Taking your pet on holiday isn’t just possible these days—it’s something more and more people are doing. And for good reason. If your pet’s part of your day-to-day life, it only makes sense to bring them along when you’re taking time to relax or explore somewhere new. That said, a pet-friendly holiday does need a bit of extra thought. It’s not just about finding a hotel that accepts dogs or cats—it’s about making sure the whole trip works well for both of you.
Choosing the Right Place for Both of You
Before anything else, think carefully about the kind of place that would suit your pet. While some destinations go out of their way to welcome animals—with dedicated walking areas, pet-friendly beaches, and even special treats in hotels—others are more limited. It’s worth reading up on the local approach to pets, not just the official rules but also the general attitude. In some places, it’s perfectly normal to take your dog into cafés or on public transport. In others, you might find yourself facing a few puzzled looks just for bringing a dog to a park.
The weather’s another factor. Very warm or humid climates can be difficult for pets, especially if they’re not used to it. If you’re planning lots of outdoor activities, think about how your pet will manage the pace and whether you’ll have enough shady, quiet spots to take breaks. A destination that offers a good mix of open space and animal-friendly amenities will go a long way towards keeping things simple. Also make sure you can get veterinary help in your destination if necessary. For example if you plan the getaway to Dubai you can always count on Panacea Vets for professional care for your pet.
Sorting the Travel Details in Advance
When it comes to transport, every company and country has its own way of doing things. Some airlines are fine with pets in the cabin, others only allow them to travel as cargo. Some trains welcome dogs, some don’t. Getting all the details early will help you avoid last-minute stress. It’s not just about the transport either—many places require proof of vaccinations or a pet passport, and some might even need a vet certificate dated within a certain number of days before travel.
Accommodation is the next hurdle. A place may list itself as pet-friendly, but that doesn’t always mean the same thing. Some will have weight or breed limits, others might charge extra fees, and a few might allow pets on the property but not in certain rooms. It’s always best to double-check directly with the host or hotel, just to be sure there won’t be any surprises when you arrive.
Making the Journey Comfortable
The journey itself can be the trickiest part for pets. A long car ride, a flight, or even an unfamiliar hotel room can throw them off. Bringing something familiar—a blanket, their usual food bowl, a toy they love—can help ground them. It’s also a good idea to stick to their normal routines as much as you can, even when everything else feels different. That might mean feeding them at the usual time or taking them for a quick walk at their usual pace. These small things can really help them settle.
Getting used to traveling in short bursts before the main trip can also make a big difference. A few trial car rides or overnight stays can help your pet adapt and give you a better sense of how they cope.
When Tailor-Made Makes All the Difference
Sometimes, the best holidays with pets are the ones designed specifically around them. If you’ve ever looked into tailor-made tours, you’ll know they offer a lot more flexibility than the usual package trip. When pets are involved, this kind of planning becomes even more valuable. You can build your holiday around your pet’s needs as well as your own—picking places to stay that are genuinely pet-friendly, organising travel that won’t overwhelm them, and mapping out activities that won’t leave them cooped up or stressed.
There are even travel specialists who focus on pet-friendly experiences. They know which areas work well, which routes are better avoided, and where you’ll find a welcome bowl of water instead of a “no pets” sign. With that kind of help, you can travel confidently, knowing your companion is part of the journey—not just tagging along.
Feature Photo by Josh Rakower on Unsplash
