Dog Travel Guide 2025

Dog Travel Guide 2025: Safe & Stress-Free Holiday Tips for Pet Owners

Expert tips for travelling with your dog in the UK. Learn how to keep your pet safe, comfortable & fed during holidays. Free behaviorist advice included.

21 July 2025·Dog Advice

Photo credit to @kayleighandsid on Instagram

Our food is approved & verified by our in-house veterinarian, canine nutritionist and behaviourist.

Planning a UK staycation with your furry companion? The pet travel industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with dog-friendly accommodations and services becoming increasingly popular across the UK. While travelling with your dog creates wonderful memories, it requires careful planning to ensure both you and your pet have a stress-free experience. We've compiled expert dog travel tips from our certified behaviourist, Diane, to ensure stress-free travel for both you and your dog, plus advice on the best dog food to bring with you for UK travel.

Essential Dog Travel Tips:

Plan toilet breaks every 2 hours during your journey

Secure your dog with a harness or crate for safety

Pack familiar food to avoid stomach upsets

Bring calming treats for anxious moments

How does travelling affect my dog?

Travelling often involves long car journeys and sometimes separation between you and your dog. Understandably, this can cause some anxiety for your dog, so it's essential to be prepared to keep the journey as comfortable as possible for your four-legged friend.

Signs of stress in dogs include:

What can I do to make travelling more comfortable for my dog?

Our certified behaviourist, Diane, has shared some of her top dog travel tips. If you'd like some more tailored guidance for your dog’s specific needs, book a free consultation with Diane by calling our team on 01952 456 850.

How should I prepare for the journey?

When planning your journey, make a note of any opportunities for your dog to stretch their legs and have a toilet break every 2 hours. If you plan to stop at a restaurant or accommodation, ensure it's dog-friendly so they can join you. Research dog-friendly services along your route to avoid last-minute stress.

How do I keep my dog safe and comfortable whilst travelling?

If you're travelling by car, the Highway Code states that your dog must be suitably restrained, such as securing them with a crate or a harness to keep them safe and prevent distractions while driving. Of course, never leave your dog alone in a parked car, as temperatures can quickly rise and become dangerous, even on mild days.

Be ready for the unknown

It can be difficult to get to know your rescue dog’s true personality and traits straight away. Rescue dogs often come with gaps in their history, and it’s common for behaviours to change once they settle in. Diane notes that it can take up to three months to really get to know them.

Create a safe, calm, and predictable home environment

Creating a calm environment, establishing consistent routines, and introducing new experiences and people gradually are essential for helping your rescue dog adjust. Allow them to approach you when they feel comfortable. This is particularly important for foreign rescues, as they may have experienced trauma and spent days travelling before arriving.

Keep it simple

Put together a simple plan for the first few days that avoids big outings or visitors. While your friends may be eager to meet your new four-legged family member, remember that your dog may need weeks to settle in. Use your best judgement during this period. When taking your dog out for walks, keep them short initially to avoid overwhelming them.

Diane’s final tips

Even if your dog seems fine upon arrival, make sure to get them covered by insurance and have them checked by a vet as soon as possible.

Keep an open mind. As mentioned earlier, it can take some time for your dog's true personality to shine. They may not look or act as you expected, but they’ll surprise you in wonderful ways!

Enjoy the process. Bringing home a new four-legged friend is an exciting experience, so take the time to appreciate the journey.