Taking some time out to relax and unwind on a holiday is something that we all love to do from time to time. For most pet lovers, the moment is heartbreaking when they are leaving to go on holiday and their pet looks at them longingly. The guilt of having to leave a member of the family in someone else’s care while you are enjoying on a faraway beach can just get too much sometimes.

What then can be the solution to avoid this kind of a situation? Travelling with pets is possible and is a lot easier to arrange than you might think. Dedicated pet travel companies, airlines and holiday accommodation the world over, make special arrangements for people travelling with their pets so that no family member needs to be left behind.

There are two top tips to assist you in your plans for travelling with pets;

Contact your pet travel agent: As soon as you decide that you going to travel with your pet, contact your pet travel agent who can give you advise about pet-friendly holiday destinations. They are also the experts in booking the best and most direct flights for pets. They may suggest a visit to the vet to ensure that your pet is healthy enough to travel and that all vaccinations are up to date.

Prepare a checklist: RSPCA Australia and Assistance Dogs Australia recommend preparing yourself and your pet for travel with the help of a checklist. Important items to include in your checklist are;

• Ensure holiday properties are securely fenced and pet-friendly before booking

• Include your mobile phone number and holiday destination address on all collars and ID tags.

• Take along harnesses, leads, their usual shampoo and brush (for cleaning up coats after a fun day at the beach)

• Write up a list of emergency numbers including the local vet and specialist for poison control in case your pet has health concerns during your holiday

• Take a pet first aid kit and all their required medications

• Try to keep your pets food as consistent as possible. If permitted take their favourite food, treats and bowls with you

• Pack a favourite toy

• Include your pets bedding and some absorbent mats too (just in case outside access is limited)

• A current photo of your pet just in case you happen to get separated whilst on holiday.

• Find out where the local pet-friendly parks, beaches, cafes/restaurants are.