Holidays are something many of us look forward to all year – a chance to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones. For dog owners and people who rely on assistance dogs for support, that may include bringing their four-legged companion along too.
But while we may enjoy a change of scenery, not all dogs feel the same way. Even trained assistance dogs can feel overwhelmed by new environments, unfamiliar routines, and long journeys.
We’ve put together some practical advice to help make travelling with your assistance or pet dog a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for you both.
Should you take your dog on holiday?
Before making plans, it’s important to consider whether a trip is the right choice for your dog. While some dogs thrive on new experiences, others feel more secure in familiar surroundings. Think about:
- Your dog’s age and overall health
- Their temperament and confidence in unfamiliar environments or people
- The weather and climate at your destination
- Your planned activities and daily schedule
- The length and type of journey
For some dogs, especially those who rely heavily on routine, staying at home with a trusted friend, family member, or professional pet sitter may be the best option.
How to choose a dog-friendly destination
When planning a dog-friendly holiday, it’s important to look beyond a simple ‘pet-friendly’ label. Not all accommodation offers the same experience for pets. Ask yourself:
- Is this safe and suitable for dogs?
- Are there nearby walking routes or green spaces? Do they allow off-lead exercise in that country?
- Are there any restrictions within the property?
Bringing familiar items such as your dog’s bed, blankets, and favourite toys can help them settle more quickly in a new place.
If your dog is crate trained, consider bringing their crate to give them a safe, familiar space to relax. It may be necessary to plan your trip so they are not left alone in an unfamiliar environment.
What to pack for your dog when travelling
Packing familiar items will help maintain your dog’s routine and keep them comfortable while away:
- Food and treats (check any destination-specific regulations before travelling)
- Fresh water and a travel bowl
- Lead, harness, and spare collar
- Bedding and familiar toys
- Any medication
- Poo bags
- Towels (especially if you’re planning a trip to the beach!)
- ADUK ID booklet
Keeping feeding and walking times consistent can help reduce stress and make your dog feel more at ease.
How to travel safely with your dog
The journey itself can be one of the most stressful parts of travelling with a dog, so planning ahead is key. If you’re travelling by car:
- Use a secure harness, seatbelt attachment, or pet carrier
- Provide a comfortable bed or blanket
- Take regular breaks for water, exercise, and toilet stops
- Avoid travelling during the hottest parts of the day
Cars can heat up quickly, even in mild weather, so always check the temperature in the back seats or boot area and never leave a dog alone in the car
Keep your dog safe: make sure your dog’s ID is up to date
In the UK, dogs must be microchipped by law, so it’s important to make sure your contact details are up to date before you travel.
When preparing for a trip abroad, your vet should also check that your dog’s microchip is working properly, as it will be scanned at border control when re-entering the UK.
It’s a simple step that could make all the difference if your dog becomes lost while you’re away.
Travelling abroad with your dog
Travelling overseas with your dog requires additional planning and preparation. You’ll need to:
- Check entry requirements for your destination
- Ensure your dog has the correct vaccinations and parasite treatments
- Arrange travel documents (such as an Animal Health Certificate)
- Understand the requirements for returning to the UK
- Understand local laws where you are travelling (for example, many countries do not allow dogs to be exercised off lead)
You can find lots of useful information at Gov.uk.
Air travel can be particularly stressful for dogs, as most must travel in the cargo hold rather than in the cabin. Where possible, consider destinations you can reach by car, ferry, or train.
Speak to your vet well in advance to make sure everything is in place before you travel.
Find a vet near your destination
Before travelling, take some time to find the nearest vet to where you’ll be staying and save their contact details, including any emergency or out-of-hours services.
If you’re travelling abroad, dogs returning to the UK must receive a tapeworm treatment 1–5 days before travel, which will need to be recorded in your Animal Health Certificate (AHC), where required.
You should also check your pet insurance before travelling, as some overseas vets may require payment upfront and there may be restrictions or exclusions on your policy when travelling abroad.
Safe travels
Strong, lasting bonds between people and dogs are built on understanding, trust and love. These are the same foundations that shape the life-changing partnerships we create between disabled people and our expertly trained assistance dogs.
Taking your dog on holiday can be a great experience, but it’s important to make the right choices for them. By taking the time to understand your dog and plan ahead, you can help them feel safe, supported and comfortable – wherever your journey takes you.