Top Tips For Travelling With Your Dog

Every dog owner knows that a holiday isn’t a real holiday without your dog (or dogs!). No one wants to leave their furry family members behind for a few days, or even weeks, before even thinking about the cost of kennels! So, it’s lucky that dog friendly holidays are on the rise!

But what is the best way to travel with a dog? What do you need? Where can you go with plenty to keep your pooches happy? Pack up your dog’s favourite toys and get their best blanket in the car while we unleash our top tips for travelling with your dog.

Find your Paws-itively Dog Friendly Destination

Think of your dog’s favourite activities, what gets their tails wagging? Is it walks on the beach, chasing ducks or woodland wanders? Deciding where you want to go, and then finding out there is no holiday accommodation that caters for pets is incredibly frustrating. And even the ones that do allow pets, usually also have an extra doggy charge to lump on top, so don’t forget to factor that in when looking for your perfect holiday cottage. 

Pack Holidays warmly welcome one to 101 dogs at their self catering holiday cottages in rural Norfolk and wild Scotland, and any number of dogs will always be free of charge (and greeted with doggy treats in a thoughtful welcome pack!). Each cottage has been carefully selected with consideration of local dog-friendly establishments and activities as well as nearby vets. To help you choose the perfect cottage for your individual dog’s needs, we provide clear and transparent information on security of gardens, fence height and quiet walks. You will also find our unique ‘reactive ratings’, to help you find which holiday is right for your nervous or sensitive doggies who may need extra special considerations.

Walkies! Make Sure You Research Fun Doggy Activities Nearby

Where to next? When you’re ready to go out and about and explore once you’ve arrived at your dog-friendly hotel or holiday cottage, consider whether you want to load everyone back up in the car. Great, if you’ve come to visit interesting places far and wide but maybe you would prefer to be within easy walking distance of your favourite amenities.

There’s also nothing worse than wandering around with rumbling bellies to be faced with ‘no dogs allowed’ signs at every restaurant door. Fortunately, many villages or towns are now used to four-legged visitors and happily cater for them with dog-friendly pubs and cafes. You may even be lucky enough to find a holiday close to the beach where the dogs can dip their toes to their noses in the sea every morning, or near some wonderful woodland walks, full of muddy puddles and exciting new sticks!

Prepare your Car for the Journey

The best way to travel with a dog is with a crate, boot gate, carrier or harness. If you have a crate or boot gate, ensure it is correctly secured, or use a good quality harness or carrier to keep your pooch safely fastened and ready for travel. 

Remember to pack plenty of water and a travel bowl, whether you’re planning to make regular stops on the way or not and window shades are ideal to block out direct sunlight and keep your pups cool. Car-nervous dogs or dogs that have little experience travelling may benefit from having their favourite toy or blanket close by for comfort. Alternatively, consider investing in a Dog Car Seat Cover, which not only protects your vehicle but also enhances your furry friend's comfort throughout the journey.

Don’t forget to switch off your airbags if you’re using the front passenger seat for your dog and remember to keep windows only partially open to prevent any little escape artists making a break for freedom! Check The Highway Code to ensure you comply with all rules about animals in the car.

Gather Together All Doggy Documents

If you’re crossing the border to another country, check their rules and regulations regarding pets. Some simply require passports and vaccine paperwork while others, usually on the other side of the globe, charge high fees and insist on quarantine (maybe don’t go there with your dog unless you have to!)

Flying to your destination is sometimes the best way to travel with a dog, but often means extra pooch paperwork is necessary. Many airlines require animals to be kept in the hold, which is no fun for anyone involved, so double check whether you can fly with your fur-baby safe and comfortable by your side. 

And Finally, Sit! Relax and Enjoy your Howl-idays

We’ve been through the essentials of planning how to travel with a dog and now you can break the good news to your faithful hounds and get those tails wagging as you look forward to a wonderful holiday full of dog hair and wet noses in your home away from home where you can explore the local coastline or market towns and sniff out the dog friendly pubs and restaurants.

And if you’re still searching for that perfect pooch paradise, catering for any size or number of dogs, with thoughtful touches provided with the dogs in mind then browse the gorgeous selection of paw-some holiday cottages at Pack Holidays - ideally located near beautiful beaches or stunning countryside full of wonderful walks and never far from shops, restaurants and friendly pubs that will happily welcome your dog. You’ll have the bestest, woofiest time - yes you will!