Despite what Paris Hilton and other such socialites may portray, carrying your dog around in a handbag is not ideal, or even practical, especially if you have a St Bernard. Likewise, taking them on holiday, despite the advent of pet passports, is sometimes out of the question.



In this case, dog day care centres provide the answer.



Be it the annual summer holiday or short weekend away, pet owners will always want to ensure that their pets are not just looked after, but entirely content. Gone are the days of paying the girl next door five pounds to drop in twice a day to let the dog out and give it some food, substituted instead for fully fledged board and lodge that could rival any spa day you could book into yourself.



This, of course, not only puts your mind at rest but also keeps the dogs entertained. It is widely known that when left alone to their own devices, dogs become bored very quickly, often taking to destroying everything in site or howling loudly and incessantly. Finding them a home while you're away will ensure that your neighbours are kept sweet, as are your soft furnishings.



But it's not just about finding your dogs a home for when you are away. A good day care will also offer grooming and walking, ensuring that your dog is treated as well when its away as it is at home. You should also be able to stipulate any dietary requirements and habits, so the transition to the day care and then back again afterwards is as easy as possible.



We are, as we're constantly reminded, a nation of pet lovers, especially dogs. It is because of this that we are ready and willing to give as much consideration to what our pets are going to do while we're away as to what we are going to do. Therefore, finding a quality dog day care centre is of around as much importance as finding the right destination or hotel for ourselves.