Burns Pet Food, in collaboration with Surrey-based Wotton House Hotel, recently hosted a Pup's First Weekend Away Masterclass, offering top tips for those traveling with pets this summer.
With 36% of households in the UK now owning a dog and more than nine in ten dog owners planning getaways with their beloved pets, knowing the ins and outs of safe and enjoyable travel with dogs has never been more crucial.
A remarkable 83% of respondents to recent research conducted by Wotton House found that dog owners put their furry friends' needs ahead of their own when it comes to holiday planning.
The webinar featured a lineup of speakers who shared their expertise and tips on how to travel with their furry companions. Renowned travel writer and journalist, Lottie Gross, led the session, drawing from her latest book, Dog Days Out, to provide inspiration and practical advice for dog-friendly travel adventures.
Emma Lee, Nutritional Advisor for Burns Pet Food, emphasized the importance of maintaining optimal health for canine companions while on the go, and Edward Adshead, General Manager at Wotton House, highlighted the hotel’s commitment to welcoming dogs and offered insider tips on how guests can make the most of staying in a hotel with a pet.
To help dog owners navigate the world of pet-friendly travel, here are five essential tips shared during the masterclass:
- Pack Extra Food: Avoid changing your dog's diet while traveling by packing extra food that your furry friend is accustomed to eating.
- Dealing with Nervous Travellers: Help alleviate any potential tummy troubles during car rides by considering withholding food a few hours before the journey or providing calming treats like ginger biscuits.
- Travel Safety: Ensure safe travels by using a harness that attaches to a seatbelt or a crash-proof crate, rather than relying solely on a seatbelt for your dog's safety.
- Keep Your Dog on a Lead: When exploring unfamiliar locations, keep your dog on a lead to prevent them from getting overwhelmed and ensure their safety. Consider using a long-line lead for added freedom.
- Know Your Surroundings: Before your trip, familiarise yourself with the hotel's dog policies and research nearby emergency vet services for peace of mind.
Wotton House, known for its dog-friendly amenities and extensive Grade II listed gardens spanning over 13 acres, offers a premium Pooch Package for guests traveling with their furry companions.
Understanding that 68% of dog owners order their dogs something to eat at cafes and restaurants while on holiday, Wotton House goes above and beyond to cater to dogs, so much so that they offer a Dog à la carte menu.
The Pooch Package is available from £170 – for further information, visit https://wottonhouse.co.uk/pooch-package/.
About Wotton House
Wotton House is operated by RBH, one of the UK’s leading hospitality management companies.
A unique blend of British history and contemporary class, Wotton House is nestled in the Surrey Hills, away from the busyness of modern life among 13 acres of Grade II listed gardens. This eccentric 16th-century country estate is a desirable place filled with beauty, mystery, and timeless charm.
The hotel offers a choice of 127 individually designed standard and premium bedrooms, with many pet-friendly and wheelchair-accessible, offering curving views of the ornate Italian Renaissance gardens.
Wotton House’s 1877 restaurant and bar also offer menus that pay homage to the rich history of the estate – with signature cocktails and classic British food made using local produce. For more information please visit: https://wottonhouse.co.uk/
For further information:
Maud Lambert-Bichon or Maria Hamilton
Tel: 01483 740 747
Notes: Wotton House Statistics and Research available upon request.
