For many pet owners, the idea of heading off on holiday and leaving their pooch or moggie behind in kennels or with relatives, friends or neighbours is simply not an option.
If you want to bring your pet on holidays with you, there are loads of options available in terms of accommodation in Ireland - pet-friendly holidays are an increasingly important niche market and accommodation providers are falling over themselves to capture a slice.
The www.irishanimals.ie website has a comprehensive section dedicated to pet-friendly holiday accommodation. There are hotels, guest houses and B&Bs in most counties though it advises contacting them yourself to find out what exactly "pet friendly" means in each case. There's a similar list at www.ispca.ie/holidays.
Dream Ireland has a searchable section on its website, dedicated to pet-friendly self-catering accommodation (www.pets.dreamireland.com. The pet directory website www.petproductsandservices.ie has a helpful section for owners on pet travel etiquette and sells pet car accessories (accessories for your pet in the car, not accessories for your pet car).
Pedigree distributes a free Dog Holiday guide by travel writer Karen Creed - it lists dog-friendly walks, beaches and hotels. Order a copy at JointCare@edelman.com. Michael Kelly