Holiday Pet Essentials

It doesn’t matter how far you’re travelling but there is always some information that’s useful to carry with you wherever you go. Even if you’re just going down the road, taking your vet’s information or researching where the closest emergency clinic is near your location can save you precious time if something does happen. While you don’t need to worry about these things too much if you take precautions to keep your pooch safe, knowing what you would need to do in an emergency will help you relax on your holiday.  

If you’re travelling anywhere within the UK, you don’t need any to take any extra documentation with you. Crossing the borders to either Ireland or Europe or even further afield is a little different. To leave the country and travel to another, you will need to bring evidence of your pup’s vaccination status and microchip. Some require confirmation of rabies vaccinations and treatments like tapeworms so they can be sure you’re not bringing in any unwanted parasites or illnesses. Since Brexit, you now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from a vet. This needs to be completed within ten days of travel to show that your pets are happy and healthy for the journey.  

Transporting your furry friend safely to your holiday destination doesn’t just mean getting there in one peace but making sure the trip is happy and comfortable. No matter how you choose to travel having a good carrier or crate will help to keep them secure. It gives them a space of their own whether you’re in a car or on a train. You can bring things like their favourite blanket along that smells like home to comfort them. Other essentials for travel include a lead, collar and harness for toilet breaks along the way. Some pets struggle with travel sickness but there are ways you can help with this through medication and gentle exposure to help them enjoy their journey. Minimising stress during the travel means they’ll be more relaxed when you arrive at your destination.  

By law, pets need to be kept safe and restrained during car journeys so they can’t distract the driver. There are lots of different ways to do this and the best way to keep your pooch comfortable during car rides depends on their individual personality. Some pups will like their own space inside a crate and it will prevent any attempts at wandering around the car. A secure boot guard will give them the whole run of the boot but if they like to stay close or if you need to fill the boot with luggage, you can keep things simple. A belt restraint like the Crufts Universal Pet Seat Belt attaches to their harness to keep them safe in the backseat.  

Belts and restraints are a great way to give your furry family member access to feel close to you but just out of reach to distract you while you drive. They should always be attached to a harness and not a collar. Any sudden breaking will pull against the connection point just like a seatbelt would pull on you if you had to do an emergency stop.  

This is why seatbelts are across both the body and the lap, to keep you secure and not put all that pressure in just one area. Having to come to an emergency stop with a belt connected to a collar can do more damage than a pup that is safely attached by a harness. Don’t forget to make plenty of stops during a long journey to give your canine companion a chance to stretch their legs and go to the toilet. You should keep a travel bowl like the Smart Choice Collapsible Travel Dog Bowl to be able to offer them water during these breaks.  

Travelling further afield may require your beloved pet to experience their first flight! While you may not be used to seeing pets on a flight, many furry family members are regular flyers but we don’t tend to see it much because no airport allows for pets to travel in the cabin with their owners. If you were to travel across Europe or the USA, seeing pets tucked under the seats of a flight will be far more common but for some reason, the UK doesn’t allow it. Instead, if you’re taking a flight out of the UK with your furry friend, they will need to travel in the cargo hold which requires a solid carrier like the Savic Trotter 3 Pet Carrier Grey.  

You will need to check the pet policy of an airline because each one is different and has its own carrier dimensions and weight limit but your pooch will travel in a temperature controlled area of the cargo to keep them safe.  

While going on holiday is all about taking a break from the every day, slacking on the health and grooming of your furry friend isn’t one of them. If they're on any kind of medication, you need to plan ahead and make sure you have plenty to last the entire trip. Along with a first aid kit like the Rosewood Pet First Aid Kit so you can attend to any accidents and minor scrapes.  

If you’re going to be away from home for a while then you need to bring everything with you to upkeep your furry friend’s general wellbeing. If their nails grow quickly, you may need to pack some clippers and a brush is essential for almost all dogs, especially if you’re going to be going on adventures and getting a little mucky. Taking a good shampoo and conditioner with you will help to keep your pup comfortable and they won’t be wearing all of the day’s activities in their coat if you decide to take them along to a dog friendly pub or restaurant in the evening.  

If you have ever changed your pup’s diet then you know that isn’t a gradual process that takes a number of weeks to do properly to avoid any stomach upsets. When you’re packing for your holiday, make sure you have enough food to last you your entire stay. If you don’t want to pack food but you’re staying local you can find a shop nearby to get a bag of food once you arrive but don’t leave it to chance. A sudden change in food can ruin their holiday if they’re sporting a gastro upset. It can even put a dampener on your holiday too if you have to clean up the mess too!  

You will want to stick with tried and tested treats as well to make sure you're not introducing anything novel and new that can cause an upset. Depending on where you’re going, you may need to bring your own water with you. If you’re camping somewhere with limited amenities you will both need clean drinking water.  

Embarking on a camping adventure with your canine companion requires thoughtful preparation. As you pack for the trip, prioritise essentials to ensure both safety and comfort for your furry friend. Begin by securing a long leash or a reliable tie out system like the Rosewood Tieout Heavy Cable. A tie out will allow your pooch the freedom to explore while ensuring they stay safe within the campsite boundaries. 

If your camping plans include any water activities, investing in a well-fitted life jacket for your dog is essential to prevent accidents and ensure their safety around bodies of water. Consider your furry friend’s comfort during the trip by packing camping gear specifically for them. This includes a cosy and portable dog bed where they can rest after a day of exploration, as well as collapsible bowls for food and water to keep them hydrated and nourished throughout the journey. With these essentials in tow, you and your canine companion are ready to embark on a memorable outdoor adventure together. 

By using this checklist, you can ensure your pet has everything they need for a fun, comfortable, and safe holiday. Focus on their health, comfort and containing their things to avoid losing any important items. With the proper preparation, your furry friend will be ready to relax and enjoy new sights and activities. For all of your holiday essentials, visit us in store and online.