with you wherever you go. So why not take the dog too? Just think - no emotional goodbyes, no expensive kennels or dog-sitters, no ‘Wish you were here!’ doggie postcards to send... too much? Well, you get the idea! Holidays are supposed to be stress relieving so forget those worries and instead bear in mind these few tips about caravan holidays with dogs.

Packing the doggie suitcase

To help your dog settle quickly into its new surroundings, pack plenty of familiar toys, food/water bowls, and a well loved blanket or bed. A lead and waste bags are obvious essentials but don’t forget any necessary items for grooming after long walks, after all nobody likes to towel share. Also include a first aid kit with any normal medicine your dog takes, flea control, Kaolin (the dog equivalent of Imodium), and travel sickness pills. Keep a copy of the vet’s details and pet insurance policy, plus any relevant health certificates to hand just in case.

So now that you’ve bagged, you tag! You can’t go wrong with old-fashioned collar ID discs with home contact details and the address of the site you will be staying at. Getting your dog microchipped is also a must to ensure the quick return of your dog if they do get lost. It only costs between £20 and £30, plus it will become compulsory by 2016 anyway.

Where To?

Luckily the tourism industry in the UK is becoming increasingly pet-friendly. Cornwall and Devon are a doggie play heaven with miles of shore line, woods and river paths to explore. Further east along the coast, Wightlink ferries provide free passage for dogs heading to the Isle of Wight, although their owners still have to pay. However once on the island, there is plenty of scenic landscape to keep both humans and animals entertained if you opt to stay at one of our dog friendly campsites.

Cavaran Parks

Most caravan sites permit well behaved dogs. However, some may require a small additional fee and others may require dogs to be kept on leads whilst inside park boundaries. If you are unsure, check the park’s website or call in advance. This way you will also be able to find out if the park has a shop that sells dog supplies. Pick your favourite dog friendly caravan park and get exploring.

On the Road

It is time us Brit’s learned how to road trip American-style. The journey can be an enjoyable part of the holiday too, not just an arduous task. Plan a route with plenty of stop-offs at dog friendly pubs which provide water bowls and other pet facilities, as well as cracking food for human consumption. Also investigate the network of walks that exist within a 5 mile radius of the motorways you will be travelling on. Whilst motorways themselves are not the prettiest, the countryside they cut through is often breathtaking and offers a refreshing environment for everyone to stretch their legs. A quick internet search or using Ordinance Survey maps are a great way to discover these hidden gems.

The part of the holiday everyone hates is begrudging giving into the inevitable return to the daily grind and stoically tackling the miles of motorway home. But remember, your canine friend will not want to get back on the road either. So amongst the mad rush to pack up, make sure you have planned their return journey as well as you did the outward bound leg.

To recap, make sure you have planned both outward and return journeys with plenty of pit stops to ensure your dog is kept comfy and entertained. Remember, even if you park in the shade and crack a window, the temperature can still rise quickly enough to cause heat stroke so never leave your dog unattended inside the vehicle. Pack any doggie medical essentials and set aside a sum of money for micro chipping and insurance well before you leave. Be aware some caravan parks may require a small additional fee for bringing a dog.  But most importantly view all these tips as advice that will improve your holiday as well as your dog’s!