It's finally vacation time! But what do you do with your beloved pet? Whether dog or cat - your loyal companions are an important part of your family. We'll show you how you can ensure that your pet feels comfortable and safe even when you're away.
Holidays without dogs or cats – how to ensure they are well looked after
Which pet owner hasn't experienced this - saying goodbye to their dog or cat on the day they leave for vacation is incredibly difficult. If you know your pet is in good hands, you can go on vacation with peace of mind. Here are our tips on how to make sure your pet feels comfortable in your absence:
- with familiar people
Many pet owners have the option of leaving their dog with familiar people, such as relatives, friends, family or pet sitters, while on holiday. Those who do not have this option often look for a place for their dog in a well managed Dog boarding .
At Cats Accommodation during the holiday period is already a lot more difficult. Especially because they are Outdoor cats want to stay in their familiar surroundings. So that the cat can stay at home, it is worth the installation of a cat door The petWALK pet door not only ensures that your cat has enough freedom of movement, but also provides familiar structures and the usual feel-good atmosphere.
What alternatives are there to being cared for by relatives or in a kennel?
If there is a pet door, your cat will certainly be particularly happy to be cared for by a friendly neighbor. After all, home is always the best place to be!
But there are also own Animal carers who return home and take care of your pet. Depending on the agreement, this includes Feed , Clean up , Playing , etc. are part of the tasks. Dogs are often also taken for a walk or looked after at the pet sitter's home. Pet care is a free trade and can be offered by anyone, so you should check carefully who you entrust your pet to. Above all, the Chemistry between humans and animals .
You should also inform yourself what experience the pet sitter has, how long has he/she been offering his/her services? How does he/she treat the animal? Is the animal viewed as an individual and special needs What tasks should additionally (play dates, going to the vet, giving medication, etc.)? How much time should the pet sitter invest? Does he or she have the appropriate Professional liability insurance ?
- in familiar surroundings
Home is the best place to be – this is especially true for cats, but even anxious dogs feel most comfortable in familiar surroundings . With a own petWALK pet door is staying at home for your cat, but also for the dog with good care light and especially secure possible.
Prepare your home so that the pet sitter can find everything and your pets many employment opportunities Activities can include toys or Chews but also Intelligence games are an interesting pastime. If you want to have different entry and exit times for your pet, Change the settings on the pet door before you leave so that your animals can slowly get used to the new rules.
Of course, it is very important for outdoor cats, as well as for dogs that stay behind with a pet sitter, that Access to the garden . There they can follow scent trails, do their business and pass the time observing the environment. Write a short instruction on how to operate the petWALK pet door and assign the password for the app
- with familiar processes
Have you found the ideal holiday replacement? Then use every opportunity so that your pet and the pet sitter familiarize can.
Please note that dogs never longer than 6 hours should be left alone and only if they have been trained. With the petWALK dog door can your four-legged friend at any time or at regular times , which you decide in advance, between walks. Show your pet sitter the petWALK door and explain which rules are preset. Once your pet is used to its independent freedom used to, does not want to and cannot no longer without ! 😉
In addition, give the supervisor following informations about your darling:
- What peculiarities does your animal have (for example, fear of other people or animals, certain places where it does not like to be touched, ...).
- Are there fixed rules for the animal (not allowed on the sofa or anything like that).
- Are there fixed rituals such as playtime in the morning, feeding in the afternoon or nap time at 2 p.m.
- What are the signals/commands that the dog knows?
- When does it get food and how much, and what treats can be given.
- If the child has any intolerances or allergies , how should the caregiver act in the event of an accident?
- At what times is your dog or cat allowed outside and when does he/she have to stay indoors?
- Give the caregiver the remote control or access to the app for your petWALK pet door .
Holiday with dog – tips for a successful trip
- health check
- The right accommodation
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, if in doubt, ask several times beforehand whether you are really allowed to bring your dog . Please note that additional costs may apply for dogs in hotels. Many operators also sometimes decide based on the breed or size of the dog.
If dogs are allowed, the next step is to check whether there are enough opportunities to run around in the area. A holiday home with its own garden or at least a holiday apartment on the ground floor with a little green space in front of the door is certainly recommended. A camping holiday with a tent, caravan or motorhome, where the dog spends a lot of time in the fresh air, is also a good idea. It is also interesting to know in advance whether there is a vet nearby in case of an emergency.
And who will take the dog if you want to see something without the dog? Find out whether dog care is offered locally.
- Package holidays with dog
A relatively new trend is package holidays and guided day trips for dogs and their owners. Simply book and don't have to worry about anything else - that makes your holiday even more fun. Offers are checked in advance by special tour operators to see if they are dog-friendly . The advantage: there are no nasty surprises or included activities where the dog is not allowed.
For the rest of your free time, you will receive lots of tips on excursion destinations in the holiday destination , which are a real experience with a dog. Austria is the ideal destination for a holiday with your darling. Would you like to spend a few relaxing days with your dog in Austria? Then take a look at www.velaontour.com , all offers have been tested by Ulrike Miestinger and her golden retriever Pepa and they have also accompanied several excursions. You can find out about current travel dates in the newsletter.
- Dog hotels
More and more accommodations are specializing in overnight stays that offer wellness for both animals and people . The best dog hotels include many dog-friendly services and create a feel-good experience for animals . In some places, in addition to dog walking services, day care, dog courses, guided dog walks, fenced-in exercise areas , dog bathing areas, a visit to the dog groomer and a veterinary service are also offered.
- Travelling abroad with your dog
When travelling abroad, you should find out about the entry requirements . Which vaccinations are required in which country? Is microchipping compulsory there? Do other treatments need to be carried out, such as deworming?
When travelling to non-EU countries, you should also think about the re-entry regulations. What diseases are there in the country that could be dangerous for your dog? What pre- and post-treatment measures should be taken?
When travelling abroad (including to non-EU countries), pets require an EU pet passport, which can be obtained from any vet. This passport shows that the animal is identified by a microchip and has been vaccinated against rabies.
Checklist – what does your dog need on vacation?
Dogs also have their own luggage when they travel. To be prepared for all eventualities, there are a few things that should not be missing. Whether it 's sun protection on a summer vacation or thick coats and jackets on a winter vacation - just like with humans and animals - the contents of the suitcase must be adapted to the season and the climate of the destination.
When you book with VelaonTour , you will receive a travel checklist prepared in collaboration with a veterinarian .
First aid kit for dogs
It is important to check your dog's insurance coverage beforehand. Since injuries or illnesses cannot be predicted and unfortunately they could also occur while on vacation, basic medical equipment is a must. The following items should be included:
- Disinfectants for the initial treatment of wounds
- Thermometer
- Antidiarrheal remedies
- Gauze bandages for dressings and bleeding wounds
- a pair of flat tweezers for removing splinters
- a tick tweezer
- Flea spray or powder
What else needs to be in the dog suitcase besides the EU pet passport:
- Chest harness – best to have a phone number on it!
- rope
- muzzle
- Dog Food
- Chews
- Dog bowl and drinking bottle Tip: possibly also a foldable water and food bowl for on the go
- Dog blanket or dog bed
- Dog poop bags
- brush
- Dog towel
- …and of course lots of treats! 🙂
If your four-legged friend knows and likes a mobile transport box , he can travel comfortably in it and at the same time the box serves as a retreat in the hotel room.
Travelling with a dog - the right means of transport
Car travel
The best option for a holiday trip is the car, as your dog is already used to it. The most important thing is that your dog is safely accommodated in the back of the car. Seat belts, barriers or transport boxes not only protect dogs and owners, but are also compulsory in most countries. TÜV-tested transport boxes are the safest choice when making this decision. Ideally, you should start slowly getting your dog used to travelling in the box weeks before the trip . If your dog is not yet used to travelling in the car, then this should be trained in advance .
Tip: To practice driving most effectively, the trips should always be associated with positive experiences and the duration should be increased slowly .
It is advisable not to feed large meals before departure and to plan regular breaks for drinking and walking during the journey. In the warmer seasons, make sure the temperature in the car is comfortable . To protect against unpleasant sun rays , install sun protection on the windows .
If you want to stop for a meal, never leave your dog in the car! The risk of heat stroke is far too great in summer.
Air travel
Flying is stressful for most dogs - after all, you don't fly every day! You need to check in advance whether the airline allows animals to be transported and under what conditions. Some airlines even allow smaller dogs (max. 8 kg) to be taken into the cabin in a transport box.
Regarding your dog, you must first ask yourself whether flying is reasonable for your dog . Is your four-legged friend healthy? Can he stay alone in a transport box and relax to a certain extent even in the presence of (possibly) strange animals and in a noisy environment ? Make sure that the dog is physically and mentally stimulated before the check and has the opportunity to do his business. Your furry friend should only eat a small meal the day before and should be left as fasting as possible on the day of the flight.
Public transportation
Whether it's a bus, train, cable car or gondola - dogs can generally be taken on all means of transport , but they must be kept on a leash and muzzled everywhere! Of course, respect is important: always make sure that other passengers are not disturbed or feel harassed by your four-legged friend.
Very small dogs in a dog crate and assistance dogs registered in the disability pass travel free of charge on most trains in Austria. If the dog is not in a crate, you pay 10% of the full price (= standard ticket) to take it with you, but at least 2 euros. Here too, dogs must be kept on a leash and muzzled and your four-legged companion may only be supervised by you and may only sit on the floor. Please find out about the relevant connection beforehand!
Arriving at your destination
It is a must to take your dog for a walk as soon as you arrive. Then you can make your dog comfortable in the hotel room, holiday home or campsite and put away things that it could destroy. Offer your four-legged friend water and something to eat . Let your dog settle in and rest and try not to overwhelm it after the long and tiring journey.
Once the initial stress has subsided and you and your furry companion are feeling well, it's time to explore the surroundings and enjoy your holiday with your dog!
Michaela Strohmayer
The recommendations come from Michaela Strohmayer , a dog trainer qualified in animal welfare and state-appointed therapy dog examiner .
If you are looking for someone with experience and the right skills to make you and your dog a real team , then take a look at their website: https://www.wuffit.at/.
