Travelling with a dog can open the door to holidays, family visits, countryside walks and days out together.

However, a successful journey involves more than putting your dog in the car or taking them onto a train.

You need to consider how your dog feels about travel, how they will be kept secure, the weather, toilet breaks, unfamiliar surroundings and what will happen when you reach your destination.

Some dogs enjoy travelling. Others find movement, crowds and changes to their routine difficult. A nervous, rescue, elderly or travel-sick dog may be happier staying at home with someone they know.

This guide will help you plan safer, calmer journeys by car and public transport. It also explains when leaving your dog at home may be the kinder choice.

Is travelling the right choice for your dog?

Before arranging a dog-friendly trip, think about the experience from your dog’s point of view.

Ask yourself:

Does my dog normally cope well with travel?
Can they settle in an unfamiliar place?
Are they comfortable around strangers, children or other dogs?
Will the destination be crowded or noisy?
Is there somewhere quiet where they can rest?
Will the weather be suitable?
Can I meet their feeding, medication and toilet needs?
Does the journey provide any real benefit for my dog?

A destination being described as dog-friendly does not mean it suits every dog.

A busy pub, festival, packed train or crowded beach may be enjoyable for people while being overwhelming for a dog who needs space and predictability.

Your dog does not have to join every family outing.

Introduce your dog to travel gradually.

Do not wait until the day of a long journey to discover how your dog feels about travelling.

Start with short, low-pressure experiences.

For car travel, this may involve:

Allowing your dog to approach the stationary car.
Rewarding calm investigation.
Letting them sit inside with the doors open and engine off.
Introducing their restraint or travel crate.
Starting the engine without moving.
Taking a very short journey.
Gradually increasing the distance.

Allow your dog to progress at a pace they can manage.

Repeatedly forcing a frightened dog into a vehicle may make their anxiety worse. PDSA recommends gradual travel training and returning to an easier stage when a dog shows signs of fear or motion sickness. (PDSA)

How should a dog travel in a car?

The Highway Code says dogs and other animals should be suitably restrained so they cannot distract the driver or injure themselves or other people if the vehicle stops suddenly.

Suitable options may include:

a properly fitted seat-belt harness
a secure pet carrier
a correctly positioned travel crate
a suitable dog cage
a dog guard separating the boot area

The best option will depend on your dog, the vehicle and the equipment involved.

A loose dog may distract the driver, escape when a door opens or be thrown forwards during sudden braking. The Highway Code lists a seat-belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage and dog guard as possible ways of restraining animals. (GOV.UK)

Do not attach a car restraint to a collar

A restraint should not place sudden force around your dog’s neck.

Use a suitable, correctly fitted harness designed for the purpose and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Check that your dog can:

sit comfortably
lie down
change position
breathe normally
remain secure
avoid becoming tangled

Allow your dog to become familiar with the harness, crate or carrier before the main journey.

I recommend the following car harness on Amazon

Check crates and carriers carefully

A travel crate or carrier should be:

large enough for the dog to stand, turn and lie down
properly ventilated
securely positioned
free from loose items that could cause injury
suitable for the dog’s size and weight
introduced before the journey

Do not assume that placing a dog in the boot automatically keeps them safe. The dog still needs suitable separation and restraint.

Getting your dog into and out of the car safely

Many accidents happen when a door, boot or crate is opened.

Before releasing your dog:

make sure the lead is attached
check for traffic
look for nearby dogs
choose the pavement side where possible
ask passengers to wait before opening other doors
keep the dog under close control
make sure the destination is secure

Do not allow your dog to jump straight from the vehicle into a road, car park or busy service area.

Older dogs, puppies and dogs with mobility difficulties may need help entering and leaving the vehicle. Use suitable equipment and veterinary advice rather than repeatedly encouraging a dog to make an uncomfortable jump.

Signs of travel sickness in dogs

Travel sickness does not always begin with vomiting.

Possible signs include:

drooling
repeated swallowing
lip licking
panting
retching
restlessness
whining
shaking
refusing to enter the vehicle
toileting in the car
vomiting

Motion sickness is common in puppies but can affect dogs of any age. Fear and nausea can also become linked, making the dog anxious before the journey has started. (PDSA)

Speak to your vet if your dog repeatedly becomes sick or distressed while travelling.

Do not give human travel-sickness medication unless your vet has confirmed that the exact product and dose are suitable.

Helping a nervous dog travel

A worried dog needs support, not pressure.

Keep early journeys short and predictable. Avoid making every car journey end at the veterinary practice, or somewhere the dog finds difficult.

You may be able to create better associations by driving briefly to:

a familiar walking route
a quiet green space
the home of someone the dog knows
another calm and predictable destination

Take familiar bedding where practical and keep your own behaviour calm.

Signs that your dog is struggling may include:

refusing to approach the vehicle
pulling away
trembling
panting when the weather is not warm
repeated yawning or lip licking
pacing
barking or whining
trying to escape
being unable to settle

Blue Cross recommends introducing dogs to cars in short stages and rewarding calm behaviour before gradually increasing the length of journeys.

When anxiety is severe or becoming worse, speak to your vet or an appropriately qualified, reward-based behaviour professional.

Food before travelling

Avoid making sudden changes to your dog’s diet on the day of travel.

A large meal immediately before a journey may be unhelpful for a dog who becomes travel sick, but individual feeding and medical needs vary.

Take:

your dog’s usual food
enough food for the full trip
a little extra in case you are delayed
familiar treats
any required medication
written feeding instructions where someone else may help

Keep food safely stored and prevent your dog from scavenging at service stations, picnic areas and unfamiliar accommodation.

Speak to your vet about feeding times if your dog has diabetes, a digestive illness, or another condition that requires a strict routine.

Water and rest breaks

Carry fresh drinking water and a clean bowl.

During longer journeys, plan regular stops so your dog can:

drink
toilet
stretch
have a calm sniff
settle before continuing

Choose a safe stopping place away from moving traffic.

Attach the lead before opening the vehicle. Do not rely on recall in a service station, lay-by or unfamiliar area.

Breaks should be suited to the individual dog. A puppy, a senior dog, or a dog taking certain medication may need more frequent opportunities to go to the toilet than a healthy adult.

Never leave a dog alone in a hot car

Do not leave your dog unattended in a parked vehicle during warm weather.

Opening a window slightly does not make the car safe. Shade can move, delays can occur, and the temperature inside a vehicle can rise quickly.

The RSPCA advises never leaving a dog in a car on a warm day, including when the vehicle is parked in the shade, or the windows are open.

Plan the complete journey before leaving home.

Think about:

toilet stops
places where dogs are not admitted
collecting food
checking into accommodation
traffic delays
ferry or train waiting areas
whether another adult will remain with the dog

When you cannot safely supervise your dog throughout the journey, change the plan.

Read my guide to travelling with your dog during summer for more warm-weather advice.

Travelling in cold or stormy weather

Winter travel also requires planning.

Consider:

snow and ice
road closures
traffic delays
the possibility of becoming stranded
cold waiting areas
wet bedding
reduced daylight
your dog’s age and mobility

Carry additional water, towels, familiar bedding and any medication your dog may need if the journey takes longer than expected.

Do not travel simply because accommodation has been booked when official warnings or local conditions make the journey unsafe.

My Finchley Dog Walker Extreme Weather Policy explains that safety takes priority when weather conditions affect travel or outdoor care.

Travelling with a dog by train

National Rail normally allows passengers to bring up to two pets without an additional charge.

Dogs should be kept on a lead or in a suitable carrier. Animals are not allowed on seats, and carriers should allow the animal to stand and lie down comfortably. Individual operators and sleeper services may have additional conditions. (National Rail)

Before travelling:

check the train operator’s current rules
avoid the busiest services where possible
allow time for toilet breaks
choose a route with manageable changes
carry water
keep your dog away from the platform edge
use lifts or stairs rather than allowing a dog onto an escalator
have an alternative plan for cancellations

A dog who cannot settle in a station or crowded carriage may need gradual practice before attempting a long rail journey.

Travelling with a dog on the Tube or bus

Transport for London allows pets to travel free when accompanied by someone with a valid ticket or payment method.

Dogs must remain on a lead; pets are not allowed on seats, and animals must not walk on escalators. TfL recommends using lifts or stairs where possible and travelling at quieter times. (Transport for London)

When using London public transport:

avoid rush hour
use wide ticket gates
keep your dog close
avoid blocking doors and walkways
move away from the platform edge
choose cooler times during summer
leave the service if your dog becomes distressed
plan a route using lifts or stairs

Do not take a large dog onto an escalator unless you can carry them safely and they are comfortable being carried.

Read my complete guide to travelling with dogs on the London Underground before attempting a Tube journey.

Travelling by taxi or minicab

Pet policies vary between taxi companies, booking platforms and individual drivers.

Check before booking and explain:

your dog’s approximate size
whether they travel in a carrier
whether you have a suitable restraint
whether you will bring a protective blanket
whether the dog has mobility needs

Do not assume that every driver will accept a pet.

Bring a clean blanket and keep your dog restrained. Prevent them from distracting the driver or moving around the vehicle.

Assistance dogs are treated differently under accessibility legislation and should not be confused with ordinary pet travel arrangements.

Travelling by boat or ferry

Check the operator’s pet policy before buying tickets.

Different services may require dogs to remain:

in the vehicle
in a kennel
within a carrier
in a designated pet lounge
on an outside deck
in a pet-friendly cabin

Consider whether the arrangement is genuinely suitable for your dog.

A dog with separation distress may struggle if they must remain alone in a vehicle or unfamiliar kennel. Weather, noise, movement and access to toilet areas may also affect their comfort.

Keep your dog securely attached when moving around a port, marina or deck.

Choosing dog-friendly accommodation

“Dogs welcome” can mean very different things.

Before booking, ask:

How many dogs are allowed?
Are there size or breed restrictions?
Is there an additional charge?
Can dogs be left alone in the property?
Is the garden genuinely secure?
How high are the fences?
Are there livestock or other animals nearby?
Are dogs allowed in shared areas?
Are there restrictions on furniture or bedrooms?
Where is the nearest suitable walking area?
Where is the nearest veterinary practice?
Are cleaning charges or deposits required?

Do not rely only on photographs. A garden described as enclosed may still have low fences, gaps or a shared entrance.

Bring familiar bedding rather than assuming a new bed supplied by the accommodation will help your dog settle.

What to pack when travelling with your dog

A practical travel kit may include:

a standard fixed-length lead
a properly fitted collar or harness
a current identification tag
poo bags
food
treats
fresh water
bowls
medication
veterinary information
familiar bedding
towels
a secure restraint or carrier
cleaning supplies
a recent photograph of your dog
a tick-removal tool
weather-appropriate equipment

Check your dog’s microchip registration details before travelling.

Do not pack unfamiliar chews, treats and equipment simply because they are marketed for holidays. Familiar, tested items are often easier and safer.

For overnight care, use my Dog Staycation Packing List.

Identification and emergency information

Your dog should wear an identification tag containing the legally required owner information while in a public place.

Keep your microchip contact information current.

It is also sensible to carry:

your normal vet’s details
details of a vet near your destination
insurance information
medication instructions
an emergency contact
a recent photograph
notes about important medical or behavioural needs

Store this information somewhere accessible rather than only on a phone that may lose power.

My Canine First Aid Guide explains why first aid supports professional veterinary care rather than replacing it.

Travelling abroad with a dog

Pet-travel requirements can change, so check the current official guidance before booking transport or accommodation.

Travelling from Great Britain to the EU normally involves:

a microchip
a valid rabies vaccination
an appropriate pet-travel document
any required tapeworm treatment
entry through an approved travellers’ point of entry

Rules may differ for Northern Ireland, non-EU destinations and the return journey.

New EU rules took effect in April 2026. Great Britain residents should not rely on an EU pet passport to enter the EU and may need an Animal Health Certificate for each trip. Always check the destination country’s requirements and current GOV. UK guidance. (GOV.UK)

Begin preparing well before your planned departure. Vaccinations, documentation and treatment requirements cannot always be arranged at the last moment.

Walking somewhere unfamiliar

A holiday walk may include hazards your dog does not encounter at home.

These can include:

livestock
cliffs
tides
fast-flowing water
blue-green algae
unfamiliar wildlife
grass seeds
ticks
adders
seasonal beach restrictions
steep or uneven ground

Keep your dog under close control and follow local signs.

Do not assume that a dog with reliable recall at home will respond in the same way around sheep, wildlife or unfamiliar smells.

Read Walking Your Dog in the Countryside and Fleas and Ticks on Dogs before planning rural walks.

Helping your dog settle at the destination

Give your dog time to investigate without allowing them to rush through every room.

On arrival:

Check doors, gates and fencing.
Identify any hazards.
Set up water.
Put familiar bedding in a quiet place.
Take your dog outside on a lead.
Keep their feeding routine as normal as possible.
Allow time to rest.

Some dogs appear excited when they are actually overstimulated.

Constant pacing, panting, following, whining, barking and being unable to sleep can indicate that the environment is too difficult.

Do not fill every day with activities. Holidays can be tiring for dogs, particularly when everything around them is unfamiliar.

When staying at home is the kinder choice

Not every dog benefits from travelling.

Staying at home may be more suitable when your dog:

becomes severely travel sick
is frightened of vehicles
struggles in unfamiliar places
is elderly or unwell
needs a strict medication routine
is reactive towards people or dogs
cannot cope with crowds
finds hot weather particularly difficult
would spend most of the trip confined or waiting
relies heavily on familiar surroundings

Leaving your dog at home does not mean leaving them alone.

A suitable house sitter can follow their normal routine, provide local walks and allow them to sleep in their familiar place.

This can be particularly helpful for rescue, nervous and older dogs.

Read about my House Sitting for Rescue Dogs in Finchley and Holiday Care for Dogs and Cats.

Frequently asked questions

Does my dog legally need to be restrained in the car?

The Highway Code says animals should be suitably restrained so that they cannot distract the driver or injure themselves or other people during sudden stopping. Suitable options may include a seat-belt harness, carrier, cage or dog guard. (GOV.UK)

What is the safest way for my dog to travel?

There is no single option for every dog and vehicle. Choose suitable equipment for your dog’s size and needs, fit it correctly and allow your dog to become comfortable with it before travelling.

How often should I stop during a long journey?

Plan regular breaks based on your dog’s age, health, toilet needs and ability to settle. Puppies, older dogs and dogs taking certain medication may need more frequent stops.

Can dogs travel free on UK trains?

National Rail normally allows up to two pets per passenger without an additional charge. Dogs must remain on a lead or in a suitable carrier and cannot occupy seats. Check the individual train operator before travelling. (National Rail)

Can I take my dog on the London Underground?

TfL allows dogs to travel free with an accompanied passenger. Dogs must remain on a lead, cannot sit on seats and must not walk on escalators. Use lifts or stairs where possible. (Transport for London)

Should I feed my dog before travelling?

Avoid a sudden diet change or unusually large meal. Dogs with travel sickness or medical conditions may need individual advice from their vet about timing and quantity.

Can I leave my dog in the car while I stop briefly?

Do not leave a dog unattended in a parked car during warm weather. Opening windows or parking in the shade does not remove the risk. (RSPCA)

What should I do if my dog is repeatedly travel sick?

Speak to your vet. Travel sickness can become connected with fear and may worsen without appropriate support. Gradual travel training and veterinary treatment may be recommended. (PDSA)

Is travelling always better than using a pet sitter?

No. A familiar home and routine may be considerably calmer for nervous, elderly, reactive or medically vulnerable dogs. Choose the arrangement that best protects your dog’s welfare rather than assuming they must accompany you.

Plan around the dog in front of you.

A successful dog-friendly trip is not measured by how far you travel or how many places you visit.

It is measured by whether your dog remains safe, comfortable and able to cope.

Use appropriate restraint. Introduce travel gradually. Plan for water, breaks, weather and unexpected delays. Be honest about whether the destination suits your dog.

Sometimes a day out together is a lovely choice.

Sometimes staying at home with a trusted sitter is better.

Both can be responsible dog care.

Travelling with Your Dog During Summer
Dofs can die in hot cars
Dogs and the London Underground
Dog Staycation Packing List
Walking Your Dog in the Countryside
Fleas and Ticks on Dogs
House Sitting for Rescue Dogs

This article provides general travel and safety information. Check current operator, accommodation and government rules before travelling, and contact your vet for advice about your dog’s health, medication, anxiety or travel sickness.