Prepare for unexpected vet bills
The land of Wales is known for its picturesque coastline, majestic mountains, timeless sites and opportunities for adventure. But aside from these, Wales is also renowned for another thing – its serious love for dogs. In fact, one visit to the River Glaslyn at Beddgelert and you will find the site where Llewelyn the Great’s pet hound, Gelert, is buried. Gelert’s story is a tragic one; upon returning from a hunting trip, the Prince of Gwynedd, Llewlyn, finds his infant son’s bed empty and Gelert covered in blood. Thinking that the hound had killed the baby, Llewelyn slew Gelert without hesitation, only to find out that the blood actually belonged to a wolf whom Gelert killed to save the child’s life. According to the Welsh people. Llewelyn never smiled again. Despite this sob story, Wales is very welcoming to dogs, making it a top destination for pet owners and their dogs.Â
A walk with your dog seems like a simple task done on the regular but in a country like Wales, it can become a unique experience. With all the scenic routes and impressive trails and terrains found in the country, Wales offers lots of opportunities for dogs and their owners to explore a new environment, sniff some flora and fauna, exercise and simply spend some quality time together. The best part is that the people of Wales are very welcoming towards dogs, which is highly appreciated by furparents and their furbabies. Coastal paths, beaches, hills and mountains are just some of the several places where you can take your dog for a stroll.Â
While the entirety of Wales has ample opportunity for dog owners and their buddies to enjoy themselves, those who have limited time in the country can make the most out of their trip by focusing on the Northern part of Wales. The North is home to lots of dog-friendly attractions. Moreover, the top sites are extremely beautiful, especially during the summer season. Want to go on an underwater journey through copper mines? Check out the Sygun Copper Mines in Beddgelert. Of course, you should not miss the famous Ceunant Mawr waterfalls, which includes a short hike and the best view of the Snowdonia mountains. Do not forget to pack a leash for your dog in case the place you want to visit requires one. Â
Immersing yourself in a country’s culture on your visit is always a great way to get to know the place and its people in an authentic manner. Wales is a country that is rich in classic history. Hence, it is no surprise that it features a number of historic sites that are worth checking out. The best bit is that most of these places let the patrons bring their dogs with them. The country hosts a number of remarkable castles, buildings and railways that are historically significant. The budget for this activity will range from moderate to expensive, depending on where you will go and how long you will stay.Â
Wales offers dog owners an opportunity to exercise their pups in the gym, thanks to the country’s first ever dedicated dog gym, located in Swansea. This facility offers yoga balls, treadmills, and even a weight loss class specially made for dogs. The “dognasium”, as it is fondly called, can be found at the Swansea Enterprise Park.
Spiritual retreats are not exclusive to humans; in Wales, you have the opportunity to bring your doggy with you. In fact, the Ceridwen Centre, located in Teifi Valley, offers a five-day spiritual retreat for you and your dog, led by Caroline Griffith, a renowned “spiritual dog trainer”.
In Wales, even the restaurants and cafés are immensely welcoming towards dogs. Places like the Pier House Bistro, Jollys and Llygad yr Haul-Llanberis are great choices when looking to enjoy a meal out with your pooch.
Home to stunning waterfalls, impressive mountains and a scenic coastline, Wales is truly a must-see and should be taken into consideration when planning a trip with your dog. Thanks to fast rail links and well-connected roads, the country has become a really accessible destination for tourists who want to take their dogs on vacation.