Five Top Tips for Dog Friendly Travel
As more places open their doors to guests with waggy tails and dog friendly travel in the UK continues to grow, it’s easier than ever to take your dog on holiday with you. But before you go, there are a few things to think about to make sure your dog has a relaxing break too.
How will your dog settle in a new environment? Where should you go, and what should you pack? And what do you need to consider on the drive there?
It might seem like a whole new set of complications, but don’t worry, we’ve pulled together some practical dog friendly travel tips to help your next holiday go as smoothly as possible. A bit of planning goes a long way when it comes to travelling with your dog, helping you both relax and make the most of your time away together.
One: Teach Your Dog to Settle
There’s a core set of skills most dog owners teach their dogs from a young age: sit, stay, lie down and recall.
Often, the idea of teaching our dogs to settle doesn’t cross our minds until we’re desperately trying to get them to relax away from home. Working on this as one of your basic commands will pay off hugely when travelling with your dog, whether that’s in a holiday cottage or a dog friendly pub.
It’s never too late to start introducing settle training into your daily routine. Using a settle mat that you can take with you on outings can be really helpful. Build up how long you ask your dog to spend on the mat gradually, as well as the level of distraction, so they learn to switch off in different environments.
Dogs Trust have a useful ‘how-to’ guide if you’re not sure where to start.
Two: Choose the Right Destination (and the Right Time)
We are truly spoiled in the UK when it comes to choice, and one of the joys of dog friendly holidays is being able to tailor a trip to suit your dog as well as you.
If you’ve got a sociable pup who loves joining you for brunch, a city break might be right up your street. If you have a more anxious dog, somewhere quiet in the countryside – particularly outside of the school holidays – is often a much better option.
If off-lead walks are top of your list, choose destinations such as Scotland, where there’s no shortage of woodland trails and open space. Many dog owners opt for rural escapes in the first week of November to avoid fireworks, while others travel in winter to enjoy beaches without seasonal dog bans. In the warmer summer months, heading north or to the coast can help keep your dog cool.
If your dog is reactive and struggles in busy places, take a look at our guide to the best UK destinations for reactive dog owners for tried and tested recommendations.
Three: Find the Best Dog Friendly Accommodation
There are some truly stunning dog friendly accommodation options out there, but the things that make the biggest difference to your stay are often the most practical details.
No dog owner has ever had a relaxing holiday with a white carpet in the living room. Easy-to-clean floors might not be the most Instagrammable feature, but they’ll make day-to-day life far easier … especially after muddy walks.
For many dog owners, a safely enclosed garden is another top priority, particularly if there are any handy gaps a small dog could wriggle through. Others may prefer a bedroom with a door that closes rather than studio-style accommodation if their dog is a night pacer.
Everything comes down to personal preference. Making a list of your non-negotiables can help you quickly narrow down suitable places. Once you’ve found accommodation that meets all your practical needs, you can focus on choosing the prettiest one.
Four: Pack Wisely
It’s usually easy to remember the things you’ve bought specifically for your holiday.
Guidebook? Check.
New hiking boots? Check.
Camera? Check.
The more practical, everyday items are the easiest to forget, but they can make a huge difference when travelling with your dog. A doggy first aid kit, extra dog towels or drying robes and a tick hook are all must-pack items.
If your dog likes to jump on the sofa, taking a couple of throws can help avoid leaving it covered in hair and mud. Likewise, if your dog sleeps on the bed, bringing your own sheets and duvet covers can make life easier all round.
Packing a few familiar items from home will also help your dog settle into their temporary lodgings. Their usual bed, blankets and a favourite toy or two can go a long way in helping them relax in a new environment.
Five: Travel Safely With Your Dog
Travelling can be a stressful experience for many dogs, particularly if they’re not used to long journeys. If your dog isn’t an experienced traveller, spend some time getting them comfortable in the car before setting off on holiday.
Build positive associations by feeding them in the boot (or wherever they’ll travel), and start with short drives before gradually increasing the duration.
When you do set off, plan to stop every few hours so your dog can stretch their legs. This can be a great way to explore new parts of the UK along the way. Rather than stopping at motorway services, look for short walks en route. National Trust estates often have dog friendly walks across the country.
While it can be tempting to let your dog travel loose in the back seat for comfort, this can be extremely dangerous in the event of an accident. The safest place for your dog to travel is in the boot, ideally secured in a travel crate. Adding a comfortable travel bed can help them settle. Chances are they’ll curl up and snooze for most of the drive.
A Final Thought on Dog Friendly Travel
Taking your dog on holiday can be hugely rewarding, especially when their comfort and routine are considered from the start. These dog friendly travel tips are a great place to begin when planning what will work best for you and your dog … wherever your travels take you.
