Brighton named among top dog-friendly staycation spots for 2021

Happy and smiling Leonberger dog on a campsite

It's a well-known fact that we Brits love our pets, and we like to involve them in everything - including our holidays and, of course, weddings. In fact, 85 per cent of dog owners would rather staycation than go abroad without their beloved pooch. The study, conducted by www.tails.com ranked 28 of the most popular UK holiday hotspots based on the number of dog-friendly activities available. Brighton landed in third place with 542 activities fit for your four-legged friend.

Dog sitting in the boot with all of the holiday packing ready to go

The top 10 dog-friendly staycation spots: 

  1. Edinburgh - 656 dog-friendly activities 
  2. Bournemouth - 571 
  3. Brighton - 542 
  4. Southend-on-Sea - 506
  5. Anglesey - 504 
  6. Newquay - 494 
  7. Bath - 488
  8. Bognor Regis - 468
  9. Cheltenham - 444 
  10. Oxford - 408 
Rest your Paws
Forget the stress of the airport and look closer to home for a place to put your paws up and chill out. Tails.com found that Brighton, Bognor Regis, Bournemouth and Edinburgh have the most dog friendly accommodation, with a combined total of 1,224 dog friendly listings on Air

Daschund sunbathing

Pet-Safe Staycations

There is never a good time for your pup to get poorly, but it can happen at any time, even on holiday. Holidays should be a fun-filled time for all of the family, so www.tails.com asked head vet Sean Mccormack to share his top tips when taking your dog on holiday with you.

Sean says, “Any dog-parent will tell you that a holiday with your pooch is simply unbeatable. And with the scrappage of the EU Pet Passport, it’s likely that more and more dog owners will be choosing dog-friendly holidays in the UK.

“When you’ve got four more legs coming along on the trip, there are a few extra essentials to keep in mind when planning your staycation. So I’ve put together some of my favourite holiday hacks to make your dog-friendly break as enjoyable and safe as possile.

Little white dog sitting in a suitcase ready to go on his holidays

Getting there…

  • Take a long walk before you set off – perfect for a last-minute toilet break and to tire them out for the journey ahead.
  • Seatbelt /pet car seat - The Highway Code requires dogs to be suitably restrained for both your safety and theirs. The simplest way to do this is a dog seatbelt or a pet car seat which will offer protection should you have to brake suddenly.
  • Along the way - Plan your rest stops along the way. Many motorway service stations will have a grassy area for you both to stretch your legs.
What to Pack…
  • Food: Remember to pack a plentiful supply of your dog’s favourite food. Dry kibble dog food is perfect if you’re camping or staying somewhere without a fridge.
  • Treats and Toys: Don’t forget to take plenty of their favourite treats and toys, especially if you’re planning on visiting a dog friendly pub and need to keep them entertained. For a beach holiday, check to see if your toys float!

Wet golden retriever carrying a stick and enjoying himself on the beach

  • Portable water bottle and bowl: Keep a bottle of fresh water in your bag and a portable bowl, just in case.
  • Towels, blankets and bedding: Pack plenty of fluffy towels (for sandy or wet fur), comfortable blankets (to make them feel safe and warm), and take their bed so they feel at home.
  • Tether spiral and long lead: Perfect for keeping your dog safe if you are camping or visiting the beach.
  • Poo bags: Keep them attached to the lead so you have them with you, wherever you go.
  • Raincoat and cooling jacket: British summers can be incredibly warm, but they can also be incredibly wet, too. Pack for all eventualities with a raincoat and cooling jacket to keep your pooch comfortable whatever the weather.
Safety First…
  • Number for a local vet: Make a note of the contact details for a local vet, just in case you need them whilst your away from home.  
  • Pet first aid kit: Many of the items in a human first aid kit cross over with a pet first aid kit. Sensitive sun cream and tweezers are also great ID Tags: Many dog friendly Airbnb’s now include temporary ID tags to attach to your dog’s collar when you’re away, in case they get lost. If not, it could be worth including your mobile phone number on your usual tag, so you can be contacted straight away.

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