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Dog Packing Checklist
At StayCotswold, we know planning a UK holiday as a dedicated dog parent means your four-legged friend is coming with you, because why wouldn’t they?
Whether they’re a bundle of energy eager to explore the country’s stunning coastal spots or the perfect companion for fireside cuddles at one of the Cotswolds’ cosy pet-friendly pubs, your pooch is sure to feel right at home wherever you choose to take a break.
The key to successfully taking your dog on holiday in the UK, however, is all in the planning.
While enough food and a lead are obvious additions to your suitcase, there are other dog travel essentials that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The Complete Dog Travel Checklist
We’ve created a downloadable dog essentials list to make planning and packing that bit easier.
Download your full dog packing checklist now »
Bed and blankets
Your furry best friend deserves to travel in comfort.
Whether you’re travelling to your destination or setting up a snug corner for them to snooze the night away, bringing their own bed ensures that they’ll feel safe, relaxed, and right at home wherever you holiday.
Collar with name tag
While a dog name tag with up-to-date owner contact details is a legal requirement in the UK, it also gives you invaluable peace of mind.
Should your pooch get spooked or lost, while exploring a new area off-lead, a clear name tag securely attached to their collar will make it much easier for someone to safely reunite them with you.
Lead and harness
Even if your dog is impeccably well-behaved, there are occasions when keeping them on a lead, even if it’s a longline or extendable design, is essential to making the most of those incredible dog walks nearby.
This includes public spaces (like parks and beaches), areas close to livestock, and on specific coastal paths, where leads help ensure safety and respect for wildlife and other visitors.
Dog poo bags
Our dog essentials list simply wouldn’t be complete without this toilet necessity!
While these handy rolls can be easy to forget, ensuring you pack plenty is crucial – especially if your furry best friend has a travel-induced accident or upset tummy.
Food and water bowls
Of course, every pet needs access to their food and water bowls, whether collapsible for travel or their regular ones at home.
Owners of larger or older dogs might also consider bringing a bowl stand, helping to make mealtimes consistently comfortable and familiar wherever your UK adventures take you.
Packing a feeding mat for bowls of food and water can help keep the floors of your holiday home dry and mess-free – allowing you to dedicate less time to cleaning and more time enjoying your break!
Crate or carrier
Does your pet love their crate or carrier? Some pups view these enclosures as a safe and relaxing spot to unwind. Bringing it along with you ensures they always have a familiar retreat whenever they need a moment of calm.
Dog toys
Be it a beloved bouncy ball, chew toy, stuffed animal, or snuffle mat, dog toys are a non-negotiable holiday essential for keeping your pooch entertained.
Stain remover
Accidents happen! Especially when your dog is away from home and potentially feeling unsettled. Popping some stain remover in your bag can support the swift clean up of any little accidents that might occur.
Coat
Planning on taking a UK trip over Christmas or celebrating New Year’s Day in a cosy cottage with your best pal? Taking a well-insulated dog coat (and even some grippy dog boots!) with you can keep your pup happy and warm on any winter walk.
Shampoo
Whether it’s salty fur after a seaside stroll or muddy paws from a woodland adventure, taking dogs on holidays in the UK often means a bit of mess is inevitable.
And, since dog shampoo can be tricky to find in remote spots, it’s always worth packing your own to keep your pup fresh, clean, and ready for the next outing.
Brush
After a thorough shampoo and rinse, a good brush can detangle knots and prevent matting, helping to keep your pet comfortable, happy, and looking at their best throughout your holiday.
Towels
The last thing you want to do on holiday is to end up sharing a towel with your furry best friend. Ideal for drying off after a rainy wander or a much-needed shower, ensuring you pack dedicated towels for your pup will keep both of you dry and comfortable.
Enough food to last the length of the trip
If you’re planning on taking a two-week holiday with your dog, you might be surprised at just how much food they’ll get through.
Some larger dogs can eat up to four cans a day, so to keep your luggage more manageable, it might be wiser to take some with you and buy the rest locally – unless your pup is on a specialised or specific diet.
Treats
Hoping to dine out, but don’t want to leave your pooch bored and restless? Bring along plenty of their favourite treats to either keep them content while you’re out, or for them to happily munch on by your side at a dog-friendly pub.
Medication
Some dogs require daily medication for pain management, while others take weekly supplements as part of their preventative care. Considering the length of your trip will help you to determine exactly how much medication you need to take to keep your pooch healthy while away.
Pet insurance details
If your pup has an accident or gets sick while on holiday in the UK, having your pet insurance details on hand is crucial to help cover the unexpected costs of any veterinary care.
Car safety lead
For those headed to their UK break via car, a safety lead should be top of their dog travel checklist! Not only is this handy restraint a legal necessity, but it also keeps human passengers and their canine friends safe and secure while on the move.
Tick removal tool
Commonly found in woodlands, forests, parks, and even backyards, ticks are unfortunately an ever-present risk to your precious pet!
Packing a specialised tick removal tool or even a suitable pair of tweezers along with some antiseptic wipes ensures you can safely remove these pesky parasites and treat the bite before it causes any trouble.
Name of emergency vet(s) in area close to where you’re staying
Unfortunately, accidents and illnesses don’t wait until you’re home to strike. Should the worst happen while you’re away, having a list of nearby emergency vets ensures your pooch can receive prompt care if they need it.
Ready for your next dog friendly getaway?
With just a little thought and preparation, travelling with your dog in the UK can be relaxing and rewarding.
From packing those often-overlooked home comforts as well as the everyday essentials for your pooch, you can make sure your four-legged friend feels just as comfortable and cared for on holiday as they do at home.
Whether you’re exploring the rolling hills of the Cotswolds or strolling along sandy beaches leaving pawprints in your wake, being well-prepared means you can focus on what matters: making unforgettable memories together.
Give your furry best friend the holiday they deserve! Don’t forget to download our dog travel checklist now to make travelling with your dog that bit easier!
Planning a short weekend break for your pup or a two-week hideaway? We have a diverse selection of dog-friendly cottages for you to explore.
Be it a cosy Christmas break or a spontaneous, last-minute stay to unwind after a tough week at work, we’ll help you plan the perfect pet-friendly holiday in the Cotswolds.
Or, for more pooch-positive holiday inspiration, why not explore our collection of articles and guides – all centred around making your pup feel like a VIP?
