Travelling with Your Dog

If you are planning a trip with your pup - for Easter weekend maybe - whether it's a day trip, camping, or a holiday rental, you need to make sure you load up with the essentials.  

Before you book   

Remember to take your dog’s micro-chip details with you when you travel – hopefully you’ll never need it but there’s no point it being in a drawer at home! 

Maybe also save the number for https://www.dronesar.org.uk/ in case of emergency, or ifa dog is lost due to being spooked. 

Explore what the local area has to offer for dogs. Accommodation providers will try to do some of the leg work for you but please do your own research. We highly recommend mapping potential places to stay and reading reviews. Reviews are invaluable as they have stayed there and are sharing their unbiased information on local walks, pet shops, dog-friendly eateries, vets etc. 

Some places claim to be dog-friendly you can sometimes get there and be disappointed. Your checklist could include;  

• Nearby walking routes  

• A garden to make sure you can let your dog out regularly nearby  

• Poo bins nearby  

• Somewhere dog-friendly on-site to eat   

• Check their reviews; do they have any mention of being dog-friendly?   

• Are there any breed, age or size limitations?   

• How many dogs do they allow?  

• Is there an extra charge for dogs?  

Basic commands  

The truth is, not everyone loves your pooch as much as you do (well, we here at Paws for Thought might challenge this statement!). The last thing you want is an embarrassing experience with an unruly dog. Consider teaching your pooch basic commands and then practice these commands in distracting situations. It will give you more control and confidence when holidaying with your dog. 

Have you considered puppy classes? Then contact us for training. 

On the road  

First things first, if you’re going anywhere in the car with your dog, you need to make sure they are safe. Whether it's a travel crate, seat protector for the back seats, or your top dog likes to ride shotgun in the front seat you need to ensure they are secure. Always check any seats, belts or attachments follow UK law and can be easily attached to any harness, to keep you and your dog safe.   

If your pooch suffers from travel sickness then there are plenty of non-prescription products, even herbal or natural products. 

The best way to prevent car sickness is to gradually get your dog used to car travel. This is known as travel training. Start with short journeys, then gradually build up by a few minutes at a time. 

Feed them at least 2-3 hours before travel. Walk them just before and once on the journey, keep the car cool for them. 

Stock up on supplies  

Before you set off create a checklist of doggy supplies. Make sure you have packed:  

• A dog bed/s 

• A collar and lead  

• Plenty of poo bags  

• A food bowl and a water bowl (with water for the journey). Portable bowls are great! 

• Dog food. If you don’t want to stock up on dog food, then have a look in advance to see any shops that sell the right food near where you are staying  

Plan your stops  

Plan regular stops throughout your journey. Have a look for any dog-friendly cafes or restaurants along the way and places for them to stretch their legs and get some fresh air. Don’t feed them near to the time of traveling and make sure they get a good run around before you go.  

Make it a home-from-home  

If your pooch has a favourite blanket or soft toy, then bring it along to help make them feel at home. While you’re on holiday try and stick to your normal routine when it comes to feeds and walks.  

Please feel free to contact us with any queries you may have before you travel. 

Above all, take care and don't forget to have fun.