Dog Holiday Packing Checklist (UK)
Pack well and nothing ruins the first morning — you're settled, the dog's settled, and you're out for a walk instead of hunting a shop for poo bags. This is the companion checklist to our dog-friendly holidays guide: print it, tick it off, go.
The Essentials Checklist
Food & water
- Enough of their usual food for the whole trip, plus two days spare — a sudden diet change on holiday is the classic cause of an upset stomach.
- A sealed food container to keep it fresh and pest-proof.
- Travel water bowl.
- Their normal treats.
Health & ID
- Collar ID tag with a current phone number, and a microchip that's registered and up to date.
- Any medication, with enough supply for the whole trip.
- Your vet's number, plus the nearest emergency vet to your destination — Google this before you leave.
- Vet records or paperwork for a long trip or a dog on medication.
Safety & restraint
- A crash-tested car harness, secured travel crate or dog guard — Highway Code Rule 57 requires a suitable restraint.
- Leads, including one spare.
Comfort & sleep
- Their usual bed, crate or a blanket that smells of home — the single strongest thing for settling an anxious dog somewhere new.
- A favourite toy or chew.
Hygiene
- Poo bags — more than you think you'll need.
- Towels; walking dogs get wet and holiday washing facilities vary.
- Dog-safe cleaning spray for any accidents.
Walking
- A map or offline route for local walks.
- A torch for evening walks in rural areas.
- A tick remover, particularly for long-grass, heath or moorland regions.
What to Leave at Home
- A dog that genuinely needs 24-hour company, if your holiday includes long days out. Book a dog-sitter or choose dog-inclusive days instead.
- Rawhide chews or any food that tends to cause upset — a holiday is not the time to experiment.
Before You Leave
- Confirm the accommodation's dog policy in writing — number, size, where dogs are allowed, and the rules on leaving a dog alone.
- Note the nearest vet to your destination.
- Pack a printed copy of your dog's microchip and vet details in the car.
- Do a final headcount against this list the night before, not on the doorstep.
For the fuller picture on choosing accommodation, picking a region and settling a nervous dog, head back to our dog-friendly holidays guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog's usual food on a self-catering holiday?
Yes — and it's strongly recommended. A holiday is the worst time for a sudden diet change, which is a classic cause of an upset stomach at exactly the wrong moment. Bring enough of your dog's normal food for the whole trip plus about two days spare, in a sealed container so it stays fresh and doesn't attract pests in an unfamiliar kitchen. If you feed a fresh or raw diet, check the accommodation has suitable fridge or freezer space before you travel.
Do I need to bring my dog's vet records on holiday?
For a normal UK break it isn't usually essential, but it's worth having. If your dog is on medication, has a health condition, or you're away for a longer trip, a printed copy of vet records and current medication details makes life much easier if you need to see a vet away from home. At a minimum, note the nearest vet to your destination and keep your own vet's number handy before you leave — a stressed dog somewhere unfamiliar is more likely to have a mishap.
What should I pack for an anxious dog on holiday?
Familiar things, and as little novelty as possible. The single most useful item is the dog's own bed or a blanket that smells of home — scent settles an anxious dog faster than anything else. Pack its normal food, a favourite toy or chew, and stick to the usual feeding and walking routine once you arrive. Novelty is the stressor, so the more of home you bring and the more predictable the day feels, the quicker your dog will relax in a new place.
How much dog food should I pack for a holiday?
Enough of their usual food for every day of the trip, plus roughly two extra days' worth as a buffer. The spare covers travel delays, a longer stay than planned, or simply spilling a portion — and it means you're never forced into buying an unfamiliar brand locally, which risks the upset stomach you're trying to avoid. Measure it out into daily portions or a sealed container before you leave so you can see at a glance that you've packed enough.
Does my dog legally need to be restrained in the car?
Effectively yes. Rule 57 of the Highway Code says dogs must be suitably restrained so they can't distract or injure the driver — or themselves — in a sudden stop. In practice that means a crash-tested harness clipped to a seatbelt, a secured travel crate, or a dog guard behind the boot. Beyond the safety case, an unrestrained dog can also affect an insurance claim after an accident, so pack the harness or crate as a non-negotiable.