MUNGO & MAUD

WHAT IS IT? A dog and cat "outfitters" run by Michael and Nicola Sacher. They opened their shop in London's Elizabeth Street, W1 (020 7952 4570), in 2005, but also have a concession in the Pet Kingdom at Harrods and an online store at www.mungoandmaud.com.

WHY BUY? For many, a holiday simply isn't a holiday unless the family pet goes too. But travelling with a dog requires careful planning: will it be allowed to sleep in your hotel room, and if so, what on? What will it drink from when you're on the move? And crucially, will it be shown up by those better-accessorised Continental hounds? That's where Mungo & Maud comes in with such travel essentials as a canvas tote bag with thick plastic lining that doubles as a water bowl; the doggy equivalent of a vanity case – a waterproof roll containing grooming paraphernalia; and a cosy duvet-style bed that folds up into a drawstring bag plus matching blanket.

WE LOVE The cable-knit cashmere pullovers in stylish chocolate, grey and oatmeal – so wrong, they're right. And the Milan collar and lead would surely go down very well in the eponymous Italian city.

COULD DO BETTER It's all rather expensive – the canvas dog carrier bag ("for the little dog or cat on the go"), for example, is £155. On the other hand, perhaps you feel your pooch is worth every penny of that £58 travel dog bowl.

VERDICT Pet perfection at a price.

MAGGIE O'SULLIVAN