Travelling with a dog can feel daunting, especially if it’s your first time. I’ve been there — worrying about car journeys, packing the right things, and whether my dog will cope with being away from home. The good news is that with a bit of planning, travelling with your dog doesn’t have to be stressful at all.
Over the years, I’ve learned that preparation makes all the difference. This guide walks through exactly how I prepare my dog for travel, using a simple checklist that keeps things calm, organised, and enjoyable for both of us.
Why Preparing Your Dog for Travel Is So Important
Dogs thrive on routine and familiarity. Sudden changes — new places, long journeys, different sleeping arrangements — can easily cause anxiety if they’re not introduced properly.
By preparing your dog in advance, you:
- Reduce stress and travel anxiety
- Avoid last-minute panics
- Help your dog feel safe and confident
- Make the journey far more enjoyable
Whether you’re heading off for a weekend in the countryside or a longer holiday, these steps apply to most types of travel.
✅ Step 1: Check Your Dog’s Health and Paperwork
Before I book anything, I always make sure my dog is healthy and travel-ready.
What I Check:
- Vaccinations are up to date
- Flea and worming treatments are current
- Microchip details are correct and registered
- ID tag includes my mobile number
If we’re travelling abroad, I also:
- Check Animal Health Certificate requirements
- Confirm rabies vaccinations and timelines
- Research country-specific entry rules
💡 Tip: I save digital copies of vet documents on my phone just in case.
✅ Step 2: Get Your Dog Comfortable with Travel
If your dog isn’t used to travelling, preparation should start weeks in advance.
For Car Travel:
- Take short, positive car journeys at first
- Gradually increase the length of trips
- Reward calm behaviour with praise or treats
- Use a dog seat belt, harness, or travel crate
For Crates or Carriers:
- Leave the crate open at home with treats inside
- Encourage your dog to explore it voluntarily
- Never force them in — confidence builds over time
I’ve found that making travel feel normal rather than exciting or scary helps enormously.
✅ Step 3: Book Dog-Friendly Accommodation Carefully
Not all “dog-friendly” places are created equal. I always check the fine print.
Things I Look For:
- Clear pet policies (fees, size limits, number of dogs)
- Enclosed gardens or safe outdoor areas
- Nearby walking routes or green spaces
- Flooring that’s easy to clean (especially for muddy paws!)
I also bring my dog’s own bed or blanket so they have something familiar to sleep on.
✅ Step 4: Pack a Dog Travel Essentials Bag
I have a dedicated travel bag just for my dog. It makes life so much easier.
My Dog Travel Packing List:
- Enough food for the entire trip (plus extra)
- Food and water bowls
- Lead, harness, and spare lead
- Dog bed or blanket
- Favourite toys or chews
- Poo bags and cleaning wipes
- Towel (essential after muddy walks)
- Medication and basic dog first aid items
💡 Tip: I avoid switching food while travelling — it can upset your dog’s stomach.
✅ Step 5: Prepare for Travel Anxiety
Even confident dogs can feel unsettled in new environments.
What Helps My Dog Stay Calm:
- Sticking to normal feeding and walking times
- Giving plenty of exercise before long journeys
- Using calming sprays or pheromone collars
- Keeping my own energy calm and relaxed
I always avoid sedatives unless advised by a vet. In my experience, routine and reassurance work far better.
✅ Step 6: Do a Trial Run Before the Big Trip
If we’re staying somewhere new or travelling longer than usual, I try to do a short test trip first.
This might be:
- A night away
- A longer car journey
- Staying with friends or family
Trial runs help identify any issues early — from travel sickness to sleeping arrangements.
✅ Step 7: Prepare the Night Before You Leave
The night before travel can feel chaotic, so I keep things simple.
My Night-Before Checklist:
- Pack the dog bag and keep it by the door
- Prepare travel documents and vet info
- Give my dog a normal walk and dinner
- Make sure water bowls are accessible
- Get an early night — for both of us
Dogs pick up on our stress, so staying calm really does help them.
🧳 Final Thoughts: Calm Dogs Start with Good Preparation
Preparing your dog for travel isn’t about perfection — it’s about thinking ahead and making small adjustments that help your dog feel safe and comfortable.
Every dog is different. Some adapt quickly, while others need more reassurance and routine. The key is to work at your dog’s pace and keep experiences positive.
When your dog feels secure, travel becomes something you can genuinely enjoy together — and that’s what holidays are all about.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travelling with a Dog
❓ How do I prepare my dog for travel?
To prepare your dog for travel, start early by introducing short journeys, checking vaccinations and microchip details, packing familiar items, and maintaining normal routines to reduce stress.
❓ How can I reduce travel anxiety in dogs?
You can reduce travel anxiety by keeping routines consistent, using familiar bedding or toys, exercising your dog before travel, and staying calm yourself.
❓ Is it safe to travel long distances with a dog?
Yes, it’s safe to travel long distances with a dog if you use proper safety equipment, take regular breaks, provide water, and ensure your dog is comfortable and secure.