9 Things About Travelling With Your Dog

Going on holidays with your pet can be stressful if your pet is not used to travelling for long distances and staying in unfamiliar places. Planning ahead can make the journey and stay more comfortable. If your dog is worried by car travel, begin with short, positive practice sessions well before the holiday. Here are 9 things we recommend you do before leaving the house.

Nine things to prepare before you travel

1. First and foremost, make sure your accommodation is pet-friendly – not all places welcome our four legged friends. You might also need to pay extra for your dog to stay with you.
2. Whether you are driving or travelling by plane or train, prepare the journey: you might need to book in advance for your dog to be able to come along. If your dog is travelling in a pet carrier, don’t forget to put a tag with your name on it.
3. Pack some food and water for the trip – you can find some special travel containers adapted for your dog to drink and eat without making a mess.
4. Choose a properly fitted vehicle harness or a securely installed travel crate with credible crash-test evidence, and follow its installation instructions. A walking harness or loose pet bed is not a substitute for a suitable vehicle restraint. No restraint removes every risk. Introduce travel equipment gradually; our crate training guide explains positive introductions.
5. Bring some toys for your dog to pass the time during the trip. This might also help to reduce anxiety due to travelling.
6. Plan regular stops for your pet to stretch, drink and eat, and have bathroom breaks.
7. Pack a first aid kit and any medication prescribed for your dog. If your dog gets motion sickness, speak with your vet before the trip rather than choosing medication yourself. Keep your usual vet’s details and contacts for clinics along the route and at your destination.
8. Check that your dog’s microchip registration and ID tag have current contact details. Pack a lead and use it during breaks in unfamiliar places.
9. Never leave your dog unattended in a parked car, even in mild weather. Plan stops so someone can stay with your dog safely outside the vehicle.

Help with travel preparation

For more detailed advice on holidays with dogs, contact us today!

Further reading: RSPCA advice on car restraints and preparing for a road trip.

Cover photograph: ReggieandFriends, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized for display. Illustrative photograph; choose travel equipment using the guidance above, not appearance alone.