Holiday Reading List for Animal Lovers

Is there anything better than relaxing by the pool or in the garden with a good book over the summer? A holiday reading list that includes books with dogs and animals in them is just as essential as your hat, sunnies, and summer spirit.

If you’re looking to add a few books to your suitcase and want to have some furry animal protagonists, these are great places to start.

Holiday reading list – animal lovers edition

Here are some of our favourite fiction books featuring dogs, cats, and a few other choice animals. They’re separated into fiction and non-fiction, so you can decide whether your holiday reading list should be made up of inspiring true stories or heart-warming fiction you’ll want to read again and again.

After all, Kiwis love their pets (read the results of our Love Your Pet Day survey). And holidays are for the things you love. Which is why you should also check out our favourite dog movies and cat movies!

But for now, back to books with dogs and animals in them.

Fiction holiday reading

If fiction is more up your street than non-fiction, you’ll love escaping into these holiday reads where pets are the stars of the show.

1. A Dog’s Purpose – W. Bruce Cameron

A Dog’s Purpose (and the sequel, A Dog’s Journey) are told from the point of view of a dog whose soul you’ll follow through several reincarnations.

In each one, the dog lives with different people in different situations. Happy, sad, and charming all at once, this book doesn’t just recount the tales of one dog – but also asks questions about why we’re here and what our purpose in life is.

In 2017, it was made into a film. Check out the trailer below.

2. The Art of Racing in the Rain – Garth Stein

Another masterpiece told from the point of view of a dog.

It’s narrated by Enzo, a Golden Retriever nearing the end of his life. Enzo is “different to other dogs” as he says himself, possessing a mind and soul that’s nearly human. This novel follows the observations and tales of life with his human dad, racing driver Denny.

Heartbreaking, wise, funny, and philosophical, this is one you’ll need the tissues for.

Like many others on this list, it was made into a movie. The trailer alone is enough to make you want to add it to your holiday reading list.

3. The Travelling Cat Chronicles – Hiro Arikawa

Hiro Arikawa’s bestselling Japanese novel features Nana, a stray cat living in Tokyo.

Nana is taken in by a young man named Satoru, and after five years of life together undertakes a journey with his owner. They travel the country together, Nana meeting friends and family from all phases of Satoru’s life. But the sad reality is that the trip is to find Nana a new home with a loving family.

Cat lovers will enjoy Nana’s derisive views of the humans, and sarcastic commentary throughout. It’s masterful storytelling via a gentle, honest, and tender look at one man’s life with his loyal cat.

4. Pug Actually – Matt Dunn

Yes, this is named as a pun after the movie Love Actually. Which in itself should give you a good idea of what to expect.

All Doug the Pug wants is his human mum Julie to find her one true love – who just happens to be her friend Tom. And Doug knows it, even if Julie doesn’t.

Lighthearted, fun, and happy; this combines the love of dogs with the fun of romcoms. Really, it’s the stuff of holiday reading list dreams.

5. Water for Elephants – Sara Gruen

The story of Jacob Jankowski – a veterinary student who joins the travelling circus in the 1930s – is told through a series of memories throughout his life.

While in the circus, Jacob falls in love with its star equestrian and meets a seemingly untrainable elephant named Rosie. By teaching Rosie to perform, Jacob can save the circus.

Sara Gruen brings the horses and elephants to life in this novel, presenting them as more than just animals but valuable characters with the weight of their human counterparts.

Non-fiction holiday reading list

If you prefer fact over fiction, there’s no shortage of choices for your holiday reading list. From inspiring tales of friendship and loss to tales of animal bravery, here are books with dogs in them that you’ll want to pack into your suitcase this summer.

1. When Harry Met Minnie – Martha Teichner

Martha, the owner of a Bull Terrier named Minnie, finds her path crossing with another Bull Terrier owner. Carol has terminal cancer and is desperate to find a new home for her dog Harry before she passes.

What follows is a tale of four stories that become deeply intertwined, demonstrating how far dogs can become ingrained into our everyday lives and how our bonds with them go so much further than many people realise.

2. Marley and Me – John Grogan

Probably one of the most famous dog-based books is Marley and Me. Here, author John Grogan recounts the thirteen years of life that he and his family shared with their Labrador, Marley.

Affectionately called “the worst dog in the world” Marley is adorable, but rambunctious and full of mischief. Like all dogs, he worms his way into their hearts and brings years of joy, happiness, and mishaps.

In 2008 the novel was adapted into a movie of the same title. It’s a family-friendly film that will have you reaching for the Kleenex at the end.

3. H is for Hawk – Helen MacDonald

This 2014 memoir takes you on a journey with British author Helen MacDonald. After her father’s sudden death, the experienced falconer sets out to train a goshawk, one of the most notoriously difficult birds to train.

As she copes with her grief, her relationship with the hawk develops and she sees herself mirrored in his temperament. It’s a deeply personal account of growth, grief, and everything in between.

This isn’t the most lighthearted entry on our holiday reading list, but it’s full of life lessons.

Insurance for your own pet

Your dog or cat is definitely one of the main characters in your own life story. And you might not be a Pulitzer-winning author, but they still deserve the best.

Keep them safe with one of our pet insurance plans to help cover things like non-routine vet visits, medicine, surgery, and hospital stays when your pup pulls a Marley, or your cat decides to venture a little too far out of their territory.

PD is an award-winning brand that offers value rich, month to month cover for your pet. The sooner you invest in a pet plan, the broader the range of cover they get – especially when they’re still a puppy.

Having dog insurance helps the answer to speedy, stress-free vet treatments be a ‘yes’. Get a quick quote below.