If you’re on the banned list, you’re not coming in

We’re looking at going camping this summer for our family holiday in Europe, either in France or Germany and have started the process of getting our Staffie a pet passport. A friend has says she thinks Staffordshire Bull Terriers might be a banned breed in Germany. Is this true, and if so, where can in the EU can we take our soppy dog, who is very well socialised, camping with us?!

Karen Parks, by email

Cabin fever

When I was delayed for nine hours (!) at a Tenerife airport after a summer holiday, I saw a lady boarding a plane bound for Madrid holding a carry case containing her dog. It was toy breed-sized, but I’m not sure of the actual breed. I’ve never seen a dog in the cabin on a flight in the UK. Are the rules preventing this? This lady was going from Spain to Spain, so perhaps Spanish internal flights have different rules. I’d be interested to know.
Thanks,

Kate Conway, by email

On the road

Hi there,
My wife and I and our two JRTs are looking for a bit of a different summer break this year. We want to travel around the south coast and do a bit of exploring, particularly of the Jurassic Coast. Do you know of any caravan hire companies that will allow us to travel with two dogs?

Thank you.

Regards,

John Fraser, by email

Getaway with a difference

I’ve been thinking about booking my holiday for this year and want something a bit different. I rarely go away without my dog, but fancy something a bit more than just hiring a cottage by the sea for a week, which is what I usually do.

Are there any activity getaways me and my boy could book on to? We love long walks and also do agility, but I’m open to any ideas. I'd be happy to join a group of like-minded dog owners. Have your readers been on any they can recommend?

Thanks.

Julie South, by email



Lauren Langman, Devon Dogs, advises...

Hi Julie,

I think your holiday plans sound fantastic, what a great suggestion and how lucky is your dog? You really are the perfect dog owner.

Have you ever thought of a training camp or weeks training break? For example you could look at Dash2Devon. It is a week of agility, flyball, life skills, obedience, heelwork to music and so much more where you can select your chosen training sessions along with like-minded folk. From the fun you will have whilst training, to the BBQ, bring and share dinners and the additional club quiz you couldn’t ask for a friendlier week. You would be able to enjoy the training sessions booked, visit local attractions and countryside, meet new friends and also leave with ideas to take your training to the next level.

Another option would be to visit a cottage with good access to agility or dog sports either on site or close by. Devon Dogs have a fun filled innovative and lively agility, life skills and flyball timetable alongside Bowerland Holiday Cottages set in the heart of Devon. Their cottages are warm and dog friendly (allowing multiple dogs) with great access allowing you to stroll up on to the moor and get to the beach easily whilst also being able to have a mixture of dog sports, 1-2-1 lessons, groups whilst on your holiday.

These sorts of camps, cottage holidays and activity breaks are vibrant, fun and different. They are definitely increasing in popularity and I really think they sound like they could be just what you have been searching for.

My family includes dogs, where can I holiday in the UK?

Hello,

I own two dogs and would love to be able to take holidays in this country, however, every year I look around and can't seem to find anywhere that will take two medium large, or even more dogs, as I usually I go away with my Mum as well, who also has one dog.

I check caravans, cottages, hotels, all forms of holiday home and either have to just take two of the three dogs or I've even claimed to be camping next to the caravan to claim two dogs per pitch then slipped the dogs in when no one is looking! It has become so frustrating that I am seriously considering setting up my own no limit dog park! I have a lot of friends who have more then two dogs and most resign themselves to just never going away with them!

So I wonder if anyone is aware of the elusive holiday where more then two larger then Yorkshire Terrier size dogs are allowed?

Thank you

Jennifer Meers, by email

Searching for a dog-friendly holiday in the Lakes

A friend of mine has just rehomed a four-month-old Jack Russell and is thinking of going to the Lake District for a walking holiday, just the two of them.

Does anyone know of any reputable companies that organise this kind of holiday, she doesn't want to be walking on her own but would like to be with other dog walkers.

Thanks,

Carol, West Sussex

Caravanning with collies

Can anyone recommend any truly dog-friendly caravan sites? We have a touring caravan because we always take our dogs on holiday with us, and are looking for sites that have dog walking facilities on site, or immediately adjacent, that enable our dogs to run off-lead. We have three Border Collies who need some free-running time before we set off for a day's exploring. We would prefer electric hook-up and ideally an adult only site, although we do take most of our holidays out of school holiday time so it wouldn't be a major issue.
Susan Webb, by email

My earliest memories are from under canvas, camping with my parents and, at that time, our Border Collie cross Pedro. Over the years, we gathered more Border Collies until we were taking six away camping with us, so I know exactly what you are seeking.
As a camper, I have long been a member of the Camping and Caravanning Club whose site book gives detailed information such as the availability of dog walks on and near a site. There is also the website, and contact information is usually listed so that you could always ask before booking. There is also the Caravan Club which I would imagine provides similar information.
Alison Logan, vet