Here at Canine Cottages, we take care of everything you need for your holiday, helping you to find the perfect place to stay in the UK with your four-legged friend. But there are a number of things you need to remember to ensure your canine companion enjoys their break just as much as you do.
We've been talking to our fantastic partners at Battersea and they've kindly given us some advice on their essentials for holiday packing with the dog - we've added in a few extras that we'd recommend too!
Read on to find a host of helpful tips so all bases are covered, and you can all enjoy having an absolute ball at one of our dog-friendly properties.
What to pack for your dog-friendly break
Canine holiday FAQs
Preparing your dog for a canine-friendly holiday depends on how far you’re travelling. If it’s just a short drive away, then prepare a comfortable and safe bed in the car, make sure they’re well-exercised and have done their business, and remember to leave some water and their favourite toy in the car.
If you’re travelling further, perhaps driving all day, then make sure your dog is well-exercised before you set off, so hopefully, they rest for the journey. Throughout the drive, make regular stops so Fido can get some fresh air, stretch his legs, and do his business. Ensure he has a comfortable bed in a safe spot in the car and remember to bring all the food and water he’ll need to stay happy and healthy for the journey.
Generally, before you set off, stick to your dog’s usual routine of feeding, sleeping and exercise. This should keep them nice and relaxed for the journey ahead.
How stressful a holiday can be depends on the nature of your dog. If your dog is generally anxious or shy, then a long journey, a new environment and new people can be stressful.
Make sure to ease them in gently when you’re away – let them sniff out their new holiday home, show them their outdoor space and where they can do their business, and pack plenty of treats and toys to keep them happy and familiar.
When you take Fido on holiday, it’s important to remember that their happiness is just as important as the rest of the groups, so it’s well worth planning activities that involve him too.
Make sure your dog sticks to their usual eating, exercising and sleeping routine. Daily walks will be exciting for Fido thanks to the new sights, smells, and sounds, so find time each day to stick to your usual walkie hours.
If you’re planning group activities, then try to plan for dog-friendly destinations so the whole pack is welcome and no one is left behind! If it’s a beach holiday, then check to see if your nearest beach has dog restrictions, if it doesn’t, let Fido go crazy in the sand.
Generally speaking, when on holiday with Fido, remember to bring all his usual comforts and essentials so he’s familiar with his surroundings. Whether that’s his favourite toy or cosiest bed, he’ll find comfort with his familiar items.
Dog baskets and beds
One of the guidelines for bringing your canine companion into one of our holiday cottages is that their bed or basket must be brought along for them to sleep in. It also helps to give your dog a sense of familiarity and reminds them of home, which can often help them settle down for a good night’s sleep, even in a different place. If you get a new dog bed for the trip, just make sure your dog gets used to using it before you travel so that it becomes a familiar, comforting place for your dog to rest while away.
Battersea confirms that bringing along your pup pal's familiar dog bed will be a big help: 'taking their usual dog bed and blanket that they're familiar with really helps them to feel calm and comfortable in the new environment.'
For owners of anxious dogs, we've compiled a blog full of tips for holiday planning with nervous pets.
Dog collars and name tags
A collar and name tag are essential in the event of your dog going missing while on your travels. Cheap and useful, they help your pet to be reunited with you easily, should he go a wandering. Before your holiday, get an extra name tag engraved which includes the address of your holiday accommodation as well as your mobile phone number – that way your beloved companion can be traced back to you even quicker.
If the collar is easy for your dog to escape from, it may also be worth considering a harness for added security – don’t forget it is now a legal requirement for all dogs in England and Wales to be microchipped.
Long-line dog leads
Battersea says caution is key when you're in new places: 'In areas that you don't know it's worth keeping your dog on a long line at all times to keep them safe.'
A long lead is great for letting your furry friend explore and roam through the wide, open spaces of destinations like the Peak District or the Norfolk Broads. Long-line leads are perfect for giving your canine pal great freedom, while also knowing exactly how far they can range from you at any moment in time.
Here are some handy tips on how to stop your hound from pulling on their lead. Let your dog ‘lead’ the way on these scenic walks throughout the South West, these beautiful Scotland walks, or these delightful walks across the North of England.
Dog poo bags
There’s no avoiding it – at some point during your holiday, you’re going to have some dog mess to clean up. Any fouling on the grounds of our holiday cottages must be cleaned up without delay, so pack plenty of poo bags to make sure nothing is missed – fragranced nappy sacks work well too.
Dog mess should also be cleaned up while you’re out and about so that our beautiful outdoor spaces remain just as pleasant for everyone else. Always take your bags away with you and dispose of them properly. Check out the 100% compostable poo bags from Fetch It, one of our wonderful partners.
Want to know more about your dog’s health? Find out what secrets you can uncover with help from our blog post on the secret language of dog poop.
Winter jackets for dogs
The coldest months of the year can be some of the best for a dog-friendly holiday, as many pet-friendly beaches, which do not allow dogs in the summer, become free to roam. If you’re planning your travels for this time of year, make sure you bring your dog’s jacket to keep them nice and warm whilst you’re out and about (especially if they have fine and short hair).
It will also keep them lovely and dry should a sudden downpour of rain occur. You can also get coats with reflective trim for low-light visibility, perfect for evening walks in darker months of the year. If you are planning a winter holiday in the UK with your dog, why not take a look at our dog-friendly winter walks blog?
'Take a dog coat to keep them nice and clean and dry' says Battersea - your canine pal will thank you for it and be able to spend longer outside playing and going on walks in colder months.
Dog towels
Getting wet and muddy is one of a dog’s favourite things to do (often much to our dismay) so make sure you pack plenty of old towels to wipe off those dirty paws before they return inside. Make your dog smell great after a wash with various balms and shampoos from our partners and ethical company, Hownd.
Look for a blanket that's super thin, lightweight, and absorbent - ideal for canines on their travels!
Bottled water and travelling water bowls
Travelling water bowls are ideal both for car journeys and for long walks, helping to keep your dog hydrated while they explore their exciting new surroundings. As they are collapsible, they are easy to store and use on the go.
Battersea says, 'it's really important to make sure your dog has access to water at all times' - so whether you're out on a walk or on a drive in the car, ensure you have fresh, clean water for your canine pal on hand.
Make sure you also have some bottled water handy as they could get ill from drinking water out of puddles or streams. Look for a durable water bowl that collapses easily to save space, and is brightly coloured so it's easy to find amongst suitcases or on a grassy floor.
Dog food, bowls and feeding mats
Though many of our dog-friendly cottages are within easy reach of a shop where you can stock up on supplies, they may not sell your dog’s favourite food. Make sure you take enough food for the entire stay, as well as a few treats of course!
You’ll also need to bring the food bowl to serve the food in, as well as a plastic mat if they are a messy eater. Dry dog food is an easy choice for travel as it’s less messy and above all, we'd recommend dog feeding mats which are a great way to avoid mess and spillages when out and about.
A word of warning if you are a new dog owner – don’t change their doggy diet right before a long journey or your seat covers won’t thank you and neither will the person who has to clean them!
Dog treats
Whatever your canine companion loves to snack on, add a pack of those tasty treats to your dog travel checklist. Plus, they may come in handy if you’re out and about and you need to get the dog’s attention quickly.
Your dog probably has his or her own favourite treats that they go barking mad for, but if you fancy trying your own hand at cooking for your pup pal we have a wonderful guide with a list of homemade dog treat recipes.
Dog toy or tennis ball
You can’t take the dog on holiday and leave all their favourite toys behind! For those lazy evenings after the day's walkies are done, a chew toy will entertain your dog while the rest of the family are chatting about the day and planning tomorrow’s adventure.
A tennis ball is no doubt an essential item for dogs who love a game of fetch; imagine a game out on the Cornish beaches or during walkies in the Yorkshire Dales.
Medicine for dogs
Unfortunately, your dog can’t take a break from taking the medicines they have been prescribed, so make sure they are one of the first things you tick off your checklist. Ticks may also be a problem in certain areas, so pack some tick-removing products just in case for your dog to remain happy and healthy.
Battersea suggests making notes of what and when, so even though your daily routine is different, nothing changes when it comes to your dog's medication: 'have details of what it is they usually have and make sure you have enough for the whole holiday.'
We've also put together some handy tips on putting together a dog first aid kit, so you can give them immediate assistance should you need to.
Stain remover
Even if your dog is normally toilet-trained and well-behaved, little accidents can still happen if your dog is unsure about their new surroundings. A stain remover should clear up any problems in a jiffy.
It's not essential but a stain remover could be really useful if there's an accident in the car or at your holiday cottage, or if your mucky pup slips in the house or jumps into the car and leaves muddy paw prints everywhere!
Pet hair roller or lint brush
If your furry friend can’t help but shed a ton of fur everywhere, a pet hair roller is ideal for removing any stray strands from where they shouldn’t be in no time.
Bring one along to sort out your clothes, car seats and any other furnishings that collect dog hair - it's not an essential item for your checklist but you might be pleased you brought one.
Dog brush
On your holiday adventures, your dog is sure to get dirty, muddy fur. It’s a good idea to pack a brush for after a rainy day walk, as brushing can stop your pet’s fur from becoming matted.
Plus, your dog will love a little bit of pampering during their time away! It's a lovely way to spend time with your dog during the evenings on a relaxing break.
An old sheet for your dog
Perfect for both in the car and the holiday cottage, laying down an old sheet means that floors will no longer get covered with dog hair. We do not allow dogs to lie on beds or chairs in our properties, and any hair must also be cleaned up before you leave the cottage.
Backpack for carrying goodies and handy essentials
A good rucksack is essential for dog walks! These are super handy for keeping everything you need for your waggy-tailed buddy close to hand, while still having your hands free to fully enjoy everything around you.
Pet insurance for your holiday
In the case of anything unforeseen happening; be it accidents, illness or property damage, having pet insurance can give you peace of mind. For a week-long break, the cost of pet insurance should be relatively low, although you should have your pet insured year-round as vets’ bills can be costly – remember to check your insurance before travelling.
Emergency vets in the area
Be prepared for the worst and keep some useful contacts close to hand that you may need on your holiday. Two useful ones would be your accommodation, so that you can easily locate it and tell others where you are staying, and the nearest vet, in case of a medical emergency.
It may be a good idea to take your dog for a check-up before long journeys to lessen the likelihood of surprise medical problems during your time away.
Before you go away, Battersea says it's important that you prepare for any eventuality with your pup pal: 'note details of any emergency vets in the area, where they are and how you would get to them.'
Pet-friendly getaways
For something really special, we've created the Canine Comfort Collection of holiday cottages. It's a range of holiday homes with extra-welcoming touches for our waggy-tailed pals, including enclosed gardens, outdoor showers for canines, and enchanting dog walks on the doorstep.
The best bit? Every time one of the holiday cottages in our Canine Comfort Collection gets booked, we donate £20 to Battersea. Book one of our wonderful properties in the Canine Comfort Collection and help us support Battersea.
For more holiday inspiration, check out our guide to top UK dog-friendly cottages or click below to discover our full range of pet-friendly holiday retreats.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.