What should you pack when you take your dog away on holiday with you? See this checklist from experts Richard and Jacqui Gooding of dog-friendly Letheringham Water Mill Cottages
Summer staycations are back on and we’re not leaving the dog behind!
So we asked dog holiday experts Richard and Jacqui Gooding, owners of dog-friendly, award-winning Letheringham Water Mill Cottages, near Woodbridge, for some tips about what you as responsible dog owners need to pack to make sure you and your woofer have a fun, relaxing time together.
1. Collar with name tag. In unfamililar surroundings your dog should wear it most of the time. Don’t forget to include your mobile phone number on the tag. If you and your dog get separated there may be no-one to answer your home land line should someone find your dog. Also ensure your microchip details are up to date, especially if you’ve moved house recently. GPS trackers are becoming really popular and this might be a good time to get one for peace of mind.
2. Lead. . . and a spare lead
3. Dog food – enough for the entire holiday – dog bowls for water and food, and a water bottle for travelling and while out walking
4. Dog safe sunscreen
5. A list of dog-friendly places near to where you will be staying to save last minute research
6. Dog treats and a few favourite toys and chews – especially useful if you want to start your holiday with a lie in!
7. Your dog’s bed and a dog cooling bed to keep hot dogs cool
8. A favourite, much-loved blanket that smells of home. Pop this in your dog’s bed as soon as you arrive to help make them feel secure
9. Telephone number of the nearest vet to your holiday destination, a first aid kit, any medication your dog takes regularly, and a tick removal comb
10. And, of course. . . poo bags and plenty of them
See our gallery of Suffolk’s much loved dogs
Letheringham Water Mill Cottages provides dog welcome baskets which include many of these items, making going away so much easier. It’s one of the touches that led to them being named Dog Friendly Business of the Year by Visit England. Richard and Jacqui have also researched their local area to ensure visitors have up to date information about dog-friendly places in Suffolk and maps of the best dog walks around the county.
It’s great fun going away with your dog and as they’re part of the family why would we leave them behind? But to ensure everyone can relax and have a stress-free time it’s important to familiarise yourself with your holiday destination before you go so that you know the local regulations about where and when you can take spend time with your dog.
Dogs are welcome on most of Suffolk’s beaches but there are seasonal restrictions, with some areas out of bounds between May and September (inclusive) so check the websites of local councils to make sure.
When you’re out in the countryside always observe the Countryside Code. Download a copy here. Read up on how to behave around livestock, controlling your dog and on rules around Open Access land where dogs may be banned to protect ground nesting birds between March and July. And always, always clean up after your dog.
Never leave your dog on its own in a car.
