April 9th 2024
Travelling with your dog? Time to sniff out a holiday!
Top Tips For Taking Your Dog On Holiday
If you are feeling a bit hesitant about bringing your furry friend on holiday, fear not. There are lots of tips and tricks to make it stress-free for both you and your pooch. And why booking a self-catering holiday cottage, like those from New Forest Cottages, is the perfect choice for a dog-friendly retreat.
Finding The Perfect Stay
When it comes to travelling with your fur buddy, a self-catering holiday cottage is a way to go. There’s much more space, the option of a secure, private garden, and no locking your Paw-some Pups in an unfamiliar room while you go to the restaurant for hotel meals. New Forest Cottages has over 90 dog-friendly cottages in the New Forest; choose from airy apartments and cabins and chocolate-box thatched cottages to grand holiday homes with swimming pools, hot tubs, outdoor entertainment, and play equipment for little ones. There’s something for every taste and budget.
Home Away From Home
One of the best things about staying in a dog-friendly New Forest Cottage is that it feels like a home away from home. Your pup will appreciate having space to relax and unwind after a day of exploring. Plus, with amenities like fully equipped kitchens and comfortable living areas, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Before You go
Make sure your Pooch’s vaccinations are up to date; you have the medications you’ll need while away, and find out where the nearest vet to your holiday cottage is in case of emergencies. Also, double-check that your pup has a secure disc attached to its collar with your mobile number engraved on it.
Pack The Essentials
When packing for your trip, don’t forget to bring along the essentials for your furry friend. This includes their food and food bowl, water bowl, tasty treats, favourite toys, comfy bed and bedding, poo bags, dog walking bag, towels and maybe a cool mat (for warmer months), as well as their harness and lead. And if you can, pack dog food for the duration of your holiday in case you can’t buy your pooch’s preferred dinner dish locally.
The Journey
Keep your fur baby safe in the car in either a dog crate, sit-in car seat, or a dog harness with attachments that clip into seat belts. Allow a couple of hours before feeding your pooch and travelling in the car in case of car sickness. Above all, take lots of stops for a wee and a chance to stretch their legs.
Settling In
Once you arrive at your dog-friendly New Forest Cottage, take your dog out for a little sniffy walk around the garden and give it time to explore its new surroundings. Set up the dog’s bed so it has its own space, as this will help your pup feel safe and secure. Try as much as you can to keep to your regular routine.
Explore And Have Fun Together
The New Forest National Park, surrounding coastline, and dog-friendly beaches are a paradise for doggies. There are hundreds of miles of scenic trails and open spaces to do zoomies, sniff, and play! But remember to be mindful of the famous New Forest wildlife when out, which includes cattle, ponies and donkeys.
Dining Out
One of the great perks of staying with New Forest Cottages is the flexibility to dine in or out. If you do decide to dine out, there is a bounty of dog-friendly cafes, foodie pubs, and restaurants to enjoy. They love woofers and welcome them with lots of praise, cuddles, and doggie treats!
Dogstival!
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during Dogstival, which is from June 1st—2nd, take a look at these super dog-friendly cottages to rent in Burley.
Enjoy Every Moment
Whether you and your furry friend are chilling in the garden under a sunny sky with a glass of bubbly in hand, exploring the beaches and forest chasing balls, or snuggled up by the fire on a winter’s night, cherish these special moments together and enjoy a woof-tastic holiday.
