The Ultimate Packing List for a Dog-Friendly Holiday
Taking your dog on holiday is an enriching experience and one I recommend to any dog owner. Whilst there is a lot to think about when bringing your dog with you, being prepared with your packing list will build towards travelling in a stress-free environment, a bonus for you AND your dog.
To ensure your dog-friendly holiday goes smoothly, it’s essential to pack everything your canine companion might need, so I have written comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your next adventure together.
If you want to travel overseas, I have also written a complete guide on how to take a dog to Europe.
Essential Paperwork
I will start with the boring stuff, but the most important is If you travel overseas, you must ensure you have all the necessary documents. This includes:
- Vaccination Records: Proof of up-to-date vaccinations, particularly rabies.
- Health Certificate: A recent certificate from your vet, confirming your dog’s health.
- Identification: Ensure your dog’s collar has an ID tag with your contact information. Microchipping is also highly recommended and a legal requirement for travel.
I highly recommend printing all travel documents and keeping them with you. This document holder is perfect for travelling.
I have written everything you need to know in my guide for taking a dog from the UK into the EU.
Comfortable Car Crate or Carrier
Did you know it's a legal requirement in the UK for your dog to be strapped in or in a crate when in the car? This regulation is in place to ensure your and your dog's safety, and as responsible dog owners, it's important to comply.
A car dog crate should be well-ventilated and spacious enough for your dog to stand, turn around, lie down, and be familiar to them. Line it with their favourite blanket to make it cosy.
If your dog is not used to travelling or going into a crate, keep it out a couple of weeks before you travel, throw treats in there and encourage your dog to go in and out. Getting your dog used to being confined is best so they do not struggle with anxiety.
I use this dog car crate every time my dog is in the car with me. There are plenty of sizes to fit all breeds of dog, but first measure up the opening of your car door to make sure the crate will fit through.
Not everyone has the space for a car crate and not every dog wants to go in one, so as an alternative, I recommend a comfy dog bed and a seatbelt.
I recommend this car dog bed for small dogs (it comes with a clip on seat belt), or this car dog bed for larger dogs which has a removable cover that you can chuck in the washing machine.
Food and Treats
It's super important to keep your dog's diet the same as at home. A sudden change in its and food can cause tummy upset, not something you want when abroad, especially if you are taking long car journey!
Pack enough of your dog's regular food to last the entire trip, plus a little extra in case of delays.
I also pack plenty of treats to keep Baxter entertained on travel days well as to help and keep up his training whilst away.
A dog-friendly peanut butter in a Kong is a great way for them to unwind and settle and to keep them busy when they're on their own. If you are somewhere hot, I recommend bringing a few Kongs, filling them with different things, and then freezing them. I fill mine with yoghurt and blueberries, peanut butter, cream cheese, you name it!
Long last chews such as pizzle sticks are handy, but always supervise your dog whilst they are chewing!
Last but not least, I always have multiple packs of Denzel dog bites with me, these are amazing for training treats but also to add into snuffle mats and other toys.
Everything you need for a dog walk
I imagine you will be doing lots of walkies whilst away, why else bring your dog! So don't forget the essentials....
Leash
Long line - perfect for dogs still in recall training or dogs who want to explore but have a habit of running off
Comfy harness
A map - this may sound silly as so many of us have maps on our phone. But, issues can happen and you could lose your phone, run out of battery, or have no signal.
Airtag dog collar - even the most well trained dogs can accidentally find themselves lost. Whenever I take Baxter to an unfamiliar place I put an Airtag dog collar on him so I can track where he has gone.
Dog first aid kit
Creating a dog first aid kit is a great way to ensure you're prepared for any minor injuries or emergencies that your dog might encounter. Alternatively, you can buy pet specific first aid kits online such as this one.
Here’s a comprehensive list of items to include in your dog’s first aid kit:
- Gauze Pads and Rolls: For wrapping wounds and controlling bleeding.
- Adhesive Tape: To secure bandages in place.
- Non-Stick Bandages: To cover wounds without sticking to fur.
- Antiseptic Wipes: For cleaning wounds and preventing infection.
- Cotton Balls and Swabs: For cleaning wounds and applying ointments.
- Disposable Gloves: To maintain hygiene while treating wounds.
- Blunt-End Scissors: For cutting bandages and gauze without injuring your dog.
- Tweezers: For removing splinters, ticks, or other foreign objects.
- Saline Solution: For rinsing wounds or flushing out eyes.
Camping dog packing list
Okay so of course you need everything I have already mentioned when camping with your dog, but there are a few extras I would recommend bringing.
- A travel dog bed so they are not sleeping on cold or hard ground. This camping dog bed rolls up so is so easy to travel with.
- Anti slip dog boots incase you are walking on hot ground or particularly rough terrain.
- A waterproof dog sleeping bag for when temperatures are forecast to be particularly low or you are camping somewhere wet/damp.
- Dog boots, especially if you intend to do a dog-friendly hike
- A light up collar and torch for being out in the dark nights.
- A doggy life jacket if you expect to be spendinglots of time on the water.
- A lightweight backpack to have on you at all times when hiking, this should contain a medical kit, water bottle and collapsible bowl, yours or your dog's medication, food etc.
