With the UK more welcoming to canine guests than ever before, going on holiday with your pup is wonderfully accessible. A little thoughtful preparation helps keep the entire journey relaxed, safe, and happy for everyone. Here is your complete guide to travelling with your dog in the UK, complete with tips from our certified experts.

Key takeaways for travelling with your dog in the UK

Vehicle safety is the law: Under Highway Code Rule 57, keeping your pup safely secured with a travel harness, crate, or boot guard protects you both on the road.

• Plan gentle travel breaks: Pulling over every two hours gives your dog a chance to stretch their legs, enjoy a drink of fresh water, and take in new sniffs along the way.

• Keep fresh food chilled: You can easily travel with Different Dog recipes by packing tubs tightly in a cool box or insulation with ice packs for up to 24 hours of cold transit.

• Prioritise calm over busy plans: Give your dog time to decompress on arrival, stick to home routines, and swap high-energy exercise for slow, relaxing sniff walks.

How do I prepare my dog for a long car journey?

If your dog usually associates the car with quick trips to the vet, a longer journey down to the coast or up to the hills might feel a little unfamiliar at first. Building up journey times gradually in the weeks before you set off helps them get used to the gentle sway and sounds of the road.

Taking your dog for a good walk before you head off on the big day works wonders, too. Burning off a bit of happy energy beforehand helps them settle into their cosy travel spot for a peaceful snooze while you tackle the first stretch of driving.

What should I do if my dog gets car sick or anxious?

Just like us, some dogs find moving vehicles a bit unsettling or tummy-turning. If your travel companion starts panting, whining, or drooling on the move, here are a few gentle ways to help them feel more at ease:

• Manage mealtimes: Giving them a lighter bite a few hours before leaving, or waiting until you reach your destination to serve a full meal to help keep delicate tummies settled.
• Keep the air fresh: Opening a window slightly lets in a gentle breeze and keeps the car comfortably cool.
• Speak to your vet: If your dog suffers from true motion sickness, your vet can pop together some effective anti-nausea support so they can travel comfortably.
• Calming treats: Different Dog Calming Support treats contain soothing lavender and calming chamomile to help manage anxiety and relax muscles - and with 100% British venison and salmon - these meaty bites are delicious too.

If an unexpected tummy upset does happen in the car, take a deep breath and pop over to a safe layby. A quick cleanup, a breath of fresh air, and a soothing cuddle will help reassure them that everything is okay.

What should I pack in my dog's travel bag?

Packing for your pup is half the fun of the pre-holiday build-up. Bringing along their favourite comforts gives them an instant sense of home, no matter where your adventures take you.

What are the essential items for a dog holiday checklist?

Bedding: Their primary bed or blanket from home so they have a familiar smell to ground them.

Enrichment: Long-lasting chews, lick mats, and favourite toys for downtime.

Walking gear: A fitted harness, standard lead, long line, and extra poo bags.

Nutrition: Enough Different Dog fresh food for the entire trip, plus portable food and water bowls.

Health kit: Any daily medication, pet insurance details, your home vet’s phone number, and a basic pet first-aid kit (including non-adhesive absorbent dressings and blunt-ended scissors).

How do I pack and store fresh dog food for travel?

• Pack tightly: Place your pots close together inside a cool box, or use your Different Dog delivery box with its original insulation and ice packs.
• Keep it chilled: If packed snugly alongside frozen ice packs, your dog's food can stay cold for up to 24 hours in transit.
• Refrigerate on arrival: Unpack the pots straight into your holiday fridge when you arrive. Our recipes stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days once defrosted.

Can I have dog food delivered straight to my staycation address?

Yes. If you are heading away for longer, you can simply update your delivery address in your online account. We will send your dog's fresh box straight to your holiday doorstep so it is waiting for you.

If you are travelling abroad where import rules apply, or your accommodation lacks fridge space, you can pause or skip your delivery simply within your account.

How do I help my dog decompress after arriving?

Arriving at a new holiday home is full of novelty - new floorboards to explore, garden scents to check out, and sea air to catch. Giving your dog a quiet moment to take it all in helps them settle right in.

It can be tempting to drop your bags and head straight out to a buzzing pub or crowded beach, but taking a quiet breath first works wonders. Let your dog explore the house and garden at their own pace. A calm 15-minute sniff down a peaceful woodland lane offers wonderful mental decompression after a journey.

How closely should I keep to my dog's normal routine?

Familiar rhythms help dogs feel safe and secure in new surroundings. Keeping a few everyday anchors consistent makes a world of difference:

• Serve meals around their usual home times.
• Set up their bed in a quiet corner that mirrors their sleeping spot at home.
• Build in plenty of quiet rest periods throughout the day for undisturbed naps.

How do I handle taking my dog to pubs and cafes?

Popping to a local dog-friendly pub for lunch is one of the best parts of a staycation. To help your dog enjoy it as much as you do, bring along a soft mat for them to rest on and a long-lasting chew or lick mat to keep them happily occupied while you relax. Exposure to settle training ahead of your trip will really help them stay calm in new environments.

Travel safety advice

Under Rule 57 of the UK Highway Code, dogs must be suitably restrained while travelling in a vehicle. This keeps your dog safe, prevents sudden distractions while driving, and ensures everyone arrives at their destination safely.

Comfortable, approved restraint options include:

• A certified travel harness clipped to a seatbelt socket.
• A well-ventilated crate or travel carrier secured in the car.
• A sturdy boot guard or dog grid.

What legal requirements and healthcare steps do I need before setting off?

Before setting off on your staycation, taking a moment to tick these basic checks off your list brings great peace of mind:

• Microchipping: Ensure your dog's microchip contact details are completely up to date (a legal requirement for all dogs over 8 weeks old).
• ID tags: Check that their collar tag includes your current contact details and mobile number for while you are away.
• Routine healthcare: Double-check that vaccinations are current (especially if you plan to use local daycare) and that flea, tick, and worming treatments are up to date for countryside walks.

How often should I stop for toilet breaks on a car journey?

Aiming to pull over every two hours keeps the journey sweet and stress-free. These regular rest stops give your dog a chance to stretch their legs, enjoy a drink of water, and use the toilet. Finding dog-friendly service spots or quiet country lanes along your route ahead of time keeps the drive easy and enjoyable.

What should I know if I am travelling with my dog by train?

If you are taking a scenic train journey together, National Rail allows up to two dogs to travel free of charge. Keep your dog comfortably on a short lead, pack a collapsible water bowl, and use longer platform breaks to let them step outside for fresh air.

The very best holidays are not about rushing around to tick off every sight—they are built on the simple, joyous moments spent together. A relaxed pup, a fridge stocked with fresh food, and endless new trails to sniff make for a trip that you will both cherish for years to come.

Have questions about holiday deliveries or travel tips for nervous travellers? Give our friendly team a ring on 01952 456 850 or drop us an email at feedme@differentdog.com.