Holiday time is very close. You will be planning for your own comfort and entertainment, what of that of your pets?

You might be staying home and just taking day trips. Does your dog travel with you? Wonderful, because it will enjoy the change too, but here are a few points to remember.

Even on a warm day, NEVER leave your dog in the car even with the windows down a little. That "little" is insufficient to keep the inside of the car cool enough to prevent dehydration, extreme distress and possible death. Take water and a drinking bowl with you. Check if the place you are visiting is a wildlife sanctuary, you run the risk of a high fine for taking dogs or cats into these areas.

If you intend holidaying away from home, and your pets are going too, again check that they will be accepted at your place of residence - holiday home, motel, caravan park or whatever. Please ensure that they are not a nuisance to other holiday makers.

Will your pets be staying at home? Even if you are going away just by the day, make sure all pets have shelter from the sun at any time of the day, plus an adequate supply of drinking water in a cool spot.

If you are absent for longer than a day, you will need the help of neighbors or the care of boarding kennels. If the latter, check the facilities offered, tell the owners the diet to which your pet is used; take something familiar such as a piece of bedding or an old toy.

Thank you for reading this article, I trust it is a useful reminder. Love and peace be with you during your time of recreation.