With the success of the vaccine rollout, travel restrictions easing and staycations becoming more popular, many dog owners may be looking to take their four-legged friends on holiday with them.

To help pet owners have the best trip possible, InsureMyTrip has shared top tips for an enjoyable pooch-friendly holiday.

Before leaving, make sure you have packed all the essentials for your furry friend.

A sturdy lead, harness, poo bags, identification tags, treats, and pet food are a few important items to include on your packing list.

You should also carry copies of your dog’s medical records and travel documents as they help to prove ownership, health, and history of vaccinations for your dog should the need arise or any officials ask to see them.

Also, if your dog requires any medications, these should be labelled clearly and packed in a secure place. A microchip registration may also be considered for your dog prior to departing.

If you decide to travel by plane, be sure to carefully review the airline’s pet policy before booking your reservation.

Policies and prices do vary between airlines and can sometimes depend on the country you’re travelling to and the size and breed of your pet.

Travellers may also consider contacting the airlines directly to confirm their policies in the airport and on the plane to limit any day-of-travel issues at the airport.

Some airlines are more pet-friendly than others, so it’s important to plan ahead.

And for those getting on a ferry to travel to Europe by car, the safety of both you and your pet are top priorities.

Use a special seat belt or harness for your dog to ensure they’re not able to roam around the vehicle and distract the driver.

A pet carrier is also a good option. Be sure it’s sized correctly for them, as they should be able to stand up and lie down comfortably.

These options will help protect your pet not only from being able to distract the driver, but also in case of a sudden stop.

Just like humans, our pets need frequent stops for water, toilet breaks and to stretch their legs, prepare accordingly and build these stops into your travel itinerary.

Once all the essentials are packed and the health and safety checks are done, it’s worth packing some of your pet’s favourite items.

Bring a pet bag with their favourite food, treats, toys, and a blanket.

Once you’re ready to go, leave them with a favourite toy to keep them busy for as long as possible, especially if they’re a nervous pet.

If you’re travelling to a new destination that you haven’t been to before, make sure you do your research to ensure there will be plenty of dog-friendly accommodations and public spaces.

Be careful when booking your accommodation as many hotels charge additional fees to accommodate your pet, so make sure you look around for pet-friendly hotels that accept animals without an unexpected upcharge.

If you can’t find a hotel in your intended area, consider additional holiday rental options. Popular sites such as Airbnb or VRBO have search functions that filter for pet-friendly holiday rental homes.

There are also a number of apps that act as a helpful guide when on the road with your pet.

For example, All Trails can help find dog-friendly hikes, Bring Fido allows you to find hotels, attractions and restaurants that welcome pets, and Pet First Aid By American Red Cross helps you locate the nearest emergency animal hospital.

To find out more about InsureMyTrip click here.

To read more about Kent’s furry, flying and finned friends, click here.

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