Travelling with your dog this summer? Here’s how to make it safe, comfortable and stress-free for everyone.

Around 62% of UK households have a pet and 90% of dog owners see their dog as part of the family. So it’s not surprising that the majority of us plan to take our dogs on holiday or even just out for the day. 2.5 million car trips happen every day in the busiest summer months. That means a lot of traffic on roads to popular places, like beaches and country parks. Follow our guide to steer clear of traffic jams, hot cars and bored or stressed occupants (be it 2 or 4 legged) to enjoy some pawsome summer adventures.

Top tips for travelling by car

1. Safety first

The legal bit

• All occupants have to be safely restrained in a moving car. A sudden stop or bump could catapult your pet through a window into the road or into a human passenger. 
• Driving without due care and attention: if your dog distracts you when you’re driving, you risk a hefty fine and points on your driving licence. 
• Make sure your dog is microchipped, it’s the law. If your dog escapes the car or gets lost somewhere unfamiliar, it’s your best chance of getting them home again.

Safe and sound

• Dogs are most secure in their own crate or carrier in the back of a car. 
• Use a safety belt harness for dogs who travel on the passenger seats.
• Avoid travelling with dogs on your knee.
• Don’t let your dog travel in the front passenger seat or footwell. They might distract you or get between your foot and the control pedals.
• Please don’t let your dog put their head out of the window when you’re driving. Unsurprisingly, dogs love feeling the breeze on their faces at speed. But it can lead to tragedy if they’re hit by a car coming the other way. And serious eye problems can result from a fly, stone or piece of grit getting into your dog’s eye while you’re travelling at speed.
• Never leave your dog in the car in warm or sunny weather. Dogs die in hot cars.

2. Plan ahead

Your dog’s first car journey shouldn’t be 8 hours on a motorway or a long winding road.

• Get your dog used to travelling shorter distances and build up gradually.
• In the summertime, travel later or earlier in the day. It’ll be cooler and the roads will be quieter.
• Only feed your dog a light meal before travelling. And give it at least an hour or two before leaving. Take them for a walk before starting out.
• Keep the car windows open or air conditioning on and ensure your dog’s area is kept cool and well ventilated.
• Calming products such as Adaptil collars, Thundershirts and food supplements like Zylkene can help relax nervous dogs.
• Speak to a vet about medicine for travel sickness if your dog still won’t settle in the car. 

3. Schedule comfort breaks

It’s not just the human passengers who will need a break when travelling:

• Check the route before you go so you know where to break up longer journeys with comfort breaks for everyone. 
• Carry plenty of fresh water for your dog and a bowl.
• Don’t forget the poo bags. 
• If it’s a long journey, carry light, easy-to-digest food for snacks, unless your dog is travel-sick
• Plan a picnic for the human passengers as well. Dogs die in hot cars, so you won’t want to leave them while you go to a cafe for lunch. 54 dogs died from heat stroke in 2022. That was only the recorded number. The real figure may be even higher. You could also check out quiet pet-friendly cafes on the route, so you can all keep cool together.
• Always keep your dog on a lead near busy roads.

4. Are we nearly there yet? Boredom busters

It’s not just human passengers who get bored on long journeys (or even short ones, come to that).

Boredom busters for dogs

• If you can’t persuade your dog to play ‘I-spy’ or ’20 questions’, take along a favourite toy or blanket.
• Some dogs are happier when they can see the views out the window. 
• Use relaxing music to create a calm and soothing atmosphere.
• Break up the journey with detours to a grassy park to play. Or at least a Motorway Service Station that has some grassy areas.

5. Expect the unexpected

Let’s face it, even with the best-laid plans, stuff happens. Be prepared and you won’t be caught out.

• If you’re travelling far from home, consider carrying a pet first aid kit. Include antiseptic wipes, a tick remover, scissors, wound dressings and cooling pads.
• Take a supply of towels, puppy pads and doggy wipes. Be prepared if there’s a chance your furry friend may be sick or have an accident in the car. (Maybe throw an air freshener in the bag as well!)
• Check that your dog’s microchip contact details are up to date.

Travelling by train

• Well-behaved dogs can travel on trains with their owner, as long as they stay on a lead or in a secure carrier.
• You can take up to 2 pets with you free of charge, but any more and you need to contact the train company first.
• Just like travelling by car, try to break up the journey and travel on quieter trains at quieter times of the day. Travelling on a packed train in the height of summer could be an uncomfortable experience for you and your pet.
• Remember, your dog can’t pee or poo on a train, so journeys can only be as long as they can comfortably wait between walks.

Travelling by bus

• Many UK buses will allow travel with one small dog. However, It’s always up to the driver. And usually, only one pet at most is allowed on any bus. If the bus is busy, the driver may say ‘no’. If you are relying on the bus, plan for alternative times and routes as a back-up.
• If you do travel by bus, keep your pet on a lead or in a carrier, and clear of the gangway. It could be cramped!

Travelling can be strange and unsettling for dogs. Loss of routine, strange smells and loud traffic noise are going to leave them feeling exhausted. They may become restless and agitated. Whether you travel by car, bus or train, give your dog time to get used to new surroundings. Be patient and keep your dog on a lead when you arrive.  

Travelling abroad with dogs

Advance planning is essential for travelling abroad with your dog. Talk to your vet as soon as you start to think about taking your dog to another country. 

For travel to the EU or Northern Ireland, your dog will need:

• Their own Pet Passport, or
• A UK Health Certificate. To get a Health Certificate, your dog needs to see an Official Veterinarian (OV) between 1 and 10 days before you travel. Not all vets are OV’s, so check with your local practice.

Both the Pet Passport and UK Health Certificates need proof of:

• Microchipping date
• Rabies vaccination booster dates. Your pet can’t travel to any EU country or NI until at least 21 days after their first rabies vaccination, or restarting rabies vaccination if boosters have lapsed.

Other requirements:

• Tapeworm treatment: 1-4 days before coming back to the UK or entering certain other EU countries, your dog needs an approved wormer from a vet. This needs to be recorded on their pet passport or health certificate.

Check the entry requirements for the country you’re travelling to. Different countries can have different rules surrounding the frequency of rabies boosters and worming requirements.

A word of caution!

There are some biting insects and other parasite disease hazards in EU countries that we don’t have in the UK. Ask your vet about effective preventive care. It may not be required for a Pet Passport or Health Certificate but it could be life-saving for your pet.

However, you and your dog plan to spend the summer, have a wonderful time. And don’t forget to take us with you! 

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