Planning a holiday in the UK? Travelling by car can make it much easier to bring your pet along. While taking your pet abroad isn’t always practical, a local road trip means your four-legged companion doesn’t have to miss out. In this guide, we’ll share our top tips for travelling with your pet by car safely, comfortably and with as little stress as possible.
Should I bring my pet?
Not every pet enjoys travelling by car, so before you set off it’s worth considering whether the journey is right for them. Ask yourself:
- Is this their first long car journey?
- Are they elderly or less mobile?
- Do they become anxious in unfamiliar situations?
- Do they have any health conditions that could make travelling uncomfortable?
If you answered ‘yes’ to most of these questions, it may be kinder to leave them at home with a pet sitter. On the other hand, if your pet is a confident traveller, here are our top tips for a happy holiday.
Planning ahead
1. Find pet-friendly accommodation
If you plan to stay in a hotel during your holiday, be sure to call ahead and find out exactly what their pet policy includes. It’s important to check exactly what’s allowed in detail to make sure you’re on the same page. Some hotels will be fine with you leaving your pet in the room during the day, but others won’t allow that. If you’re renting a home, be sure you’re clear as to the rules for having pets on the property.
2. Organise the essentials
Make a packing list for the trip to include those travel essentials you know your pet will need. For example, one pet parent we spoke to never leaves the house without a pet first aid kit. There are many other items to remember, including medications, a travel water bottle or bowl, their usual food, a blanket, a dog lead, and favourite toys. Your pet should always be wearing a collar and tag.
Also, make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Take a copy of your pet’s vaccination record and any important medical information with you. You might want to consider keeping a copy of these important records in your wallet or secured in the glovebox of your car.
3. Get them used to the car
Some pets are anxious in the car, so they may require getting acclimated in advance of a longer journey. If this sounds like your cat or dog, build up to longer trips by gradually introducing short ones and reward them with treats and praise so they start to associate the car with positive experiences. On the day of the trip, a pheromone spray such as Adaptil (for dogs) or Feliway (for cats) can also help a nervous pet feel more settled.
Try not to feed your pet a large meal immediately before setting off, as this may help reduce travel sickness.
On the road
4. Buckle up
The last thing any of us wants to think about is an accident, so it’s important to keep your pet secure while driving. A pet left loose in the car is dangerous for both the animal and the driver. Take the time to kit out your car and your pet with the right gear. Use a crash-tested harness, secure carrier or travel crate that’s appropriate for your pet’s size. For extra peace of mind, secure your furry companion using a car safety harness.
5. Plan to make stops
On a long trip, it’s inevitable that both of you will need to stop to use the toilet, stretch your legs, and have a water break. Your pet will probably need a break every 2 to 3 hours, but if you have a puppy, you should stop even more frequently. Make sure you pack a lead to clip on before opening the car door, and consider using a car seat cover to keep your car interior clean from mucky paws.
Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Cars can heat up extremely quickly, putting pets at serious risk of heatstroke.
6. Offer toys and treats
Long car journeys can be boring for pets, so pack a few favourite toys to help keep them occupied. For a special treat, consider offering dogs a new chew toy to help them stay settled during the journey.
Getting settled in
7. Let them explore
Once you’ve reached your destination, there will be so many new things to see and smell. Your pet will need to let off some pent-up energy and could benefit from some exercise. Give them plenty of time to settle into the new space and smells. Ideally, you can find a spot for them to explore safely at their own pace.
8. Have fun
Bringing your pet along on holiday can make your time away even more special. With the everyday routine behind you, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax, explore and enjoy some extra quality time together.
