Travel checklist

Whether you’re staying in the UK or going abroad, here’s everything you need to know about travelling with dogs, including a handy travel checklist.

Taking your dog on holiday can make your trip complete – but it’s important to be prepared. From whether your dog will enjoy a holiday, to what documents you’ll need and what to pack, here’s what to consider before deciding to bring your dog along.

Should you take your dog on holiday?

Taking dogs abroad or on holidays within the UK adds another layer of logistics and potential stress to your trip. If your dog doesn’t enjoy visiting new places, gets travels sick, or simply prefers the comforts of home, taking them on holiday isn’t the best option. In that case, you’re better off finding a pet sitter, home boarding or using kennels.

Before taking your dog on holiday

Even if your dog loves to travel, you’ll need to check if your destination welcomes dogs. If you’re planning on travelling abroad, you’ll need the right paperwork prepared in plenty of time before you leave. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

At least one month before you travel, check what paperwork and medications your dog will need. Ensure all vaccinations, including rabies if necessary, are up to date.
Make sure your dog’s microchip details are up to date.
Check your insurance is up to date. With Petplan dog insurance, your dog is covered for trips within the EU – but check your terms and conditions for full details.
Arrange for your vet to issue a health certificate for travel abroad. This is only valid for 10 days, so make sure you’ll be travelling within that time frame.
Get a spare ID tag with your holiday address and contact details. Use this while you’re away.
If your dog is on any medication, make sure you have enough to last the trip.
Check that your accommodation accepts pets, and what supplies will be provided.
Look up local vets, including one with an out-of-hours service for emergencies.

If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can also use the Pet Expert Chat feature to speak with an expert, 24/7. Log in to your My Petplan account and go to the MySupport area.

Travelling with a dog

Whether you’re travelling by car, plane, train or ferry, taking your dog needs some extra planning. Here’s what to consider.

Car

Make sure your dog is comfortable with shorter car trips before planning a long journey. Many dogs can suffer from travel sickness, so ask your vet about anti-sickness treatments, and avoid feeding your dog for two to three hours before a journey.

The Highway Code states dogs must be suitably restrained, either with a pet seatbelt, car harness, dog guard or crate. Make sure you train your dog to be comfortable travelling using your chosen method, as some can take a bit of getting used to.

Don’t let your dog stick their head out of the window, as this can cause injuries. Remember to stop regularly for toilet breaks and let your dog stretch their legs. Never leave your dog alone in the car, even for a minute.

When travelling, make sure your dog has access to water, and give them food during breaks if you’re on a longer trip. Bringing your dog’s favourite blanket for them to lie on can help them feel more comfortable en route.

Plane

A plane trip for dogs can be very stressful, so it’s best avoided if possible. Some airlines may allow small dogs in the cabin, but larger dogs must travel in the hold. You’ll need to check each airline’s specific regulations and use a carrier that meets its travel requirements.

Train

In the UK, you can usually travel with up to two dogs for no extra charge, as long as you follow the operator’s regulations. Before your holiday, take the time to acclimate your dog to trains by taking a few shorter trips. If your dog isn’t behaving, you may be refused entry.

Always keep large dogs on a lead, and small dogs in a carrier if possible. If you’re planning on using a sleeper train, check ahead that dogs are allowed.

Can dogs go on the Eurostar?

Unfortunately not, unless they’re guide or assistance dogs (and even then you’ll need to give 48 hours' notice). Dogs can travel in your car on Eurotunnel LeShuttle trains, though.

Ferry

Many ferries offer dog-friendly cabins and areas of the deck where you can take your dog for short walks. These cabins tend to get booked well in advance, so be sure to plan ahead.

Avoid using ferries that require you to leave your dog in the car for the duration of the trip, as this is very stressful for them, so not recommended.

Travelling with your dog to Europe and Northern Ireland

Pet passports are no longer valid, so if you’re going to Europe or Northern Ireland, your dog will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) instead. The same AHC can be shared by up to five dogs, but will need to be issued for each individual trip.

Tapeworm treatment

If you’re travelling to the below countries, your dog will need a tapeworm treatment before they leave:

Ireland
Northern Ireland
Finland
Malta
Norway

You’ll need to book an appointment with your vet for this treatment. It needs to be administered between 24 hours and five days before travel and recorded on your dog’s AHC.

When returning to the UK from Europe, your dog will need another tapeworm treatment in the country you’re departing from. The only exclusions are if you’re travelling back from Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway. Again, this needs to be administered between 24 hours and five days before you travel home. You’ll need to arrange this with a vet in the country you’re visiting, with the details being recorded on your dog’s AHC.

Rabies vaccination

If you’re travelling to Europe or Northern Ireland, your dog will also need a rabies vaccination. Dogs must be over 12 weeks, and travel is allowed 21 days after your dog has been fully vaccinated.

Travelling outside the EU with your dog

Travelling to a non-EU country with your dog is a little more complicated. They’ll need an export health certificate (EHC) from an authorised vet to confirm they meet the health requirements of the destination country, plus any relevant vaccinations and treatments prior to travel. In England, Scotland and Wales you’ll also need to complete an export application form (EXA).

Looking after your dog while on holiday

The sights, smells and sounds of a new destination can be exciting for dogs – but also unsettling. To make their trip as fun as possible, follow these tips:

Pack familiar items that smell of home
Bring a selection of your dog’s favourite toys
Try to stick to the same routine for feeding and bed times, exercise and toilet breaks
Keep your dog on the lead, unless you’re sure it’s safe to let them off
Calming remedies like pheromone sprays can ease the stress of travel
Bring enough dog food for the entire trip, if possible, as this will reduce the chance of your dog suffering from any gastrointestinal issues.
Try not to leave your dog alone in an unfamiliar setting
Check the local weather and be aware of summer hazards, unfamiliar wildlife, and parasites such as ticks and fleas.

Leaving your dog at home

If you’re worried that your dog won’t enjoy going on holiday – it’s best to leave them at home. Hire a pet sitter so your dog can stay at home, ask family if they’d like to look after your dog while you’re away, or check out some local dog boarding options.