Planning a holiday with your furry friend can be a rewarding experience, and lots of fun, but it requires thoughtful preparation. Pet travel needs to be planned out in advance, to make sure you have the right equipment and paperwork. And dont forget the tracker if yours is a runner!
Dog Travel Checklist
Below is a comprehensive dog holiday checklist to ensure your four-legged friend enjoys the trip as much as you do. Whether it’s road trips, beach vacations, or visiting new destinations, this guide covers everything you need to pack and prepare, so both you and your dog can have a perfect family holiday.
There are things you need to take – and things you need to have organised before-hand (like the Animal Health Certificate).
Dog Travel Essentials
To keep your dog comfortable and happy during your holiday, make sure to include these dog travel essentials in your packing list:
Food and Treats
Pack enough dog food for the entire trip in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Bring your pup’s favorite treats to reward good behavior and keep them calm during travel.
For long journeys, have food and water on hand for pit stops.
Water Bowl and Water Bottle
A collapsible water bowl is lightweight and easy to carry during walks.
Bring a reusable bottle for refills to keep your dog hydrated.
Dog Bed and Blankets
Your dog will feel more at home with their own bed or a cozy travel version It is a good idea to bring their normal dog bed so they have continuity with their normal smells and feel.
A blanket can double as bedding and provide comfort in unfamiliar surroundings.
Dog Travel Bag and Supplies
Pack all essentials in a dedicated dog travel bag for easy access, when you go our for a day on your holidays.
Include dog poop bags (or poo bags) to clean up after your pet.
Collar, Harness, and Leads
Ensure your dog’s collar is secure and includes ID tags with your up-to-date contact information.
A sturdy harness, a spare lead, and a long lead are ideal for walks in different terrains. An extra leash is wise, because it is easy to leave things behind.
A ground auger and a 30 metre lead, for gardens that are not enclosed or at the beach or park etc.
Include short leads for urban settings.
A global dog tracker is a good idea if you’re worried your pooch is a runner, or of them being dog-napped.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit (including one for your family – a human first aid kit) is crucial for emergencies.
Stock it with items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and paw balm to handle minor injuries.
Remember, dogs cannot have ibuprofen (their equivalent is Loxicom) but they can have paracetamol, so ask your vet or trusted website for dosage for your dog’s weight.
Paperwork
- The transport extra – on EuroTunnel they charge £22 per dog, each way. On DFDS ferries, they charge £15 per dog each way.
The vaccination certificate, up to date
Medication proof
A local Vets contact details
It is a good idea to have photocopies of all your human passports, as well as those for your pooch.
Going to Europe, you will need to first go to your vets to get an Animal Health Certificate.
Dog Friendly Villa
You need to make sure you have booked a dog friendly villa for your family holidays with your pooch. Does it have a private pool? Will it work for your whole family?
Make sure that the villa has a specific place for dogs to sleep and ideally to be contained, that is the right temperature for them. Dogs can overheat easily, if it is hot outside and they are excited. If they get hot, make sure to mandate that they are shut away in a cool place like a cellar for a few hours of the day to cool off.
Additional Items to Pack
Here are some extra items to consider for your four-legged friend:
Favorite Toys: Familiar items, like a favorite toy, keep your dog entertained.
Towel: Useful for drying off after a swim or cleaning muddy paws. Make sure to use this before your dog goes inside the villa, or you might end up paying more for cleaning!
Travel Crate: A crate can serve as a safe space for your pet during travel or at your accommodation. You will want a place to keep them if you go out or need them to rest.
Brush: For long-haired dogs, brushing helps reduce shedding during your trip.
Medication: Pack your dog’s regular medication and any supplements they may need.
Preparing for the Journey
Road Trips and Longer Journeys
Use a seat belt attachment or a dog crate to keep your pooch secure in the car.
Plan for short trips beforehand to help your dog get used to being in a vehicle.
Visiting Pet-Friendly Locations
Research pet-friendly accommodations and activities before booking your holiday.
Many airlines allow pets, but check specific regulations if you’re flying. They can be crazy-expensive.
Comfort in New Surroundings
Bring a recent photo of your dog in case they get lost.
Familiar items like their dog bed or toys can ease stress in new environments.
Dog Friendly Travelling
While travelling by car, make sure to take pee breaks, and for your dog to have a little run around and stretch their legs. Pet travel varies depending on what your dog likes. Some dogs are amazing in the car and very relaxed. Others can be frantic. It is a good idea to get them used to longer and longer trips in the car over time, so they are ready for your holiday travel plans.
Arrival
When you get there, first get them to have a pee and a run around
Give them a treat so they associate the holiday home with happy times and tasty treats
Show them their ‘room’ or their area where their bed will be.
Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday
Routine and Comfort
Stick to your dog’s regular feeding and walking schedule to minimize stress.
Always pack enough food, as sudden changes to their diet can upset their stomach.
Hydration and Breaks
Take breaks during car journeys to let your pup stretch and hydrate.
Keep a water bowl and water bottle handy for convenience.
Pet Safety
Check that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date.
Carry their health records in case of a visit to a local vet.
Dog Walks
Of course, make sure you go for walks with your dog every day on your family holiday or vacation. Ideally, if your dog friendly villa has a huge garden, you can just let them off and out, for a run, all day long.
FAQs About Traveling With Dogs
Q: What should be in a dog travel bag?
A: A dog travel bag should include essentials like dog food, poop bags, a water bowl, a towel, a 1st aid kit, and your dog’s favorite toy.
Q: Are holidays stressful for dogs?
A: Holidays can be low-level stressful due to unfamiliar surroundings. However, bringing familiar items like their bed and sticking to routines can help them adjust, for it to be a more dog friendly holiday. And it should be fun for them!
Q: What do I need for my dog to travel?
A: Ensure you pack food, water, name tags, a seat belt or crate, and supplies like a harness and leads.
Q: Do dogs like going on holiday?
A: Most dogs enjoy spending extra time with their owners and exploring dog-friendly destinations.
Q: What to pack for a trip with a dog?
A: Include items such as dog food, water bowls, toys, a towel, medication, and a 1st aid kit in your packing list.
Remember any paperwork and Animal Health Certificate if you are going abroad.
Q: What do I need to take on holiday for my dog?
A: Bring your dog’s essentials, including a bed, treats, a collar with ID tags, a travel crate, and plenty of poo bags.
Dog Food
It is worth thinking ahead about what they will eat. Dont forget to take some of the food they are used to at home – you might not be able to get it locally, and it wil make them feel more at home and happy.
If they eat fresh meat, you have maybe 2 days that this will be OK to bring, before it starts to perish. Make sure your dog friendly holiday place has a fridge for this.
If they eat kibble normally, fantastic as this is easy to transport.
It is wise to take 2 day’s worth of food with you, so is is covered, and you dont need to stress about shopping for the right food.
Dog Holiday Checklist – Wrap-Up
Pet travel should be fun, and with this dog holiday checklist, you should have a fantastic family holiday
Ready to Book? Contact us here to call or message us with any requirements you have, and to place your booking. Check availability here. Any problems or queries whatsoever, just call us here.
Owner of the stunning gite in Dordogne, south-west France, Duncan designed and project-managed all of the renovations here and was hands-on with some of the building, from the Banquet Hall and Games Room to the private pool.
Duncan offers high-end luxury family holidays here at this stunning farmhouse villa, for families to have fun, relax and create happy memories together.
We also specialise in helping families with autistic children to have great family holidays together in the peace and tranquility of the rural French countryside.
