1. Traveling with Dogs: Pet-Friendly Holiday Options
At Stichting Verhuisdieren, we were pleasantly surprised by the responses to our question about what pet owners do with their animals during the holidays. More than half of the 3,000 participants stated that they bring their dogs along on holiday! These owners choose to travel by car, camper, or caravan instead of taking a plane, or they opt for holidays within the Netherlands to avoid long journeys.
2. Dogs at Home: Care Arrangements during the Holidays
Over 10% of respondents don't go on holiday, while others mentioned that their dogs may accompany them on some trips but not on others. Particularly when people book flights for their vacations, their dogs stay at home.
3. Trusted Care for Dogs: Options for Holiday Periods
The dogs that stay at home are usually entrusted to friends or family during the holidays (46%). About a quarter of respondents hire someone to take care of their furry companions, and another quarter choose to board their dogs at a facility.
4. Cats and Holiday Arrangements: Care Preferences and Alternatives
Cats, on the other hand, have a different situation. Nearly 60% of the 2,300 respondents leave their cats at home with a trusted sitter. Other options (each accounting for 6-8% of respondents) include staying at home, hiring a paid pet sitter, or taking them to a boarding facility.
5. Record-Breaking Cat: Ollie's Extraordinary Travel Adventures
Record: Meet Ollie, the cat who has visited 24 countries! Most cats prefer to stay within their familiar territories. However, Ollie, a remarkable 5-year-old ginger cat, is an exception. He has already traveled to 24 countries, earning him an impressive record as the most well-traveled cat! Ollie embarks on these adventures with his owners, Chantal (a freelancer at Verhuisdieren) and Lucas, as well as their dog Lefka, in their camper. You can read Ollie's incredible story here.
Holiday Solutions: Finding Care for Pets
Unable to bring your cat or dog along on your vacation? Verhuisdieren also helps connect pet owners with responsible pet sitters who are willing to care for animals during the holidays. "Through Verhuisdieren, you can find someone who will lovingly care for your dog or cat while you are on vacation!"
Ellemieke Vermolen is known as a Dutch actress, TV presenter and writer of (cooking) books. Her latest book 'Come back into your strength' is about the loss of a loved one, how you deal with it and regain your strength. She became known for her role in the television series Gold Coast. Ellemieke first did modeling for years before switching to television. She presented various programs such as Shownieuws and Huizenjacht. Now she regularly joins Shownieuws as a nutritionist.
What do you want to share directly about your cats Zoetie and Wolf?
'I have two cats. A black stray cat from Ibiza and the other is a Scottish Folt.'
Did you take them over from a previous owner?
'No, I do not have that. Neither.'
What is the most special thing about Zoetie and Wolf?
'They are both very different. The black one is Zoetie, a street cat from Ibiza. You really feel it. I find that very special. It always sits on my lap and I have a special connection with it. She distances herself from the children. She has her own character. The gray one is very affectionate. It always lies with you.'
What do you love about pets?
'I find it very pleasant. There is always life in the house. I like the connection with animals. I've had dogs too. Pets are also good for children. That way they learn to take care of them and to take responsibility.'
What makes your band so special?
'Zoetie, the black street cat from Ibiza, feels very much to me. When I'm sad or not feeling well, she really comes to me. Or if I'm very quiet, she always comes to lie with me. She feels very much to me. I'm the only one in the house who has such a bond with her. She is very different towards the children. They can't lift her. She has a very own character. She's very nice. She drinks from the tap every morning. She jumps on the counter, then we have to open the tap and then she drinks from it. It's also a very smart cat.'
What can you learn from Zoetie & Wolf?
'It's not for nothing that they say that cat life is so relaxed. They sleep a lot. They do what they like. We can learn that a bit from them, to relax more.'
What do any roommates think of Zoetie & Wolf?
'My two boys really like the cats. They bond more with the gray one, Wolfie. It has remained small. They think that's super cute. Wolf they can lift and play with. They should leave the black cat alone a bit more and let it do its own thing.'
How far does your border in your home go?
'I don't like it very much in bed. I don't like the hair and changing the bed. In principle, they do not enter the bedrooms. They can sit on my couch. They go outside. At night they sleep well in their basket. Everyone has their own space.'
How do you combine your work with Zoetie & Wolf?
Cats are easier compared to dogs. You don't have to let them out. We don't have any dogs at the moment, so it's very relaxed here in the house.'
Why do you think animal adoption is so important?
'I think adoption is very important, because people are quickly inclined to adopt a kitten from a litter. We also got a kitten from the shelter. Zoetie is a cat from Ibiza. We were in Ibiza every summer and very often took in an alley cat through an organization. To take care of the cat and kittens and give them a place. We have already placed many street cats from Ibiza with friends, relatives and acquaintances.'
Why did you say 'yes' to your Ambassadorship for Moving Animals?
'I really enjoy working for animals. We can achieve so much more if we all work together. I think it's very important that I can reach more people with my platform and convince them to give animals a warm home because they simply deserve that
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