Archive for Pet Friendly
December 9, 2009 at 12:11 pm · Filed under Holiday in Britain, Pet Friendly and tagged: England, English Country holidays, Pet Friendly, Scotland, vacation, Wales
English Country Cottages – The Finest Selection of Cottages in England and Wales
English Country Cottages has a range of over 3,000 of the most sumptuous holiday properties, in some of the most stunning corners of England and Wales. From cosy coastal cottages, to relaxing rural retreats, all have been carefully selected and personally inspected by a team of experts, to ensure they all meet high standards.
Many holiday properties welcome pets, so you do not have to leave them behind with friends, relatives or at the kennels. Let your pet enjoy your holiday too!
For further information, please contact English Country Cottages direct.
Popularity: 1% [?]
November 4, 2009 at 11:36 am · Filed under Pet Friendly, Travel and tagged: accessories, dog, fitness, hiking, outdoors, rambling, Travel, walking, walking for health
Walking is one of life’s simple pleasures and is the most cheapest form of exercise there is. There are so many places you can go for a walk and many choices of terrain; whether it be a gentle stroll, a ten mile hike, or a day exploring the many miles of unspoilt countryside. There is something for every level, from beginner to experienced walker.
If you love to go walking then here are a few tips to bear in mind.
Wear proper walking boots or shoes. These are the most important items to consider. They should fit comfortably, have a flexible sole and toe room. (When buying new boots or shoes, be sure to wear your walking socks when trying them on so you get a good fit).
Wear appropriate clothing. When the weather is warm and the sun shining wear a hat and use sunscreen. When the weather is cold, wear layers so you can remove them as you get warmer (then put them back on after your walk or if you stop for a rest).
Walking poles to aid stability (also good exercise for the arms and upper body). Especially useful for natural trails and for deterring mad dogs, bulls or muggers.
Waist pack or back pack to carry essentials.
Pedometer to measure how far you have walked; you may be surprised.
Maps. Even if you know where you are going, take a map with you; you may suddenly decide on a detour but at least you will be able to give directions to anyone who stops to ask the way! Also, if you have an accident or an emergency situation you can refer to it when giving your location to the relevant emergency services.
Mobile, fully charged. Ensure you have ICE (in case of emergency) contact details programmed in. If you have an accident or situation, someone will be able to look up ICE in your contact details. It might be worth getting a cheap and cheerful pay as you go just for walks so that you do not get interrupted by calls and text messages from friends!
Water – if you are walking for more than 30 minutes then take water with you (unless there are places to get some along your route; have a drink about every 20 minutes. A portable water purifier will enable you to get drinking water from anywhere!
If walking alone, tell someone where you are going and what time you should be back. (Give them your mobile number if they do not already have it).
Whistle – for instance, to raise the alarm if you are injured, to let people know where you are.
Food – depending upon the length of your walk, and where you are going, take food with you such as energy bars and boiled sweets.
Other items to consider keeping in your back pack or waist bag is a compass, a pocket knife, first aid kit, money, tissues or wet wipes.
Even if you are not into photography, it may be worth taking a small digital camera – you never know what you might see that you feel the need to capture.
Take your dog!
Many people take their four legged friends on their walks and rambles; they are great walking companions, always ready for the off (unlike family and friends), so here are a few tips for them:
Portable water bowl and plenty of water. Dogs can even get dehydrated in the car, so do not skimp on water.
Extendable lead. Whilst your dog may be well behaved on and off lead, there may be times when you need to keep him under control and an extendable lead gives a little more freedom than a shortie.
If it is sunny, then doggie sunscreen (yes dogs can get sunburnt too!) and possibly a hat and doggles (dog sunglasses).
Dog tag – ensure your dog’s tag is up to date; it may be worthwhile getting a special one (like a tube with an insert) for walks just in case he wanders off or loses you. This could give additional contact numbers, such as a friend or relative’s phone number (well you are not at home are you?) and if you are on holiday, then the name of where you are staying and possibly your vehicle registration number (you may be out looking for your dog but if someone finds him and checks the ID, they may spot your car in the car park or contact your accommodation).
Poop bags – obvious, but dispose of properly.
Make sure your dog is fit; don’t suddenly embark on a 10k hike if his normal exercise is round the park! If in doubt, ask the vet to check him, or gradually increase the length of your walks. Have regular rest and water breaks.
If possible, choose walks where there is some shade and a stream or lake. Even if your dog does not swim, a little water is nice for a paddle to cool hot pads and for a drink.
If, during your walk, the dog starts to find shade or lie down at every available spot, then stop! Time to rest, give the dog some water and then commence your return to base once you are happy he is comfortable to do so – take it easy!
Do not walk your dog when it is too hot; start early in the morning or during the evening when the sun is less harsh.
If you are on holiday, then find the number of the local vet (an emergency number for the vet is better) and make a note of it or put it in your phone and on his dog tag (if he gets lost and is injured then some kind person may call the vet).
If your dog has his own back pack, it is worth considering getting him his own phone programmed with all relevant numbers. No, he won’t be able to call them himself, but if he is lost and someone finds him, then they will be able to use the phone and call the numbers in the phone. (Not everyone carries a mobile phone)
All ready – then happy walking!
For further details of the products mentioned, please visit Walking Pages.
Useful links: Ordnance Survey for maps and publications
English Country Cottages – Pet Friendly Accommodation in the UK
Antler Luggage – travel bags, back packs, accessories and clothing
Sherpa Expeditions – Walking and Cycling Holidays – Worldwide
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September 30, 2009 at 1:14 pm · Filed under Pet Friendly, Travel and tagged: flights, flying dog, pet friendly travel, Virgin Atlantic
Flying with your pet:
With a Pet Passport travelling with your dog has become much easier. Here are the latest of my discoveries with regard to flying with your pet.
Private Charter
Airpets Oceanic
Pet Air Charter Service between the UK and destinations in Northern Europe. You, your family, and your pets may travel together in the passenger cabin of our private plane, from anywhere in the UK to any airfield close to your final destination. UK and Europe.
Jetbooking Direct
One of the world’s leading professional companies for aircraft charter. Pets are welcome to travel with their owners. Worldwide Destinations.
Commercial Airlines
Some commercial airlines allow pets. Some will allow very small pets (in a crate or cage that fits under the seat) to travel with their owners but larger pets can only travel in the cargo hold. (Exceptions apply for assistance dogs subject to prior notification).
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic
Pets Welcome
Virgin currently operate a pet service to the following destinations:
Barbados Boston Chicago Dubai Hong Kong JFK Johannesburg London Los Angeles Miami Newark Orlando San Francisco Sydney Washington
Exceptions do apply so it is recommended that you check at time of booking. If you are planning on travelling with your pet, it is advisable to contact Virgin Atlantic before booking your own flight.
Virgin says: “All of our furry travellers are treated with extra special care; they travel in the cargo hold, which is heated and air-conditioned just like the cabin (please note that we cannot carry pets within the passenger cabin). Pets can also join the Flying Paws Club, where both the owner and pet can receive gifts; our way of saying thank you for choosing to fly with us.”
An approved pet shipping crate will be required in which your pet will stay during its voyage. Crates must be IATA airline approved.
Popularity: 5% [?]
September 23, 2009 at 12:02 pm · Filed under General Blog, Pet Friendly, Travel and tagged: flights, holidays, hotels, Pet Friendly, vacation
I am currently compiling articles on everything PET FRIENDLY – hotels, campsites, bed and breakfasts, travel, pubs and restaurants etc in the UK, USA and Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand – in fact world wide!
All the information and articles will appear in a brand new section dedicated to anything and everything Pet Friendly in the world of travel.
If you offer something pet friendly then please let me know so I can include appropriate information in my articles and link to your website.
Well, done! Marriott Hotels welcomes dogs!
Marriott International
With more than 3,100 hotels in 68 countries, Marriott has something for everyone. Want a hotel near the beach, right downtown, or far away from everything? Travel with comfort and enjoy excellent service, whether you travel for business or pleasure. Marriott has brands for every type of traveler, and prices to match. Marriott’s Look No Further Best Rate Guarantee is assurance that you will get the best rates when you book.
Popularity: 1% [?]
September 22, 2009 at 5:43 pm · Filed under Great Deals, Holiday in Britain, Pet Friendly, Travel and tagged: camping, caravans, dog-friendly, holiday, hotels
If you are anything like me, you hate to leave your dog in the kennels. OK, sometimes you have to because of little inconveniences like business trips, but generally I certainly try to take my dog with me wherever I go – even to the continent as he has a passport! A day without him is too much, let alone a week or even two! And remember, to him it is 7 times that (or did I read somewhere that the dog:human life ratio is now thought to be 1:9?). So that is a really long time to be away from you: 1 day = 1 week of his life. Thankfully, I can occasionally rely on friends and family, but not always.
I am therefore always on the lookout for all things dog-friendly. I makes notes on my travels, such as pubs that not only allow dogs, but also provide a water bowl! Shops that have a tie-up outside and parks with “dog-only” areas. The more places I find that are dog-friendly, the more likely I am to visit again accompanied of course by him. If my dog is welcome, then I will be a regular customer. If that is not the case, then I may never return!
During the summer in the UK there was considerable media promotion of the “staycation” – UK based holidays from camping and caravans to luxury country retreats and cosmopolitan city hotels. But what about pets? Where are the dog-friendly campsites and the dog-friendly hotels?
Surprisingly, or not, as the case may be, more establishments are accommodating pets in order to get their share of that particular market. I am not the only one who takes my dog wherever I can and if an hotel or B&B is not dog-friendly, then they will lose business.
A little book I discovered many years ago is: Pets Welcome! 
it covers dog-friendly farm holidays, Bed and Breakfasts, caravans and camping, dog-friendly pubs, and a golf guide – where to play and stay! With over 1,000 entries, it is great value for money at only GBP 6.99 with free UK delivery.
Pets Come Too! Guide to Quality-assessed Pet-friendly Hotels, B&Bs and Self-catering Accommodation in England (Official Tourist Board Guide) This is a VisitBritain guide; the official national guide to quality-assessed properties in England that welcome pets. At GBP 6.57 it is a snippet!
There is a very useful website for pet owners, called “Maps4Pets” and it not only covers the UK, but also Canada, the USA, and Europe. It features pet-friendly places for all budgets and tastes.
For instance, the 5 star Milestone Hotel, near Kensington Palace, provides a welcome hamper for your dog, custom-made bed, water bowl and “Do Not Disturb/Pet Sleeping” door notice. Grooming is available as well as bathrobes, leashes, litter boxes, and a taxi service. Treats, toys and menus for dogs and cats are also available and staff will even arrange birthday celebrations.
If you are travelling in the USA or Canada with your pet and are looking for dog-friendly accommodation and places to stay and visit, then this publication will help.
Popularity: 1% [?]
