Welcome to The Labrador Club
Going on Holiday
It is not always possible to take your Labrador with you if you are going on holiday but if he is able to go, a check list may be useful.
- Identification – he may not wear any at home, but on holiday things can be at sixes and sevens, gates are left open, fencing may not be as secure. Make sure that the identity disc has the correct contact details, and your dog is microchipped.
- Lead, collar, feeding bowl, sleeping blanket or bed, food.
- Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and you have his record card signed by the vet.
- Check if Ovis treatment is required. If you are planning to walk your dog on a farmer’s property, it is likely you will need to carry some form of proof. A form from your vet should suffice.
- First aid kit.
If your dog is not able to go with you, suitable arrangements must be made so that he is well cared for while you are on holiday.
- Kennels – Good kennels are fully booked early for prime time such as Christmas, Easter and school holidays, so book early. Check the kennels out first before your dog is left there.
Are they clean?
What do they feed?
Are the dogs safely and adequately exercised?
How fussy are they about details about you? Do they want a contact number for you, and do they check that your dog’s vaccination is up to date (if they aren’t fussed about yours, you may find that they aren’t worried about other boarders either.)
Word of mouth – speak to someone else who has used the kennels – your local veterinary clinic is sure to have some feedback. - If he is being looked after by a friend, treat the check list as if he was going on holiday with you. Make sure they have your contact number.
- Home alone – but being checked, fed, and walked by a caregiver. This is definitely not the ideal as he will be very, very lonely but in an emergency, this may be your only option. Make absolutely sure that:
- Instructions are clear and there is no doubt about the regularity of visits or feeding.
- Leave your contact number, the number of your vet and clear instructions about diet, or anything unusual that your minder might need to know.
- Re-check the security of your fences – a lonely, bored dog may find the weak spots – keep an identity disc on his collar.
