For many puppy owners, this summer will be the first time they take their dog away with them, and careful planning is required to make sure their pet has the best staycation possible.
With this in mind, pet care specialist Kevin Thackrah, from Petpals, shares his ultimate pet checklist for every dog owner booking a seasonal trip.
From food essentials to water bowls, towels and medical details, Kevin covers it all - plus the simple things you may easily forget.
Kevin told The Mirror : "With the right preparation, a holiday is a perfect time to hang out with your pooch stress-free, so enjoy it."
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Food glorious food
Make sure you bring enough of your pet's own food for the stay, and some backup meals too.
You never know if your brand of choice won't be available, or even if you will get delayed by traffic on the way home.
Changing your pet's diet suddenly can cause problems, so it's always best to bring the food you know they enjoy.
Being somewhere new can be very exciting for your dog, so a chew while you eat breakfast, lunch or dinner can make all the difference too.
Remember to pack their water bowls - a portable one is especially a good idea.
Poop bags are necessary
Because some things even sand shouldn't cover!
While you're away, it's still important to pick up your dog's waste and dispose of it properly in a bin.
A stylish poo holder is also a handy idea, in case you're walking somewhere that doesn't have a bin nearby.
Towels are a lifesaver
It doesn't matter where you go, somehow your dog will always get wet or messy.
Having a towel by the front door of where you're staying can be incredibly handy, as it means you'll never have to do a bunch of cleaning once you've realised your dog has made a mess.
Towels will also protect furniture and the seats in rental cars if you are using one.
Sort out medical details
Having these at hand for emergencies is essential. An email copy of pet insurance documents is important to ensure you are best prepared for any holiday mishaps.
It's also a good idea to go to your local vet and make sure your dog's microchip is still working ahead of the trip.
A pet first aid kit is a fantastic resource to take with you, and while you hope that it'll never need to be used, it's sensible to have a fully stocked one on you.
Remember to take note of your nearest vet before your set off and find out if they offer a 24-hour service in case of an emergency too.
Keep your pets cool
Overexposing your pets to the sun can cause serious issues such as dehydration and heatstroke.
Some dogs are more vulnerable to heat than others, including those with thick coats or flat-faced breeds. If your pet is obese or elderly, they are also vulnerable to suffering from heat exhaustion.
In this case, a paddling pool or umbrella could come in handy.
Try to keep your pets in a cool shady place on those sunny summer days and ensure your pets always have access to plenty of water.
Other essentials
As well as your pet's usual lead and collar, with the required identification, you should also consider a harness if you're planning on going for long walkies.
If your doggy has a beloved toy or a ball that will help keep them entertained, bring it on the trip with you. It'll end up becoming your new best friend while you're on holiday.
And don't forget the bedding - you'll definitely want your dog to sleep comfortably after a lovely day out. Otherwise, you may not.
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