How to plan a holiday with your pet

18th Jul 2023 Animals & Pets

Planning on travelling by car on holiday with your furry friend this summer? Here are a few things to consider before taking your dog on a UK-based break

With summer in full-swing, national pet charity Blue Cross has some advice for pet owners who are taking their dog on holiday with them this year.

The charity has put together a checklist of things to consider before heading away with your pet:

Make sure your mobile number is on your dog’s tag
Check contact details of nearest vet and pack a doggy first aid kit—just in case
Pack their blanket or bed 
Always have clean water for the journey and while away
Pack their favourite toys and plenty of poo bags
Pack any medicines your pet needs
Make sure their flea and worm treatment is up to date
Pack their food, treats and a chew to help them relax
If they might take a dip in the sea, or other water, take a towel and brush

Accommodation

Many hotels, AirBnBs and B&Bs are now dog-friendly, but your dog may still appreciate their favourite blanket or toy to help them settle into their new surroundings. It’s a good idea to take their regular food with you too as diet changes may cause your pet to get ill.

Camping

If your dog has never been camping before then practise with your pet in your garden before you go to get your pet used to the experience.

As your dog will be sleeping in the tent with you, you’ll need to get them used to being inside it. This may seem strange, but dogs are often not used to such a confined space and the lack of windows may make them worry.

"Remember to keep your dog in the shade during the hottest part of the day"

Encourage your dog inside the tent with lots of praise and treats and calmly sit next to them inside. Leaving the tent up all day and going in and out with them in short bursts will be the best way to encourage them inside with you. You can even give them their favourite chew when they are lying in the tent with you.

Find a camping spot in a shaded area and never leave your dog in a hot tent. Remember to keep your dog in the shade during the hottest part of the day and think about ways you can keep your pet cool—there may be a river, lake or dog-friendly beach nearby for them to take a nice dip in.

Travelling with your pet

Never leave your pet in the car unattended, even with the windows open, as this can be fatal very quickly.
Dogs need to be secured either in a crate or harness clipped into the seatbelt—it is actually a rule to abide by in the Highway Code.
Pets must always be able to stand up, sit and lie down in comfort. If it is not possible to have a cage for your dog, then either secure them on the back seat with a purpose-made seatbelt harness, or behind a fitted dog guard in the space to the rear of the back seat if in an estate or hatchback.
If you are going on a long journey, you’ll need to make sure that your pet has the opportunity to go to the toilet, exercise and has access to food and water.
Keep pets out of the sunlight—your pet may have started in the shade but it might not be by the end of the trip. Dogs can all suffer with heatstroke and become unwell or worse very quickly.

Out and about on walks

Be extra careful around livestock with your dog—they need to be placed on lead. It’s a criminal offence to allow your dog to chase or attack livestock and farmers can shoot dogs they believe are worrying livestock on their land.

"It’s a criminal offence to allow your dog to chase or attack livestock"

Check freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds and canals to make sure they are clean before letting your dog dive in. Some types of algae, including blue-green algae, are toxic to dogs. If your dog swims in algae-contaminated water, contact your vet immediately.

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