How To Travel With Your Pet

Dog Friendly Holidays

“It has never been easier to travel in the UK with your dog, with an abundance of pet-friendly destinations, accommodation and activities to choose from.

For dog friendly beach holidays, Cornwall is a favourite amongst pet owners and pets alike, famed for its welcoming shores and craggy coves, it’s truly a dog’s paradise. North Cornwall has an abundance of beaches that are open to dogs all year round. Be sure to check out Fistral Beach, Widemouth Bay (south side only) or Mawgan Porth for stunning scenery and miles of footpath.

If, however, you’d prefer to keep the sand out of your shoes – the Lake and Peak Districts are known for their great dog-friendly walking and open countryside waiting for your pup to explore. Our favourites include Grizedale Forest, Loweswater and Walla Crag for stunning scenery and waterside fun in the Lakes and Upper Derwent Valley reservoirs, Goyt Valley and Lathkill Dale in the Peaks.

While it may seem like an obvious point, a top tip is to research the hotel, resort or campsite to check it has everything you need for your pooch. Some beaches and hotels, although pet-friendly, will charge an additional fee. Also, there may be restrictions on where you can access with your pet in tow, particularly public beaches at peak times, so make sure your canine companions are allowed before you make the journey.

Doggie Packing Checklist

There are a few pet essentials you don’t want to leave home without, even if you are going to a well equipped dog-friendly place (and there are some amazing accommodation websites out there to suit all budgets and tastes). Make sure your pup will have a comfortable place to sleep: our Travel Mats are perfect for throwing in the boot of your car before you head off on your adventure, and are available in three beautiful prints. Dogs love familiarity so take their bed or basket with you to make them feel right at home, the smell and feel will help to settle them at night and place it in a similar location to their own home.

Other must haves include: a collar and tag with your details, a lead, a travel water bottle, treats, bowls, a favourite toy, a ball, biodegradable poop bags, dog food and drying towels.

As the great British weather can be unpredictable, pack a warm water-resistant dog coat particularly if your pup is not keen on getting soaked; also if they have fine short hair or if you are planning some high altitude hikes.

Dog Car Travel Tips

If you’re wondering how to travel with a dog, you won’t be the first person and you certainly won’t be the last. Thankfully, we’ve put together some top tips on how to keep your canine companion safe, stylish and secure while travelling to your destination.

Hungry Hounds

To help prevent travel sickness, try to feed your hungry hound at least four hours before you set off, or better still, feed them when you arrive at your destination. Dogs are designed to go long hours without eating so we promise they won’t starve! Travel sickness tends to be more common in puppies and younger dogs, however, this doesn’t mean older dogs won’t experience symptoms too. Watch out for the signs, which can include vomiting, panting, restlessness, whining and yawning.

Buckle Up

Your dog may prefer to have the run of the car but it’s far safer for everyone if your furry friend is strapped in securely with either a pet seatbelt or in a carrier. If you’re going on a long car journey, allow time to make a couple of stops along the way so that your canine companion is able to have a drink, stretch their legs and go to the toilet.

Keeping It Cool

We just adore seeing those ears flapping in the wind, with the sunshine on their snouts. Our dogs love to cool off when travelling in the car. They don’t sweat like us so it’s important to keep the air-con on or windows open, particularly if it’s warm. Travel water bottles are a great way to keep them hydrated on the move and cooling collars and mats are handy to prevent your pooch from getting too hot under the collar!”