There’s nothing quite like a holiday with your four-legged friend in tow. But packing for it? Less fun. To make sure it’s smooth sailing, it’s important to pack smart.
To help you out, we’ve put together the ultimate packing guide for a dog-friendly holiday in the UK. Whether you’re heading to the hilly trails of the Lake District or the windswept beaches in Cornwall, our tips on how to travel with pets will mean that you can easily plan for a stress-free getaway with your dog.
The essentials
No matter where you go, there are basic items that you’ll need to take with you when travelling with a pet. These will ensure that your canine companion will have all they need to live life as usual while they’re away from home:
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Collar, ID tag & lead – make sure your dog’s ID tag is up to date with your mobile number, so people can get in touch if the worst happens. A sturdy lead (and a spare standard lead, just in case) is another must, and a harness might be wise if you’ve got an excitable pup on your hands.
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Poo bags – and plenty of them! It’s best to always pack more than you think you’ll need. No one wants an emergency dash to the pet shop while on holiday.
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Food – we recommend sticking to your dog’s usual diet while you’re away. Sudden changes in diet can give them an upset tummy. And it’s always worth packing a little extra food, especially if your dog’s on a special diet or raw fed.
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Food and water bowls. – these are essentials to keeping your dog fed and hydrated on your travels. In particular, our automatic dog feeders and dog water fountains are excellent choices to keep your dog well looked after with ease.
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Dog water bottles – this one’s a must if you’re travelling in summer, so you can keep your pup hydrated on walks. Our Dog Mate Stainless Steel Water Bottle is an especially handy choice, featuring a mouth-friendly silicone bowl and double-wall insulation to keep drinks cool.
Tip: If you’re heading somewhere new, it might be worth bringing a longline lead for open spaces. You won’t always know where livestock are, so it’ll keep you and your dog safe if they suddenly decide to activate their ‘selective hearing’.
Home comforts
While you’re away on holiday, both you and your dog are sure to have plenty of fun and exciting moments. However, the new environment can sometimes make dogs a little anxious. To help them relax and ease into their holiday home, a few home comforts are well worth bringing along:
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Bed or blanket – bringing something that smells familiar will help your pooch feel right at home. Some dog-friendly properties offer dog beds, so you don’t have to pack yours, though it’s often best to bring it anyway.
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Toys and chews – pack a few of your pup’s favourite toys to keep them entertained during downtime. It’s also a great way to keep them busy if you plan on dining out.
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Treats and treat bag – talking of food, don’t forget your usual treats, so you can keep up with training or reward them for good behaviour.
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Crate – if your dog is crate-trained, bringing their crate will help create a safe space at your holiday cottage.
Health and safety
While out on their adventures, you never know what your dog will get up to! So, taking some health and safety items in case your dog needs some help is a must:
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Tick remover – especially if you’re heading to rural areas, like the Scottish Highlands or the New Forest.
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Antiseptic spray or wipes – in case of any cuts or scrapes.
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Bandages and vet wrap – super handy for keeping any small scrapes or wounds clean.
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Tweezers – for easy thorn or splinter removal.
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Emergency vet contact numbers – make sure to look these up before you go, so you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario.
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Regular medication – don’t forget to pack any regular medication or flea and tick treatments if your dog is due them while away.
Items for car trips
While there’s their time at the destination to prepare for when travelling with a pet, you’ll also need to bear in mind that your dog will need one or two things on the car trip up there, too! Our picks for the ‘on the road’ dog essentials can help keep your dog calm, cool and safe, especially if you’ve got any long road trips ahead of you.
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Seatbelt harness or travel crate – did you know it’s the law in the UK to restrain your dog while driving? Whether you use a harness or a crate, it’s up to you.
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Car boot or seat covers – dog-friendly breaks mean muddy paws. So, protect your seats or boot from mud or hair with a cover.
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Window shade or fan – if you’re travelling in warmer months, shade is a must for any long car journeys.
Location-specific items
Depending on where you’re heading or what type of dog-friendly holiday you have planned, you’ll need different items to keep your dog happy and healthy in various environments. Whether you’re considering a beach break, a stay at a cottage or farm, or a hiking holiday, we have tips for our location-specific items below:
Beach break
Your dog will need some supplies to keep them cool and dry in the warm weather on a beach holiday, such as:
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Doggy towel or drying coat – to help your pup dry off when they hop in the sea for a dip.
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Paw balm – to help protect against sand and salt.
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Beach shade or cooling mat – to keep your pup cool on hot days.
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Suncream – if your dog is prone to sunburn, invest in a pet-safe suncream to use on areas like their nose, ears, and belly.
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Insulated water bottle – a great way to keep your pup hydrated while you’re out and about. Our Dog Mate Stainless Steel Water Bottle is a great choice, as it features double-wall insulation to keep water cooler for longer.
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Tennis ball – a handy extra to have if you’re planning any beach walks. Throw it into the shallows if your dog’s hot and they’ll swiftly follow suit.
Country cottages or farm stays
Country and farm breaks will mean that you’re likely to be exploring the wilderness, so you’ll need to bring:
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Extra tick protection, such as a spray or a collar – this one’s a non-negotiable if you’re heading somewhere that ticks are prevalent (think grassy or wooded areas, or anywhere with a lot of deer or animals).
Hiking holidays
If you’re going on a hiking holiday, there are a few items that we recommend to keep your dog well looked after, such as:
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Backpack carrier – for smaller or older dogs who get tired easily.
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Map of local dog-friendly walks – so you don’t have to spend time researching while away.
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Light-up collar – so your pup is easy to spot out in the wild.
Travelling with a pet with help from Closer Pets
After reading our guide on how to travel with pets, you can take a look at our checklist before packing your bags to easily make sure your dog has everything they need! With the right dog products to hand, you can focus on the fun stuff while you’re travelling with a pet. This way, you and your dog can let loose while exploring new places and making memories.
If you’re looking for the ideal place to stay to accommodate both you and your pooch, we recommend heading on over to our friends at Dog Friendly Cottages. On their site, you can easily find a range of lovely cottages in popular locations that welcome every member of the family, paws or no paws!
If you’d like to find out more about our range of pet products and how they can improve your and your dog’s lifestyles, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’ll be more than happy to give you a helping paw!