Dogs deserve holidays, too, but taking your pet away with you comes with a few added logistics. Whether you’re planning a short trip to the country or taking your dog abroad, booking, traveling and packing will require a little more thought. It needn’t be complicated for our canines, though. Here’s what you need to know before you bring the dog along…
Planes, trains and automobiles: transport and dogs
Flying with dogs can involve a complicated web of rules, regulations and paperwork — especially if you’re going transcontinental. Generally, if your dog is allowed to fly in the cabin with you (more common on continental European and North American airlines), they’ll need to be kept in a carrier placed under the seat in front. This means there’s usually a weight limit of around 8kg (17.5lbs), so your labradors and leonbergers will be resigned to travelling in the cold, dark hold, which is no fun and can cause trauma for your beloved pet.
An easier way to travel with your dog is to get behind the wheel. Driving allows for flexibility, as you can choose when and where to stop for essential leg-stretching walks and toilet breaks. It also means your pet can be afforded the comfort and luxury they deserve with plenty of soft bedding and blankets. In the UK, it’s a legal requirement to have your dog restrained in the car, so invest in a reinforced crate, such as the Thule Allax, or a crash-tested car seat like those made by Tavo — these keep your dog safe while you drive and in the event of an accident.
The most environmentally friendly option is to take the train. All UK train operators allow pets on board as long as they are on your lap, the floor or secured into a pet carrier — including in the cabins of the Night Riviera to Penzance and the Scotland-bound Caledonian Sleeper, for an additional fee. In the US, dogs under 9kg (20lbs) are generally allowed on Amtrak services (though some specific routes may have further restrictions). In Europe, things get a little complicated as different operators have different rules, but dogs are generally allowed on most trains as long as they’re muzzled and on a lead, except in Spain where only a handful of routes allow dogs.
Checking in with your dog
We can all get a bit giddy when checking into a new hotel, and dogs are no exception. The new sights, smells and sounds are a delicious feast for their senses, so don’t be surprised if your usually demure dog gets a little overwhelmed by all the newness. A great way to ensure they can keep calm and carry on checking in is to do a ‘recce’ walk around the hotel grounds on arrival. Let them follow their nose and sniff around before you head inside; they’ll get the lay of the land and hopefully have a chance to relieve themselves before you reach reception.
Once in your room, be sure they know which space is theirs to call home for the night. The hotel may well provide a bed for the dog, but bringing a familiar blanket or toy will signify to them that it’s their safe space. Dogs generally aren’t allowed on the furniture in hotel rooms, but unfortunately they don’t know the difference between the chaise-longue in your suite and the sofa back home, so bringing a throw or two to cover choice pieces of furniture is always a good idea.
Different hotels will have different policies on whether dogs can be left in rooms — check in advance, and if you do decide to leave them behind, ensure reception has your mobile number in case of any disturbance. Nobody wants to be listening to a howling hound all afternoon while you’re in the spa feeling serene.
The essentials: what to pack for your dog
Beyond the obvious gear — dog food, leashes, blankets — there are a handful of travel accessories for dogs that are designed to make your life easier. The Skinny Dog Collective settle mat can be a gamechanger for dogs who struggle to chill out while in restaurants and pubs, as it creates a cosy, safe space for them to relax on while you dine. A waterproof longline leash can also be handy for walks with dogs that have unreliable recall but would still like a little more freedom (they’re great for beach strolls, where picnics are liable to be snaffled by rogue Rovers). And if you’re likely to be out for long days or evenings with your dog, don’t forget to bring their dinner in an air-tight bowl — try this one from Pup & Kit.
Treats are another essential accessory and they should be dispensed at will when you need to bribe your dog into good behaviour, but consider also bringing some natural long-lasting chews to keep them busy while you’re eating breakfast or enjoying sundowners in the garden. JR Pet Products has an odourless range of snacks that won’t stink out the restaurant.
Finally, muddy paws can be a problem after country walks so always bring a towel, and consider investing in a bodysuit or long-legged fleece from Equafleece to keep any longer fur free from muck.
Training tips: new skills for stress-free trips
When you throw your dog into a new situation, it’s normal for their behaviour to change a little. Doing some at-home practice could make all the difference and mean your trips are stress-free — as any good holiday should be. Try visiting your local pub a few times before you go away, and if you’re taking them on public transport, do a few short dummy trips before you jump into an hours-long excursion to make sure your dog is comfortable.
A simple ‘watch me’ command is helpful for keeping their focus in busy environments or where there may be food around, and practising being calm on a settle mat will mean mealtimes go off without a hitch. Just don’t forget to reward your dog with a spare chip or two…
Ready to see the world with your dog? Explore our collection of dog-friendly cottages in the UK or spa hotels where the four-legged are welcome
Lottie Gross is a travel writer specialising in unearthing all the best places to visit, walk and stay with your pet. She has written two best-selling dog-friendly guidebooks, Dog Days Out and Dog-Friendly Weekends, and is regularly published in The Telegraph, The Times, The Independent, The i Paper and National Geographic Traveller.