Tourism campaign to stimulate your dog

VISIT Victoria is putting your next short-break in the paws of your dog with the world’s first tourism campaign optimised for dogs. The campaign, developed by Clemenger BBDO, highlights how dogs love the quality experiences of regional Victoria as much as much as their pet owners and non-pet owners alike. It is the first digital tourism campaign optimised to stimulate dogs’ sight and sound, featuring content curated by local pet-fluencers @MyAussieTribe, @Tomandcaptain, @ChandlerThePug and @HuckAndCo.

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Time off with your furry friend

IT comes as no surprise that the "workaholic" mindset of many Americans can affect people's willingness to take vacation days for traveling. However, work isn't the only culprit hindering American's travel. A study by Project: Time Off found the three top reasons why people don't use their vacation days to travel are cost, children and pets.

Despite citing pets as a barrier to travel, 60 percent of pet owners surveyed said they would like to break the working routine and explore. Pets can enhance the lives of their owners and this should apply to travel as well, so Mars Petcare is providing a host of resources to help cities become more pet-friendly. For example, the Better Cities For Pets program aims to make it easier to explore new places with your pet in tow.

"Traveling can be stressful for people and pets," said Jessa Paschke, behavior and training specialist at Mars Petcare. "Following simple and proactive travel tips can do wonders for your dog's behavior, happiness and health."

Consider these four tips to make traveling with your pet easier and learn more about how to join the movement to make cities more pet-friendly at bettercitiesforpets.com.

1. Plan your pet into the itinerary – Planning before a trip is key to keeping yourself and all travel companions (including furry ones) organized and ready. Prepare for an upcoming trip with a detailed packing list and map out dog-friendly locations on your itinerary to help keep your pup's needs top of mind.

2. Consider a road trip – Airports and airlines are two of the top challenges that pet-owners cite when it comes to traveling with pets, so, if possible, think about driving to your destination. Taking stops along the way to see the sights and give your pal a break to stretch his or her legs can go a long way toward health and happiness.

3. Seek out pet-friendly accommodations – Research pet-friendly hotels so your furry friend can stay with you. Certain pet-friendly locations will likely already have dog or cat amenities, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared and bring along items from home to help your pet cozy up. Bringing along his or her bed or a blanket is one way to make every place feel like home.

4. Don't forget treats – Packing your pet's favorite things on a trip can help keep him or her calm and comfortable. Besides a favorite toy, bringing along dog treats.

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Australia tops for dog friendly beaches

BEACHES in Brisbane, Perth and Floreat all top the recommendations; Melbourne has the most dog-friendly cafes and South Bank in Brisbane is the number one place to walk a four legged friend in #Australia, according to a list of the 100 most pet-friendly places in the world, recommended by more than ten thousand members of TrustedHousesitters.com. 

From over 54,000 locations that were recommended worldwide, 20 Aussie places made the top 100 list, pipped at the post by the UK with 30, followed by the USA with 26. Australia took the top spot for the world’s most pet-friendly beaches, while the UK had the most pet friendly tourist attractions.

1.   South Bank, Brisbane (world #7) 

2.   North Stradbroke Island, Moreton Bay, Queensland (world #12) 

3.   Hahndorf German Settlement, Adelaide Hills (world #21) 

4.   Safety Bay, Perth, Western Australia (world #26) 

5.   Big Banana, New South Wales (world #29) 

6.   Watiparinga Reserve, Adelaide, South Australia (world #36) 

7.   Ballarat Botanical Gardens Reserve, Victoria (world #38) 

8.   Gold Coast, Broadwater, Queensland (world #39) 

9.   Floreat/Peasholm Dog Beach, Floreat, Western Australia (world #42) 

10. Lights In The Attic café, Hawthorn, Melbourne (world #44)
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Paws for a Break

FOLLOWING a leap in demand for pet-friendly travel, leading Scottish holiday home provider, EmbraceScotland, launched a “Paws for a Break Pet-Friendly Award” in autumn 2016 to celebrate those properties that go above and beyond to cater for man’s best friend.

Crowned the winner, for putting Fido first, is Mains of Taymouth, which offers a selection of dog-friendly, luxury self-catering holiday cottages, houses, villas and apartments in Kenmore, Highland Perthshire. 

 Runners-up include Mansefield House in the picturesque Scottish village of Arrochar; The Steadings, on the doorstep of the famous Angus Glens in Perthshire; Perkhill Holiday Cottages in the Grampian & Moray region, Cologin near beautiful Oban and Ardtornish Estate in the Highlands & Skye.

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Dandie Dogs on Parade

OVER one hundred and fifty Dandie Dinmont Terrier owner and enthusiasts from across fourteen countries including USA, Canada, Scandinavia and Europearegearing up to visit the Scottish Borders in honour of the 175th birthday of the breed’s founding father ‘Old Ginger’, born at The Haining in Selkirk on 4 June 1842.

The anniversary celebrations, which form part of Scotland’s 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, will take place across three days (2 – 4 June) enabling both locals and visitors to step back in time and explore the ancestry of the breed named after a character from Sir Walter Scott's novel ‘Guy Mannering’.

Activities across the weekend include a ‘Barking Plaid’ Tartan Fashion Show at Dryburgh Abbey Hotel which will see items exclusively styled in the historic Walter Scott black and white tartan fabric for both dogs and owners (Friday 2 June) and a ‘Meet the Dandies’ public event at Bowhill House and Country Estate (Saturday 3 June).

A street parade of Dandie Dinmont Terriers through Selkirk will kick-off the birthday party proceedings (Sunday 4 June) followed by the opening of the Dandie Dinmont Discovery Centre, the Dandie Dinmont Derby and the unveiling of the ‘Old Ginger’ bronze statue by the Queen's sculptor for Scotland, Alexander Stoddart, all due to take place at The Haining - recognised as being the home of the Dandie Dinmont terrier.

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Teach your dog new tricks

#DOG-FRIENDLY Cotswolds inn, the Old Swan & Minster Mill in Minster-Lovell, is running canine etiquette classes this summer. 

The training and behaviour lessons are organised by the hotel's partners, Cotswolds Pet Services, and take place in a wildflower field behind the property.

Lessons include obedience training, puppy to adult training, gundog training, dog behaviour, and water training. The lessons start with an initial assessment, followed by dog environment training, dietary advice, and tips for guests to take away. Lessons start from £15 per dog for an hour-long class.

Upcoming classes:

23 July, 3pm

20 August, 3pm

24 September, 3pm

19 November, 2pm

http://oldswanandminstermill.com

 

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£387 million spent on pet-perfect holidays

BRITISH holidaymakers spend £387 million extra on their holidays each year in order to take their pet dogs away with them, according to research by #Pets at Home and holidaycottages.co.uk. 

The survey found that:

• 89 percent of pet owners take their pets – mostly dogs – away with them.
• Almost a fifth spend at least £75 extra on top of the usual accommodation and entertaining costs for their pets. 
• Five percent spend £101-£250 extra and 1 percent spend up to £500 to ensure their pets gets the perfect break. 
• 14 percent said they would rather take their pet instead of a partner on holiday 
• Of the 1,200 people surveyed, 30 percent said they had missed a holiday in order to avoid leaving their pet behind. 

Pet owners are keen to scope out the destination and prepare for any eventuality. 86 percent take time to research pet-friendly things to do, and almost 40 percent will buy new travel accessories or equipment before a holiday, spending on average £11-£20 each time.

Pets at Home is working in partnership with holiday letting agent holidaycottages.co.uk to make life simpler for those looking to take their pet away on holiday. The partnership sees benefits for Pets at Home’s VIP club members when booking through www.petsathome.com/dogsgofree.

To book a dog-friendly holiday through a VIP membership visit www.petsathome.com/dogsgofree

For more information on holidaycottages.co.uk, go to www.holidaycottages.co.uk


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Get those hound-pounds!

WITH almost a third of holidaymakers basing their entire holiday around how suitable the destination is for their pet – and 72% of dog owners saying they would take more holidays in the UK if there was a better attitude towards dogs – VisitScotland is urging businesses to expand their #pet-friendly potential. 

A report by the national tourism organization highlights ways businesses can improve their animal instincts, potentially providing a multi-million pound boost to Scotland’s visitor economy. Research found that holidays with pets had an average spend of an extra £126 compared to holidays without them, while more than two thirds consider their dogs as family members when booking holidays.

The pet market has continued to grow in recent years and is now worth more than £4 billion. With an estimated 12 million households in Britain owning a pet, including 8.5 million dogs, the economic benefits of expanding pet offerings to domestic visitors could be hugely significant, says VisitScotland.

Analysis of searches on visitscotland.com found that there was 95% more interest in pet-related searches compared to searches for romantic holidays.

The release of the trends paper follows the launch of VisitScotland’s search for an ‘Ambassadog’ to set their ‘paw of approval’ on journeys across Scotland. It looking for a four-legged friend to follow in his or her owner’s footsteps, taking in everything Scotland has to offer – all to be documented on social media.

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: ‘#Scotland is the perfect destination for pet owners, with our spacious parks and award-winning beaches providing an excellent environment for furry friends. Pet tourism has the possibility to be worth millions to Scotland’s visitor economy and this latest paper offers some great tips for businesses on how to become more pet friendly, unlocking the potential of this lucrative market.’

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A dog’s life … in the back of the car

PET behaviour counsellor Kris Glover and comfort-insurance.co.uk offer families advice on taking their dogs with them on a holiday in the country

A CLASSIC sign of anxiety from dogs is dribbling in the vehicle. Being in a car for a long time is not comfortable or natural for dogs, so it’s important to acclimatize them to their new surroundings.

To lower anxiety, put your pet in the vehicle next to you while feeding treats and leaving the door open. The dog shouldn’t feel trapped and having them on the lead will help maintain control. Repeat these sessions, but ensure they are short and frequent. Providing familiar bedding and favourite toys will help settle your dog.

Once the dog is relaxed, the vehicle’s door should be shut. Again, feed treats before letting your pet out. If you’re satisfied your dog is comfortable, feed meals within the car but observe from outside so they get used to being inside alone.

The last stage should be turning the vehicle’s engine on and allowing it to run while your pet is inside eating. A lot of practice and time is needed to help your pet learn to tolerate the vehicle. When this has been achieved, it’s then time to drive a short distance (around 100 yards) with your pet inside with treats, food and its familiar toys alongside. Once happy with this, plan a trip with your pet to a destination that would be good for them. Arriving at a fun holiday destination or park will help your pet associate vehicle journeys with positive destinations, rather than ending up at the vets.

For the journey …

It is essential the dog has an opportunity to go to the toilet prior to a long journey.

Dogs like comfort. So moving their bed from the house into the vehicle will allow them to feel as comfy as possible, and therefore as relaxed as possible.

A dog is much more likely to settle if they are prevented from seeing exciting things outside (e.g. a dog walking past), so try to place the dog’s bed in a location where he or she can’t see out of the windows. There will be some dogs who are more settled if they can see outside, so if your dog ticks that box, position their bed so they can see through the window.

Give them something to do. A food toy or a long lasting chew will give them a focus during the journey.

Make sure the dog has access to water (anti-spill water bowls are ideal for vehicle travel) if the inside temperature of the motorhome or vehicle is overly warm. Make sure the dog has an opportunity every two to three hours for a leg stretch and toilet break.

If holidaying abroad, consider whether the vehicle insurance includes the relevant cover. Motorhome insurance from Comfort Insurance includes up to £2,500 cover for pets.

www.comfort-insurance.co.uk

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Flying with four-legged friends

WITH many holidaymakers looking to take their pet abroad this summer, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) has created a guide highlighting the different regulations across major airlines for travelling with man’s best four-legged friend.

The research compares the different #dog breeds accepted on flights, the cost of flying abroad with a dog as well as the pet weight and crate stipulations across 20 major #airlines including Air Canada, Alitalia, Japan Airlines, and Singapore Airlines.

Not all dog breeds are allowed to fly in a commercial aircraft, with six of the 20 airlines researched – including Air France, American Airlines, and Cathay Pacific – prohibiting flying with snub-nosed dogs (such as Pugs and Bulldogs) onboard any passenger flight. But customers travelling with Qantas are allowed to take snub-nosed dogs on flights of under five hours long. 

Aer Lingus, Delta, and Lufthansa ban dogs listed on the UK’s 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act; this includes the Pit Bull Terrier. Iberia allows dangerous dogs on commercial flights as long as they are muzzled for the duration of the flight.

The cost of transporting animals was also found to differ greatly between airlines with costs dependent on the crate size and final destination. Passengers flying with their pet with British Airways will be charged £89 for checking their pet into the hold, while Swiss Air charges £272 per animal each way.

Out of the 20 airlines surveyed, only Virgin Atlantic offers a dedicated Flying Paws Scheme, allowing passengers to collect Flying Club Miles on behalf of their dog.

www.aph.com/community/holidays/taking-your-pet-on-holiday-abroad

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