Travelling with Dogs

Sometimes a trip just isn't the same without the whole family, and that includes our furry friends. Luckily, taking your pet on adventures is an option! Here, we’re going to talk you through how to travel with a dog and everything to consider before you jet off.

If you are planning to travel with your dog, then here are some tips to help get you on your way! Be taking your dog on a trip, consider the following:

Before you think of anything else, consider how your dog behaves when in the car. While most dogs will happily hop in the boot for a quick trip, others may find it distressing, leading to anxiety or car sickness in dogs. 

If your dog is anxious when travelling, you can always employ a dog-calming aid, such as the Adaptil Travel Spray or even the Adaptil Collar, to help it feel safe even on the go. 

If you’re going away for an extended period, planning a trip abroad, or your dog doesn’t travel well, perhaps look into local dog kennels or find a friend or relative who can care for them while you’re away. 

Your mode of transport may vary depending on the distance and your circumstances, but dogs are allowed on various forms of public transport, not just cars. 

If you’re travelling by car, think about how your dog behaves in a car and whether they pose a distraction to the driver. Dogs should be secured when moving by a car-safe dog harness or seat belt. If your dog is particularly anxious, excitable, or likely to move around while you're driving, a car-safe dog crate may be more suitable as it keeps them secure without restraining them. The backseat is the safest place for a dog to be in the car, but they can be kept in the boot if in a suitable crate.

If you’re using public transport for your journey, ensure your dog is always on a lead or in a suitable dog carrier if you can carry it. You may need to plan ahead to ensure enough time for your dog to take regular bathroom breaks and have food and a drink. If your dog is nervous around too many people, aim to travel at off-peak times when it's quieter and employ dog-calming supplements to help put them more at ease. You should also research the rules for dogs on public transport if that's how you're travelling, as it varies between buses, trains, boats, planes and ferries. 

Quick trips don’t require as much planning, but if you’re going to be travelling for an hour or more, you need to plan ahead.

When travelling with a dog in the car, you should aim to stop every 2-3 hours for them to have a bathroom break, some fresh air, and food and water. Aim to travel no more than 7 hours in one day if you have a dog in the car.

The same goes for public transport, which might mean hopping off at earlier stops for a break during the journey, making your travel time longer. It is especially important to plan ahead for journeys with public transport to ensure you get to where you're going while keeping your dog calm, safe and happy. 

When travelling with a dog, you must bring all their essentials and your own, especially for overnight stays. This means more than just poo bags. If you plan an extended stay, your dog will need enough food for the trip, their bed, food bowl, and water bowl. You can even get dog travel bowls, like these Beco Collapsible Dog Bowls, which won’t take up too much space in your car or luggage for easy feeding on the go. 

If you’ve thought all of the above through and think that taking your dog for a trip is the right thing, then great! Go forth, have adventures and make memories. Just remember the following: 

• Make sure your dog is microchipped
• Make sure your dog has a collar and identification tag
• Make sure to pack your dog's favourite food, treats, toys and lead
• Speak with your vet if you plan to take your dog for a long trip (5+ hours) or take them abroad. 

We hope that this quick guide gives you all the information you need to start planning your trip with your dog. If you are planning a trip with your dog, then why not check out our great range of dog travel accessories from some of the top brands in the industry? 

This post is an opinion and should only be used as a guide. You should discuss any change to your pet’s care or lifestyle thoroughly with your vet before starting any program or treatment.

This post was written by a human.