{"id":5065,"date":"2024-01-05T10:55:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-05T10:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/householdpets.co.uk\/?p=5065"},"modified":"2024-01-05T10:55:02","modified_gmt":"2024-01-05T10:55:02","slug":"caravanning-with-pets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/householdpets.co.uk\/caravanning-with-pets\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Caravanning With Your Pets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Although many people book their pets into kennels and catteries before a holiday, there are occasions when owners take their four-legged friends along with them. A caravan holiday is one of the most common methods of holidaying with pets, and it can also be one of the easiest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This isn’t rare for dog owners, with dogs being the most popular pets brought to caravan parks, as mentioned here<\/a>, and cats second. However, some people have even brought rabbits, guinea pigs, indoor birds, and fish on holiday before. For the purpose of this article, information on holidaying with dogs and cats will be the focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same two-part guide, as shown below, applies whether you holiday in a touring caravan or a static caravan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Prepare Before Caravanning With Dogs or Cats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For some, knowing how to prepare for a caravan holiday with pets is just common sense, but this isn’t the case for everyone. If this is your first time caravanning with your dog or cat, or maybe you haven’t been in a touring caravan before, then this will all be new to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A caravanning holiday should be an enjoyable time for all, and it will be if you follow the considerations listed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choose a Pet-Friendly Caravan Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Booking a caravan park that accepts pets is critical to a holiday with your furry friend. To plan ahead, you are encouraged to research the pet-friendly caravanning sites in your chosen area of the UK. Some sites will charge an additional fee per pet, but there will often be extra facilities for animals, especially dogs; for example, dog-friendly caravan sites usually have enclosed grassy areas specifically for dog walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caravan parks that accept pets will also have your fellow campers in mind. This might mean the caravan pitches are spaced further apart to ensure adequate room for pets or certain rules for the safety of residents, such as keeping dogs on leads or disposing of waste in a specified bin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check Your Pet’s Vaccination History<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Visiting the vet before heading off on holiday with a pet is a great idea. This allows owners to check their pets’ health and well-being before the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pet owners should also ensure their animals are up-to-date with flea, tick, and worming treatments, especially during summer. There are certain areas around the UK where ticks are more prevalent, such as the Scottish Highlands and the Lake District, so be aware of this if you visit those locations<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It would also be wise to research a local vet in the area you will be travelling to, just in case your pet requires medical care during the holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ensure Microchip Details are Updated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cat and dog owners should ensure the contact details listed on their pets’ microchips and ID tags are updated before travelling. If the animal is lost or runs away during the holiday, this is often the best chance of being reunited with a missing pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since leaving the European Union, UK pet passports are no longer valid when traveling to Europe. Instead, caravan holidays abroad will require additional documents, such as an animal health certificate, and pet owners should also be aware of insurance considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pack the Essentials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even if you plan on shopping when you pitch the caravan, packing the essentials is more than having enough food for the duration of your holiday. As the pet will likely be travelling in a car and housed in a caravan, there will be items required in both. For the car, pet owners should take into account the length of the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cat<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A longer journey will require bathroom breaks, which will also allow the animal to drink water and stretch its legs. Therefore, a water bowl will be required, as will a lead. Some service stations have dog walking areas, so you might want to map out your trip to stop at them. A first aid kit should also be kept in the car, and this should include items like cotton wool, surgical tape, and a tick removal tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can keep another first aid kit in the caravan or motorhome if you want to. Read this post<\/a> for more on what to include in a pet’s first aid kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other items to pack when heading off on holiday with your pet include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n