Dogs Trust have a selection of dog friendly holiday homes perfect for Ballymena dog owners planning a holiday or staycation this summer. If you are a dog owner going on holiday isn’t an easy option unless you are happy to play for your dogs to be kept in a kennel or cared for by a friend or family member.

Dog Friendly holiday homes - The Dogs Trust

Dog Friendly holiday homes – The Dogs Trust

If you are reluctant to leave your pets behind in Ballymena, or it wouldn’t feel like a holiday without them, then it might be worth investigating some getaways where you can take your dog along.

The Dogs Trust have over 250 holiday homes in Ireland which you can have a look at. Since they are all located in Ireland you can get you pets and all their treats, toys and stuff packed into the car and take a road trip to your holiday destination. Dog friendly holiday homes are also available in England, Scotland and Wales on the Dogs Trust Website.

We especially love the look of this detached house in Dingle, and the old stone Granary in Co. Cavan.

To find out more about dog friendly holiday homes in Ireland and further afield click here to visit the Dogs Trust website.

The Dogs Trust’s also give offer some tips for anyone planning to travel with their dog this summer:

  • Make sure your dog is secure and comfortable on a journey for their own safety and so they cannot distract you – they should be fitted with a correctly sized harness or within a travelling crate or container
  • Never leave your dog alone in the car – even if it seems cool outside it can become very hot very quickly. Parking in the shade and / or keeping the windows down does not make it safe!
  • Make sure you keep your dog as cool as possible when driving: avoid travelling during the heat of the day, use sun blinds on the windows and consider opening a window a little to allow a cooling breeze to circulate in the vehicle
  • Make sure you have a supply of water and know where you can stop off on route for water breaks. Dogs are not able to cool down as effectively as humans so could suffer from heat stroke and dehydration very quickly
  • Allow your dog to become familiar with car journeys by ensuring they have positive experiences over a number of short trips before embarking on a long journey
  • Plan your journey time and route carefully as you’ll need to stop at regular intervals to exercise your dog
  • Consider your pup with regards to your destination. Busy environments, such as bustling city centres or loud carnivals and public events are not always suitable for dogs as they can get distressed
  • Feed your dog no sooner than two hours before a long journey to ensure he does not have a full stomach when travelling
  • Take a supply of your dog’s usual food in the event that you get stuck in traffic or breakdown
  • Keep the dog’s harness and lead close to hand in case you need to get out of the vehicle
  • Dogs Trust advises that owners shouldn’t allow their dog to hang their head out of the window whilst they are moving as this could be potentially dangerous for the dog, and distracting for the owner.

With this great advice from the Dogs Trust and pet friendly holiday homes just a click away there is nothing to stop you from taking your dog from Ballymena on holiday this summer.