Pet taxi or something???

wiggywoo9

Hi

I'm really sad at not being able to go on holiday this year with my toddler as its his only treat- the dog is the only issue so i'm wondering if I can work around it. I need a way of getting me, a toddler, a suitcase and a dog to Great Yarmouth 3 hours away. I can keep the dog in a caravan and he could enjoy the break with us, go for nice walks, etc. on a Haven site. Only I can't drive and have no car!

I don't anyone well enough to petsit him at home and he'd get sad just being let out then left alone for a few nights. He also wets on my bed at home if left to roam the house too long, so although he could go to a dog boarding place, he doesn't get on with other dogs and would be quite upset there. not to mention how pricey they are!

So i'm wondering if there's a pet taxi or even a normal taxi that could drop us at the Haven site and pick us up? That'd take the dog too and us two? He's good in a car and just goes to sleep. I don't know how much this'd cost but its either try something like this or no holidays at all until he dies!! And that's not on for my toddler really- plus my dog is only 8!

Does anything like this exist? Maybe a car share thing? Any help?

missprice

They do exist, I know my neighbors use one for their dog to the vet. Although its a bit pricey.
So if they have them in the north of england, they surely have them elsewhere.
Ask your vet or a local vet

Would you be able to use train, dogs are allowed in trains.

wiggywoo9

I think it'd be a bit hectic managing luggage, a pushchair, an active toddler and an anxious dog on a train- I don't think they're allowed anyway. didn't know if you could ask a normal taxi service to take you and just ask about dog too? if I knew anyone with a car, i'd ask them and just pay them!

missprice

Dogs are definitely allowed on trains,

Transporting animals by train
Passengers may take with them, free of charge and subject to conditions below, dogs, cats and other small animals (maximum two per passenger) provided they do not endanger or inconvenience passengers or staff.
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times unless contained in a basket.
Dogs without leads, cats, birds and small animals must be carried in an enclosed basket, cage or pet carrier. It must be rigid and not open (to prevent escape) and the animal able to stand and lie down in comfort.
Animals and containers must not occupy seats, otherwise a charge will be made.
Animals are not allowed in restaurant cars except for blind persons' guide dogs or deaf persons' assistance dogs, which may be allowed into the restaurant car at the Steward's discretion. However, every effort is made to serve meals at blind or deaf persons' seats within the normal seated accommodation.

Not just assistance dogs and they are free.

Normal taxis only have to take assistance dogs and are not compelled to take any others. But some taxi companies will take a dog. Just have to ask each taxi company

gettingready

I have a "pet taxi" near where I live, they charge £40.00 from to vets one way and it takes under 10 minutes so....

Dogs are allowed on trains but in your situation not a good idea. Especially f the train is overcrowded in high season.

Try asking mini cabs - depending on the size of the dog and if they agree at all, this will be much cheaper than a taxi.

Person_one

Have you checked the rules at the caravan site? A lot say that you aren't allowed to leave dogs unsupervised in a caravan on their own (they do at touring sites anyway).

I wouldn't rule out kennels. Mine go to a really nice family run boarding kennel a few times a year and are absolutely fine. It's not cheap. But probably cheaper than the cost of 3 hour taxi ride there and back! You can put in some time between now and your holiday socialising him and helping him to be more relaxed around other dogs, in fact you should probably do that anyway!

I'm a bit alarmed that you seem to have considered the option of just leaving him alone at home for several days! I'm hoping I've misunderstood there...

wiggywoo9

He's just not good with other dogs, just barks or will be too aggressive with them (but he's soft as a lamb so its all front really). And no, I didn't mean just leaving him, I just saw something on a boarding site that says they do visit them, give them what they need and walk them etc but otherwise stay at home. I'm not willing to do this at all, rather not go, so trying to be creative!

Haven are very accepting of dogs (from experience), you just pay a little fee. He's done this before with longer journeys (5 hours) so that's not a problem. It'd work well to take him with us as I won't be worrying and the caravan would not be too different from our flat. I haven't ruled out boarding, but still got the issue of getting him to one, having to explain his anti-dog ways, etc. He sleeps on our bed and loves being around us, so think he would be very unhappy in a small cubicle-thing they have in boarding kennels with other dogs all around.

Dunroamin

A three hour taxi journey (with or without a dog) will cost you an absolute fortune!

Lieja

My dog's been on plenty of trains, and in a normal taxi too. Driver's have always been fine with him as long as I mention him in advance - and he's huge!

For the cost saving of taxi vs train for that length of journey I'd just be tempted to go with the train. After all, if it's a quiet one you'll have enough room to manoeuvre all your bits and pieces with the dog in tow, or if it's busy I've always found other passengers to be very helpful when they see a mum struggling. The guards are always really helpful too if there's a lot of luggage - super friendly ones have even sat and entertained my dog for the whole journey!

wiggywoo9

Well then what do you suggest?? No holiday for at least 5/6 years til my dog passes away or try to think of a way to satisfy everyone?

wiggywoo9

What if there's a replacement bus service? Absolute worst scenario!!