Dog Travel Guide 2025: Safe & Stress-Free Holiday Tips for Pet Owners

Expert tips for travelling with your dog in the UK. Learn how to keep your pet safe, comfortable & fed during holidays. Free behaviorist advice included.

21 July 2025·Dog Advice

Our food is approved & verified by our in-house veterinarian, canine nutritionist and behaviourist.

Planning a UK staycation with your furry companion? The pet travel industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with dog-friendly accommodations and services becoming increasingly popular across the UK. While travelling with your dog creates wonderful memories, it requires careful planning to ensure both you and your pet have a stress-free experience. We've compiled expert dog travel tips from our certified behaviourist, Diane, to ensure stress-free travel for both you and your dog, plus advice on the best dog food to bring with you for UK travel.

Essential Dog Travel Tips:

Plan toilet breaks every 2 hours during your journey

Secure your dog with a harness or crate for safety

Pack familiar food to avoid stomach upsets

Bring calming treats for anxious moments

Never leave dogs in parked cars

Research dog-friendly stops along your route

How does travelling affect my dog?

Travelling often involves long car journeys and sometimes separation between you and your dog. Understandably, this can cause some anxiety for your dog, so it's essential to be prepared to keep the journey as comfortable as possible for your four-legged friend.

Signs of stress in dogs include:

Excessive panting or drooling

Restlessness or inability to settle

Whining or barking

Loss of appetite

Destructive behaviour

What can I do to make travelling more comfortable for my dog?

Our certified behaviourist, Diane, has shared some of her top dog travel tips. If you'd like some more tailored guidance for your dog’s specific needs, book a free consultation with Diane by calling our team on 01952 456 850.

How should I prepare for the journey?

When planning your journey, make a note of any opportunities for your dog to stretch their legs and have a toilet break every 2 hours. If you plan to stop at a restaurant or accommodation, ensure it's dog-friendly so they can join you. Research dog-friendly services along your route to avoid last-minute stress.

How do I keep my dog safe and comfortable whilst travelling?

If you're travelling by car, the Highway Code states that your dog must be suitably restrained, such as securing them with a crate or a harness to keep them safe and prevent distractions while driving. Of course, never leave your dog alone in a parked car, as temperatures can quickly rise and become dangerous, even on mild days.

Photo credit to @kayleighandsid on Instagram

What should I pack for my dog when travelling?

Food & Nutrition:

Enough of their current food to last the holiday (try to avoid diet changes while travelling to limit digestive upse. See below for tips on travelling with Different Dog recipes)

Calming Support treats, to ease any travel anxiety

Portable food and water bowls

Fresh water for the journey

Health & Safety:

Any medication they might need

Dog first aid kit (including non-adhesive absorbent dressings and blunt, curved scissors)

Vaccination certificates and pet insurance documents

Your vet's contact details

Comfort & Entertainment:

Their favourite blanket or bed to provide familiar comfort

Toys to keep them occupied during downtime

Harness and lead for secure walks

Poo bags (always pack extra!)

Can I travel with dog food?

Whether you can travel with your dog's food depends on your destination. For example, if you're travelling to the EU, you won't be able to take meat-based dog food with you due to import regulations. However, if you're planning a fantastic staycation within the UK, great news – your dog can enjoy their favourite Different Dog fresh recipes while on holiday.

How can I travel with Different Dog recipes?

When travelling with our fresh recipes, the most important thing is to keep them cold to preserve nutritional quality and safety. We recommend using a cool box if you have one, just as you would for a picnic. However, your Different Dog delivery box, insulation, and ice packs will also work perfectly.

Step-by-step travel packing:

Pack the pots tightly in the insulated box

Surround with ice packs to maintain the temperature

This setup keeps meals chilled for up to 24 hours in relatively warm weather

Transfer to a fridge immediately upon arrival

Remember – our recipes stay fresh in the fridge for up to five days, so there's no need to worry if your holiday accommodation doesn't have a freezer!

Can I change my delivery address for my holiday?

Yes! If you're staying at a staycation property within our delivery zone, we can arrange for our courier to deliver your next box directly to that address. The easiest way to arrange this is by contacting our team at feedme@differentdog.com or calling 01952 456 850.

Can I skip a delivery while I'm away?

If you'll be travelling abroad or your staycation property doesn't have adequate storage for Different Dog recipes, you can easily skip a delivery through your online account. Simply:

Scroll down and click "Amend, pause, or cancel delivery"

Choose to skip your delivery by one week or pause your subscription until you're ready to reactivate

What are the legal requirements for travelling with dogs in the UK?

When travelling within the UK, ensure your dog:

Is properly restrained in the vehicle (Highway Code Rule 57)

Has up-to-date identification tags

Is microchipped (this is a legal requirement once your dog reaches 8 weeks old)

Has current vaccinations if staying in kennels

Have a fantastic trip!

Wherever you're headed this summer, we hope you have a great trip, making lasting memories with your four-legged friend. Join over 17,000 UK dog owners who trust Different Dog for their dog’s nutrition – perfect for summer adventures!

Try Different Dog's fresh recipes for your next adventure – our premium meals are designed to keep your dog healthy and happy, whether at home or on holiday. If you need any guidance on travelling with your recipes, or you'd like to speak with Diane regarding dog travel tips, email the team at feedme@differentdog.com or call us on 01952 456 850.