Taking your pet
on vacation?
Going on vacation with your dogCamping
Half of all French people own a pet – dog, cat, goldfish or ferret – and there’s a little companion for everyone. We often want to go on vacation with our pets: but is it possible? What can you do with them? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
L’Artaudois your Var campsitethat accepts pets
At the Var l’Artaudois campsite, we welcome pets on pitches with no restrictions except for category 1 and 2. In our Pampelonne accommodation without option, Estagnol or Sormiou, we accept one dog weighing less than 10 kilograms. So you can come on vacation with your fur ball. Don’t forget to bring your dog’s leash and health record, which you’ll be asked for in the event of a problem. Finally, don’t forget to identify your dog with a tag bearing your name and cell phone number (essential in the event of a runaway), and check that his chip is linked to your details on the I-CAD website. If you’d like to bring your dog to the campsite, don’t forget to mention it when booking. For holidaymakers who decide to bring their pooch with them, here are a few ideas for things to do.
On our website, you’ll find a selection ofdog-friendly beaches. There aren’t many of them, but they do exist, and as some animals love the waves and sand, you’ll be able to let them enjoy your stay in the Var. Essential equipment: water and bowl, bag to pick up droppings, leash for the walk and parasol for the shade. Don’t forget to rinse your companion off after swimming: the salt attacks his skin as much as yours. In the off-season, many beaches allow pets on a leash, as there are fewer people around at this time of year.
Stroll alonga tranquil waterway
Are you keen to take a dip for your Medor and don’t want to go to the beach? There are other places where you can take a stroll close to shady streams – follow the guide! A new beach at the eastern end of Toulon’s Mourillon beaches is already available for your pooch. Just beyond Belgentier, on the road to Signes, you can also take a short stroll and enjoy a stream to refresh your dog. There’s also a nice walk to be taken, but this time Médor will have to wear his leash as the road is accessible to vehicles.
Do you like walking?Why not take a tour of the region with him?
In Le Pradet itself, you can follow the trails at Cap Garonne, La Cibonne or Bois de Courbebaisse. On the heights of Ollioules, the Gros Cerveau massif is open to animals, allowing them to enjoy the garrigue in complete freedom. Please note that the CRAPA is closed to animals. More generally, many hiking trails are accessible with your pet, so don’t hesitate! Réseau Mistral admits pooches on its buses; you can check access conditions on their website. Similarly, you can make reservations at many restaurants with your dog, but it’s often enough to inform the restaurant owner.
What services for them?
In Le Pradet, we have a veterinary practice and groomers. In La Valette, about ten kilometers from the campsite, there are several specialized shops, so you can buy what you need in case you forget. Some pets don’t tolerate high temperatures well (and age often makes them more fragile), so you need to think carefully before taking your pet on board for your holiday, and keep its well-being in mind above all else.
Other possibilitiesfor your beloved pet
Different types of pet-sitting exist, such as pet-sitters who come to your home several times a day, or during your stay, or who take your pet into their home. For home visits, expect to pay €10 to €25 for a dog and €10 to €20 for a cat, depending on frequency and duration. Of course, this is more suitable for cats, who are more independent. For in-home pet-sitting, expect to pay around €100 for 1 to 4 days (with a sliding scale of charges for longer periods). You may also be able to find animal lovers in your neighbourhood who are willing to help you.
There are also all kinds of boarding kennels offering a pet-sitting service for your best friend. We advise you to find out all you need to know before entrusting your pet to a boarding kennel. When a facility takes in more than 10 animals, one person must have a “domestic animal” certificate of competence, and the animals must have a minimum 5m² relaxation and freedom area. For this type of care, you should expect to pay between €10 and €20 per day for a dog, and between €8 and €12 for a cat. If you’re looking for luxury boarding with tailor-made services, of course, the price will go up.
Finally, we’d like to make it clear that abandonment is not a solution, and that the choice to have a pet is for life: the time spent with your companion makes up a thousand times over for any minor difficulties you may encounter. Having a pet means making a commitment over a period of ten years or so, which is not insignificant and requires daily adaptations, especially as they are not accepted everywhere and require care and attention, so don’t take the plunge lightly.