This year, it’s decided: the holidays will be with the WHOLE family, including your adorable four-legged friend. Pet owners are often faced with the same problem when it comes to holidays: finding somewhere that will accept their beloved bundle of fur. Fortunately, the situation is starting to ease with more and more campsites accepting pets. But a holiday with your dog does require some preparation. Here are a few tips to ensure that your campsite stay with your dog goes according to plan!
1. Before you leave: the choice of accommodation
First of all, you have to decide what type of accommodation you want: an adventure in a tent, relaxing in the comfort of a mobile home, or opting for a campervan that offers the best of both worlds. Since each one has its own specific advantages and constraints, we want to help you see more clearly:
- Tent: this type of accommodation is the most authentic and promises you some wonderful moments with your furry friend. But it is also the one that has the most constraints! Space is limited and you will have to share it with your pet, especially in the event of bad weather. This can be as much a pleasure as it is a chore.
Weather is also an important factor to take into account: the sound of the rain or the wind frightens some dogs, and they may find it disturbing having to sleep outside when they're used to the warmth of sleeping indoors with their owners.
Also, for obvious safety reasons, your dog cannot be left alone on your pitch. If this doesn't worry you because your dog is so well-behaved and knows how to adapt to all types of situations, then why not pitch your tent?
- Mobile home: this is the type of accommodation most like your home, so your dog should find it easier to get used to it. Just like at home, it will have its own space and you will have yours, and it will have shelter in the event of rain and/or cold weather. Also, ensuring that meals and walks are at the same time will make it easier for your pet to adapt.
- Campervan: a compromise between a tent and a mobile home, campervans offer perfect conditions for a campsite stay with your dog, namely an outdoor space where it can stretch its legs and a sheltered place to sleep that is big enough for everyone.
Please note: rules concerning pets may vary from one campsite to another. Feel free to ask for information before you leave home via the Internet or at the reception once you’ve arrived to be sure of the best possible family stay with your four-legged friend!
2. Before you leave: think about logistics and remember to bring up-to-date documents
Life at a campsite with a dog is not much different from everyday life, but there are a few things you need to consider. We've prepared a short checklist of things not to forget before you leave home:
- European passport and vaccination booklet: most campsites require that your pet's vaccination booklet is up-to-date, especially the rabies vaccination. If you're travelling abroad, you may be required to have a European passport.
- A first-aid kit: in case of minor injuries, it may be useful to have a first aid kit at hand before having to pay a visit to the vet.
- Food: if you're staying in a tent, opt for an airtight container that will protect against damp conditions and ants(!)
- Accessories: food bowl, toys, leash and even the kennel, don't forget the essentials!
3. Before you leave: prepare your dog for a change of environment
A holiday at a campsite with a dog should be prepared in advance to ensure that your furry friend enjoys the best possible experience. If you're sleeping in a tent and have room, place it in your living room! It may sound a little crazy but it will help your dog get used to its new environment. Once it has adjusted, the next step is spending an entire night outdoors, either in your own garden or in a friend's garden.
Also, remember to bring its favourite toy or its cuddly toy, which will provide comfort and reassurance in this new environment. Dogs, like children, are very sensitive to smells!
4. During your stay: plan activities, observe... and enjoy!
You've arrived: the tent or campervan has been set up, or maybe you've taken occupation of your mobile home. At last it's holiday time for you, your family and your dog! Although you may have planned some activities with your dog in advance, such as hiking, running or canoeing, be sure to make the most of the facilities at your Sandaya campsite either with or without your four-legged friend. In short: be guided by your wishes!
And last, but certainly not least: be sure to have fun! Camping with your dog is a great experience that will help you develop an ever deeper bond with your bundle of fur. And thanks to all these tips, we're certain that you'll want to go camping with your dog again very soon!
Top destination Sandaya
If you choose Sandaya campsites for your holiday with your pet, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the destination and the type of accommodation! Most of our campsites accept pets at an additional cost, whether you are in a tent, a campervan or a mobile home (with some exceptions). With Fido, you can head for the seaside, the mountains or the countryside: everything is possible!
One of our favourite campsites, and one of our holidaymakers' favourites, is the Péneyrals campsite, a paradise for your canine companions and nature lovers in the heart of the Dordogne. Dogs and owners alike will find everything they need for their satisfaction: a water park, children's clubs, a multisports ground and entertainment for you; dog showers, a pet-sitting service, and a very dog friendly environment for your dog. What more could you ask for?
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