Page 29 - FWG November Issue 2025

Animals Matter

BEFORE YOU PACK THE LEASH

- PLAN AHEAD!

s we are approaching the
holiday season, many people
will either be taking their pets
Awith them, looking for kennels
or frantically trying to find reliable
and responsible pet sitters. It can be
a stressful time of year, as often these
arrangements are left too late.

If you must take your pets with you,
then it will be useful to research which
holiday accommodation is pet-friendly.
Many of these so-called pet-friendly
places advertise trails and walks, with
website photos of dogs running off-
leash through gardens, up sand dunes,
or splashing joyfully in the sea. It all
looks amazing – but I must emphasise
that doing your research is essential.
Picture this scenario: When you get to your destination, all you Before booking pet-friendly accommodation, it’s wise to check
want to do after a long, tiring drive is to unpack, unwind and whether the fees charged are per night or per stay. This way, if
relax. Your dog is equally over the drive and just wants to explore you feel the accommodation is unsuitable, you can leave and
his new surroundings on your private patch on the beach. Bliss, go to another place. Research to see if they have any weight or
right? Then you discover there is no fencing around the garden at breed restrictions, what the maximum number of pets allowed
the holiday home you just rented for the next two weeks. In fact, per room is, whether there are time limits as to how long a pet
there are no fences around any of the gardens in this pet-friendly can be left alone or whether you need to provide up-to-date
resort. While the owners welcome pets and have beautiful vaccination records.
walking trails, you now face two stressful weeks if your dog is
reactive or cannot be off a leash. Even if your own dog is calm, the It is also good to see what their amenities offer. Are there pet
one next door might not be. relief areas, dog parks and play areas? Do they provide any pet
essentials in the room, like bedding, bowls or treats? If they do,
then that saves space in the car. Are there pet-friendly beaches
and restaurants in the area? Do they offer a pet-sitting service
if you go out? Are there any areas where my pet is not allowed
(dining room or pool areas)? Are there noise level rules so that
you don’t have to put up with non-stop barking?

Going on holiday with your pet can be so much fun. But it can
also be stressful if you haven’t done your research!

Jeanette Furstenburg is a Certified Animal Behaviourist. She
holds a Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour (DipCABT)
with distinction, is a member of the COAPE Endorsed Association
of Applied Pet Behaviourists and Trainers International (CABTi),
which is a member of the UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter
2024. She is part of the International Companion Animal Network
(ICAN). In addition, she is a member of the South African Board for
Companion Animal Professionals (SABCAP).

082 445 8422
www.animalsmatter.co.za
jeanette@animalsmatter.co.za

Fourways Gardens • 27 • November 2025