Travelling With Your Dog: How to Plan a Happy, Stress-Free Holiday Together
For many of us, a holiday just wouldn’t feel the same without our four-legged best friend along for the ride. Whether it’s a road trip to the coast, a cosy weekend in a country cottage or a bigger adventure further afield, sharing the journey with your dog can make some of the happiest memories of all.
The secret to a smooth trip is thinking about it in three simple stages: what you sort out before you leave, how you keep the journey itself calm and safe, and how you help your dog settle once you arrive. Get those three right and travelling together becomes something to look forward to, not to worry about. Here’s how to do it.
Before you leave: getting everything ready
Most travel stress can be avoided with a bit of preparation in the days before you go. A little time spent now means a far more relaxed trip for both of you.
Sort the health checks and paperwork early
A quick trip to the vet is one of the best ways to start any holiday, especially for longer journeys or trips abroad. Ask them to confirm that vaccinations, along with flea, tick and worming treatments, are all up to date, and make sure you have enough of any regular medication for the whole trip, plus a little extra in case of delays. It also helps to keep a copy of your dog’s medical records on your phone. If you’re heading overseas, check well in advance whether an Animal Health Certificate or other paperwork is needed, as these can take time to arrange.
Check their ID tag and microchip details
Unfamiliar surroundings can make it easier for a dog to wander off, so make sure they can always be identified. Check that their ID tag is easy to read and shows a phone number you’ll have with you while you’re away. If your dog is microchipped — and we’d always recommend it — take two minutes to confirm your contact details are current on the microchip database. It’s a tiny job that could make all the difference.
Research dog-friendly stays and days out
A little homework saves a lot of stress later. Check that your accommodation genuinely welcomes dogs and understand any rules, then look up dog-friendly beaches, pubs, cafes and walking spots nearby. Knowing where you can and can’t go means more relaxed days and far fewer surprises once you arrive.
Pack their own travel bag
Just like you, your dog deserves their own holiday bag. Keeping everything in one place saves stress and means nothing important gets left behind. We’d suggest packing:
- Enough of their usual food for the whole trip, plus a little spare
- A portable, collapsible water bowl
- Lead, harness and plenty of poo bags
- Familiar toys, a favourite blanket and their own bedding
- Towels for muddy paws and post-swim shake-offs
- A basic pet first-aid kit and any medications or supplements
Familiar items from home give your dog a comforting sense of the everyday, which helps them settle much faster somewhere new.
On the road: keeping the journey safe and calm
However you’re getting there, the journey itself is where your dog most needs you to have a plan. A few simple habits keep travel days safe and low-stress.
Secure them properly for the trip
In the car, always secure your dog with a proper travel harness, crate or carrier — never let them move freely around the vehicle, as it’s a risk to them and a distraction for you. Keep windows only slightly open, and don’t let your dog hang their head out; it looks joyful, but it can be genuinely dangerous.
Build in regular breaks
On longer drives, plan a stop every two to three hours so your dog can stretch their legs, have a drink and go to the toilet. Breaking the journey up keeps them comfortable and helps burn off any nervous energy along the way.
Keep water within easy reach
Travel days, warm weather and all that excitement mean your dog needs regular access to fresh water. Offer a drink at every stop and carry a portable bowl rather than relying on finding water when you get there. Wet food can help too — its naturally high moisture content is a lovely way to top up their fluids on a hot or busy day, and it tends to tempt even a distracted appetite.
Never leave your dog in a parked car
This one deserves its own mention, because it still catches people out every summer. Even on a mild day, and even with the windows cracked, a parked car heats up dangerously fast — “just nipping in” is long enough to put your dog at serious risk. If you can’t take them with you, leave them somewhere safe and cool with someone they trust. For more on this, see our guide to keeping pets safe in extreme heat.
Once you arrive: helping them settle
You’ve made it — but the first day in a new place is a big adjustment for a dog. A gentle arrival sets the tone for the whole holiday.
Keep their food consistent
Holidays are exciting, and an excited tummy is a sensitive one. Switching your dog’s food suddenly, on top of new surroundings and a change of routine, is a common cause of upset stomachs while away. The simplest fix is to bring their usual food and stick to their normal feeding times. Our natural, gluten-free dog food is easy to portion out and pack, and if you’d rather not carry a full bag, our sample packs are a handy, travel-sized top-up.
Hold on to a familiar routine
Dogs take huge comfort from predictability. Even on holiday, try to keep feeding times, walks and bedtime roughly as they are at home. That familiar rhythm quietly reassures your dog that all is well, even when everything around them is brand new.
Give them time to adjust
Resist the urge to launch straight into a packed day of adventures. Set up a quiet corner with their bed and toys, let them explore the new space calmly on the lead, and give them a little time to find their feet. A dog that’s allowed to settle in gently is a happier, more relaxed companion for the rest of the trip.
Set off with food that loves them back
Wherever your adventures take you this year, keeping your dog’s food consistent is one of the easiest ways to keep them happy and settled on the road. Our natural, high-meat, gluten-free recipes — enriched with skin- and coat-loving Aloe Vera — are made by pet parents, for pet parents.
New to Just For Friends? Try our £10 Trial Box Offer, an easy, low-cost way to let your dog try our food before your next trip. Browse the full dog food range and set off knowing their tummy is in good hands.