Taking your pet on a UK summer holiday: your car travel checklist

For lots of us, a UK holiday wouldn’t feel quite the same without our four-legged family members coming along too.

Whether you’re heading to the coast, escaping to the countryside or packing up for a few nights away, taking your pet on holiday can make the trip even better. It does, however, mean there are a few extra things to think about before you set off. From keeping them comfortable in the car to remembering the things they’ll need when you arrive, here’s our checklist for a happier summer road trip with your pet.

Before you set off

A little preparation can make a big difference, particularly if your pet isn’t used to longer car journeys.

Plan your route in advance and think about where you can safely stop along the way. If you’re travelling during particularly hot weather, setting off earlier in the morning or later in the day could also mean a more comfortable journey for everyone. And before travelling, make sure your pet’s microchip details and ID tag are up to date, just in case they decide to do some unexpected exploring while you’re away.

Make sure they’re secure in the car

Pets need to be suitably restrained when travelling so they can’t distract the driver or injure themselves or others if you need to stop suddenly. Depending on your pet and your vehicle, this could mean a suitable seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard.

As tempting as it might be to let them roam around the car on a long journey, keeping them safely secured is better for everyone.

Plan plenty of stops

Regular breaks give your pet a chance to stretch their legs, have a drink and go to the toilet. They’re good for the humans in the car too. A quick break can help you stay refreshed and alert before getting back behind the wheel.

Before setting off, you could even look for suitable stopping points along your route rather than relying on finding somewhere when you need it.

Keep them comfortable in warmer weather

Summer car journeys need a little extra care. Keep the car well-ventilated or use air conditioning where appropriate, make sure fresh water is available during stops, and keep an eye on your pet for signs that they’re getting too warm.

And never leave your pet unattended in a hot car. Cars can heat up extremely quickly, even when it doesn’t feel particularly hot outside.

Remember that pavements and other surfaces can become very hot too, so look for shaded or grassy areas when stopping on particularly warm days.

Check how pet friendly your destination really is

“Pet friendly” can mean different things depending on where you’re staying, so check the details before you travel. Are pets allowed throughout the accommodation? Is there a secure outdoor area? Are there restrictions on leaving them unattended?

It’s also worth checking nearby beaches, attractions, pubs and restaurants. Some beaches have seasonal dog restrictions during the summer, so a little research beforehand can prevent disappointment when you arrive.

Find a local vet

Hopefully you won’t need one, but it’s worth knowing where the nearest vet is before you travel. Save their details in your phone along with the location of the nearest emergency or out-of-hours veterinary service. It takes a couple of minutes to set up and could save a lot of stress if you ever need it.

Enjoy the adventure together

Taking your pet on holiday means a little more planning, a little more luggage and probably a few more stops along the way. But it also means they get to be part of the adventure.

Give yourself plenty of time, plan around their needs and make the journey part of the holiday rather than something to rush through.

Then there’s only one important question left: who gets the best spot when you arrive?