Dog vs child

[Amarillo]

Comparing the marginal costs of taking a dog and child of various ages on a typical ten day camping holiday in France.

Dog:
Animal health certificate £95
Eurotunnel £36
Campsite €60 (10 nights)
Return worming €20
Total £204 (€60=£55)

Child 7-18:
Passport £0 for second and subsequent trips
Eurotunnel £0 extra
Campsite €66 (10 nights)
Total £60.50

Child 3-7
Passport £0 for 2nd+ trips
Eurotunnel £0 extra
Campsite €6 (10 nights)
Total £5.50

Child Passport £0 for 2nd+ trips
Eurotunnel £0 extra
Campsite €0
Total £0

 

[Loz2286]

But the dog will be less messy and probably nicer to have around on the trip.

 

[The Blue Merle]

You missed off all the extras for the kids, ice creams, toys, rides, gifts etc
It is a bit of a con the costs involved with dogs though, but still cheaper than kennels

 

[Amarillo]

You missed off all the extras for the kids, ice creams, toys, rides, gifts etc
It is a bit of a con the costs involved with dogs though, but still cheaper than kennels

At home we get away with a pack of 10 rocket lollies for £2. Here the favoured Haribo ice creams with gummy bears in the “stick” are €2.30 each!

Our boys get €1 each for doing the breakfast or lunch washing up (or €2 if they do it solo). They usually have €2 each per day. If they want a €2.30 ice cream that is easily negotiable, but for a €10 toy, that would have to be saved.

If they have a strop and refuse to do the washing up (which happens) they get no treat that day.

So the cost in treats for a 10 day holiday would usually be something over €20 per child.

Rides cost nothing because if the boys want a ride they have their bikes!

 

[willwander]

I much prefer dogs

 

[jonr71]

In 8 months all my 3 kids will be 18+. I am planning to replace them with dogs. Dogs can't ask for more money. Your costs are known in advance (as long as you have insurance...).

 

[ThomasHJ]

Kids might bite you or wee wee on your interior....

(edit: did the forum just automatically change p*ss into wee wee)? OMG.

 

[Mike Frost]

We're in the throes of getting Chewie documented; daren't book our crossing, until vet has issued animal health certificate - they can cancel your appt at zero notice I the event of a 'medical emergency' - but quite happy cough up to get him on the road with us!