Travelling with a dog: how to plan a trip that works for both of you

November 8, 2026 · 6 min read

Taking a dog on holiday is one of the best parts of having one, and one of the more complicated. Your dog cannot read a timetable or a rulebook, so everything is on you: the route, the paperwork, the stops and the plan for when things go sideways.

The trip itself is the easy part. The planning is where it is won or lost.

Ask whether the trip suits your dog

Not every dog enjoys travel, and not every trip is right for every dog. Be honest about yours.

Age and health. Puppies, older dogs and dogs with medical conditions may find long journeys hard. Ask your vet before you commit.
Temperament. A dog that is nervous around strangers, noise or other dogs may be happier at home with a trusted sitter.
Size and breed. Some transport and some places have rules about size, and some breeds struggle in heat or in the hold of an aircraft. Short-nosed breeds in particular can find flying hard.
Climate. Heat is dangerous for dogs. A summer city trip may be much harder than a spring one in the hills.

If the answer is that the trip is too much, boarding or a sitter is a perfectly good choice. A calm dog at home beats a distressed one on a long journey.

Check the official rules first

This is the part that cannot be skipped. Countries have their own rules for bringing in pets, and they can include identification, vaccinations, waiting periods, health certificates, treatments and approved routes. Some places have restrictions on certain breeds. Airlines, ferry companies and train operators add their own conditions on top.

These rules change, and the consequences of getting them wrong can be serious, including a dog being refused entry or held in quarantine at your cost. So do not rely on this article, a forum or a friend. Check:

The official government website of the country you are travelling to, and any country you pass through
Your own government's pet travel pages, which cover what you need to leave and to return
The airline, ferry or rail company you are using
Your vet, who can tell you what is needed and book it in the right order

Start early. Some steps need weeks or months of lead time, and they have to happen in a particular order. Ask your vet about the timetable on day one.

See your vet before you go

A visit a few weeks before is worth it, even for a short trip. Ask about:

Vaccinations and parasite treatments, including those for the region you are visiting
Whether the identification, such as a microchip, is up to date and registered with your current details
Any paperwork you need
Travel sickness, anxiety and whether any medication is appropriate. Never give anything for the first time on the day of travel
Heat, cold, altitude and local risks such as ticks or particular diseases
What to pack in a pet first-aid kit

Also look up an emergency vet near where you will be staying, and save the number.

Choose how you will travel

By car. Often the easiest. Use a crate, a harness or a dog guard rather than letting your dog roam loose, and take a break every couple of hours for water, a walk and a toilet stop. Never leave a dog in a parked car, even for a short time and even on a mild day. Our road trip packing list covers the car side.

By train or ferry. Rules vary by operator on if dogs are allowed, if they must be muzzled or in a carrier, and where they can sit. Check before you book, and ask if you need to reserve a space for your dog.

By air. The strictest of all. Dogs travel in the cabin, in the hold, or as cargo, depending on size and the airline, and many airlines limit the number of animals on each flight. Ask early, read the conditions and talk to your vet about whether it is safe for your dog.

By coach or bus. Often not permitted for dogs other than assistance dogs. Check.

Find a place that welcomes dogs

Search for places that say they are dog friendly, then confirm what that means in writing. Ask:

Are dogs allowed in the room, and is there an extra charge or a limit on numbers or size?
Can the dog be left alone in the room? Many places say no.
Is there outdoor space nearby for walks and toilet breaks?
Are there rules about furniture, bedding or the dining area?
Is there a deposit or a cleaning requirement?

An apartment or a house with a garden is often easier than a hotel. Our piece on hotel or apartment talks through the trade-offs.

Look at the route, too. Look for green space, quiet streets and water, and check whether dogs are allowed on the beaches, trails and in the parks near you. Many places have seasonal rules or require a lead.

Plan the days around your dog

A holiday with a dog runs a little differently from one without. Build the day around their needs.

Walk early and late, when it is cooler and quieter.
Pick restaurants with outdoor tables, and ask before you sit down.
Take turns with the group on activities where dogs are not allowed, such as museums and some tours.
Check ahead for places that do not allow dogs, and decide who stays with the dog.
Keep one slow day in every few, for rest.

Heat is the main risk. Carry water and a bowl, give shade and rest, and avoid hot pavements in the middle of the day.

Pack for your dog

A short list covers most trips:

Their usual food, enough for the trip and some extra, since a sudden change can upset the stomach
Bowls and a water bottle
A lead, a spare lead and a harness or collar with an ID tag showing your mobile number
Bags for waste
Bedding or a blanket that smells like home
Toys and chews
Medication and the paperwork
A towel
A recent photo of your dog, in case they go missing
Any grooming and flea or tick treatment you use

Keep the list with the rest of your own. A shared packing list works well for a group, where each person has a job. Our piece on a packing list that knows where you are going helps.

Keep them safe

Dogs get lost when they are in a new place and a little scared. A few precautions:

Make sure the microchip details are current, and the tag has your phone number.
Keep your dog on a lead in unfamiliar places, even a well-trained one.
Keep a clear recent photo with you.
Know the local number for lost animals and the nearest vet.
Check your accommodation for gaps in fences and gates.

If you are travelling in a country with different wildlife, ticks, snakes or toxic plants, ask your vet and local people what to watch for.

Before you set off

Check the official entry rules and the transport conditions, and book the vet visit early.
Confirm every stay, in writing, welcomes dogs.
Plan stops, walks and shade.
Pack food, water, bowls, bedding and the paperwork.
Save an emergency vet's number.

A dog that is well prepared and kept comfortable is an easy companion. With the planning done, you get the best part of the trip: a new place to explore with someone who is delighted by all of it.