Camping with Dogs

Golf

For many of us, our dogs are important members of our close family unit and the thought of going on holiday and leaving them behind is difficult to contemplate. Many of our featured campsites are ‘dog-friendly’ and will welcome considerate and responsible owners and their well behaved canines.

Since the introduction of the Pet Passport scheme in 2000, many campers and caravanners regularly include their pets in their holiday plans even if travelling to European destinations.

Packing and Preparation

With a bit of preparation, camping with your canine companions can be great fun! Here are some of our initial suggestions on what to pack, campsite etiquette and other helpful tips to make your trip as fun and as safe as possible.

Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date. Check that your dog has identification tags on his collar, or better still is microchipped.

Remember to pack the following:

Collar and lead, plus an extendable lead and tie-up stake (most campsites will require you to keep your dog on a lead).

Suitable bedding – and plan where your dog will sleep (is there room in your tent?!)

Towel – for muddy and/or wet adventures.

Unbreakable bowls for food and water.

The foods that your dog is familiar with and a supply of clean water for the journey.

First aid kit – for example, antiseptic and antibiotic creams, bandages, tick remover and tweezers.

Toys and balls to keep him entertained.

See below for advice on Pet Passports if you are travelling to Europe.

Travelling in Hot Weather

Animals should never be left in vehicles in direct strong sunshine and/or high temperatures as it is impossible to ensure sufficient ventilation to keep them cool. Distress and suffering caused by overheating are likely when the temperature exceeds 25 degrees Celsius for more than a few minutes. The temperature in a car in full sun on a hot day can rise to double that outside of the vehicle in a very short time, leading rapidly to distress for any animal in the vehicle.

Campsite Etiquette

Most campsites have specific rules regarding dogs which should provide no problems to courteous owners and well behaved pets. These rules are likely to include:

Dogs must be kept under control and on a lead at all times.

Noise must be kept to a minimum and if your dog’s response to new people and experiences, you must not allow him to bark.

You must clean up after your dog using plastic bags. Many British parks have specific dog walking areas that are equipped with special bins. These facilities are much less common elsewhere in Europe.

If you or your dog cannot adhere to these rules, you are advised not to take your dog on a camping holiday! It is always worth remembering that not all your fellow campers will share your appreciation for dogs.

Pet Travel Scheme

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) is the system that allows pet dogs, cats and ferrets from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet the rules. It also means that people in the UK can take their dogs (and cats and ferrets) to other European Union (EU) countries, and return with them to the UK. They can also, having taken their dogs to certain non-EU countries, bring them back to the UK without the need for quarantine. The rules are to keep the UK free from rabies and certain other diseases.

For up-to-date advice, we strongly advise that you visit the following official website:
www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets

Here you will find details of the preparations required, approved routes and transport companies, what you must do before you return and much more.

Another very useful website full of all sorts of advice is www.passportsforpets.com - here you will find further comprehensive notes on how to arrange your pet’s travel abroad. The website also provides a list of vets in France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Spain and Portugal and even a list of useful veterinary phrases in French, German and Spanish. There is a comprehensive list of Public Holiday dates in Europe.

Remember to start your preparations in good time. Allow AT LEAST seven months from the date of the first vaccination to the date of entry into the UK.

Of course, European campers have always been able to take their pets to campsites with them. It is worth noting, however, that many campsites do not accept dogs in the busy weeks of the high season. If you are planning to take your dog we do advise you to phone the site first to check – there may be limits on numbers, breeds, or times of the year when dogs are excluded. Some campsites do not accept dogs at all.

Remember too, that dogs are not permitted on many beaches in Britain during the summer months.

Dog friendly campsites
Search for Alan Rogers campsites that allow dogs.

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