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 his stay just as much as you do. We’ve created a handy checklist so all bases are covered, and you can all enjoy having an absolute ball at one of our dog-friendly properties.
There may be a few items on this dog-packing list that you haven’t yet considered, so take a peek at our recommendations as a final check to ensure you are ready to go travelling safe in the knowledge that you and your furry friend have the freedom to go mutts and let all your potential worries disappear.
We hope you find our checklist helpful; we've compiled it with both you and your pup in mind so you can make some fantastic holiday memories!
Our Canine Critics, Frederick and Royston, were very keen to let you all know about their essential holiday items to pack too!
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 make sure to 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 group, 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 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 wandering away. 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.
Our favourite
The Tractive GPS tracker – GPS trackers are becoming more and more popular among cautious dog owners. Tractive monitors activity patterns and, more importantly, you’ll know where your dog is at all times while you are away.
Also, look at the Animo dog tracker from Sure Petcare that tracks your dog's behaviour during the day!
If you and your dog are always on the lookout for the latest gadgets, take a look at our finds in must-have gadgets for your dog.
Dog leads (long and short)
While a long lead is great for letting your furry friend explore and roam through the wide, open spaces of the Peaks or the Norfolk Broads, make sure you also pack a shorter lead so your dog can be kept closer to you when necessary.
Many dog-friendly attractions and dog-friendly walks in the UK require that your pet is kept on a shorter lead to better keep them under control, especially in areas where there are children or other dogs. Here are some handy tips on how to stop your hound from pulling on their lead.
Canine Critics Frederick and Royston say:
"We need long leads in case we see any sheepies out on our walks. Chasing sheep is very naughty!"
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.
For owners of anxious dogs, we've compiled a blog full of tips for holiday planning with nervous pets.
Our favourite
Berkeley Dog Beds – buy your dog a cosy and soft bed to curl up in for a dreamy night’s sleep. Just make sure they get used to using it before you travel so that it becomes a familiar, comforting place for your dog to rest while away.
Dog food and bowls
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.
Canine Critics Frederick and Royston say:
"Our mum always packs snacks for being her 'precious boys' after walks."
Our favourite
Lily’s Kitchen Dry Dogfood – there are a lot of great dog food brands out there, but we’ve chosen Lily’s Kitchen as the top dog because it is hypoallergenic, uses only natural ingredients, and is grain-free. Dry dog food is an easy choice for travel as it’s less messy.
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!
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.
Make sure you also have some bottled water handy as they could get ill from drinking water out of puddles or streams.
Canine Critics Frederick and Royston say:
"A long drink of water is essential after zoomies!"
Our favourite
OHMO Collapsible Silicone Bowl – taking up hardly any space, this durable silicone bowl collapses easily, is brightly coloured so it's easy to find amongst all of the luggage, and is suitable for dogs of all shapes and sizes. For alternative refreshments to water, visit Woof and Brew and treat your mate to some dog beer!
Winter jackets for dogs
The coldest months of the year can be some of the best for a dog-friendly holiday, as many dog-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. 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?
Our favourite
Ruffwear Powder Hound Winter Jacket – this is one of the warmest coats on the market and has a performance fit so your dog still has a wide range of movement. It also comes with reflective trim for low-light visibility and a light loop for attaching a dog safety light – adding extra safety while you are out and about.
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.
Our favourite
The Innocent Pet – all dogs like different snacks, but we bet most canines enjoy a tasty treat. We recommend this brand for the sheer range of treats.
Also try out Scrumbles, a company that is proud to supply 'real food for happy cats and dogs'. For raw pet food, which comes in handy and can be frozen for holiday travel, try out Natural Instinct.
You can also try making your own dog treats with our 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.
Our favourite
KONG Rubber Chew Toy – a long-time big player in the dog toy market, KONG’s rubber chew toy has been a bestseller since its introduction. Throw it in the garden and it will bounce all over the place, great for a game of fetch, or fill it with treats and let your dog chew on it while you all relax in the evenings.
Harbour Hounds is the place to head to for fun and durable toys, and stylish dogwear like bandanas and collars!
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 ethical company Hownd.
Canine Critics Frederick and Royston say:
"We love a fluffy towel or a dog robe for drying us off after swims, or a hose down when we're super muddy!"
Our favourite
SnuggleSafe Microfibre Pet Towel – super thin, lightweight, and absorbent, this dog towel is perfect for canines on their travels! They have a larger size for big dogs too.
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.
Our favourite
Scot-Petshop Dog Poop Bags – they are thick and strong, and hide the sight and smell of their contents, making the whole process much more manageable. They are easy to tie up and are biodegradable, breaking down in as little as 18 months. Also, consider 100% compostable poo bags from Fetch It.
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.
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.
It may be a good idea to take your dog for a check-up before long journeys. Take him or her to the local vet before you go away and then take a look on this RCVS site to find your nearest vet should the worst happen when you’re away.
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. Stain remover should clear up any problems in a jiffy.
Our favourite
BISSELL Pet Stain & Odour Remover – with a handy spray nozzle, this stain remover is recommended by Good Housekeeping as it deals with stains and odours, and discourages your pet from reoffending. It also isn’t just for carpets; it can be used on upholstery, mattresses, or in your car.
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.
Our favourite
Chom Chom Roller – this fine-bristled roller stores pet hair in a chamber until you can empty it, so this handy device is great for when you’re on the move.
Dog brush
Your dog will love a little bit of pampering during their time away! It’s also a good idea to pack a brush for after a rainy day walk, as brushing can stop your pet’s fur from becoming matted.
Our favourite
FURminator for Dogs Deshedding Tool – engineered to reach the loose undercoat hair and with a quick and easy FURejector button that removes loose hair from the tool once you're done, it’s a useful piece of travel equipment for ensuring your dog’s coat keeps in top condition.
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.
Rucksack 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.
Canine Critics Frederick and Royston say:
"We definitely take a backpack on holiday for Mams to carry all our goodies, 'cos she our slave!"
Our favourite
Osprey backpacks – Osprey appears to consistently top the best backpack lists, so when buying a new rucksack to carry all your necessities and goodies for the dog, check out their selection.
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.
Our favourite
Agria Pet Insurance – supporting animal welfare since 1890, Agrias offer award-winning, lifetime pet insurance that'll easily cover any costly vet bills.
Contacts app or address book
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.
Our favourite
Smart Contact Manager – this app makes it easy to transfer contacts from one phone to another and offers users the opportunity to create backups of the contact details, so you’ll never be without that all-important number for the vet.
Join our Canine Club for discounts and much more
If you are still deciding on your perfect pup-friendly destination, read through our choice of top dog holidays. What do you always pack when taking the dog on holiday? Let us know!
Join our Canine Club to receive loyalty discounts from a range of affiliate partners.
Stay at a self-catering dog-friendly cottage
Last but not least, if you’ve booked one of our properties, then you are guaranteed a great dog-friendly place to stay which is certain to have the bow-wow factor. If not, (are you mutts!?) then make sure the place you're planning to stay in welcomes dogs.
With our selection of dog-friendly accommodation across the UK, you and your best pal will be guaranteed a warm welcome. For some great ideas for places to stay, check out our guide to some top dog-friendly cottages around the UK.
Take a look at the rest of our fantastic dog-friendly accommodations and pick out a holiday home that both you and the doggo will love. Some even have surprising doggy extras such as welcome hampers just for man’s best friend.
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.