The ultimate guide to travelling with dogs

Taking your dog on holiday can make your trip even more special – but it does require careful planning. From paperwork and transport rules to managing dog travel sickness, this ultimate guide covers everything you need to know.

Travelling with a dog in Europe or further afield adds logistical challenges and potential stress to any trip. Before you book, think honestly about your dog’s personality, temperament and whether it's the right thing to do for them.

If your dog dislikes new environments, suffers from dog travel sickness, or prefers familiar surroundings, staying at home with a trusted pet sitter or boarding option may be kinder. On the other hand, confident, adaptable dogs often thrive on dog-friendly holidays.

Even if your dog loves to travel, you’ll need to prepare before you leave. Aim to start planning at least one month before departure.

• Confirm that your destination and accommodation are dog-friendly
• Ensure vaccinations, including rabies if required, are up to date
• Check what paperwork your destination country requires
• Order a spare ID tag with your holiday contact details
• Pack enough regular medication for the whole trip
• Check your dog’s microchip details are current
• Arrange appropriate insurance cover for travel
• Speak to your vet about any health concerns
• Research local vets at your destination

With Petplan dog insurance, your dog is covered for trips within the EU, but check your terms and conditions for full details. You can also use our Pet Expert Chat feature before you go to speak with an expert about any dog health concerns you may have. Log in to your My Petplan account, then head to the My Support area to get started.

If you’re travelling abroad, your vet will also need to issue a dog health certificate. Depending on the destination, you’ll either need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or an Export Health Certificate (EHC). This is typically valid for ten days from the date of issue for entry into the EU.

Whether you’re travelling by car, plane, train or ferry, bringing your dog requires extra planning. Here’s what to consider.

For many owners, driving is the easiest option. The safest way for a dog to travel in a car is properly restrained, which is a legal requirement under the UK Highway Code. The law also states that dogs can travel in the car's boot only if properly secured, so they can’t distract the driver or injure themselves.

An unrestrained dog can result in fines and may invalidate your pet and motor insurance coverage in the event of an accident. Acceptable options to keep your dog safely restrained include:

• Dog guards
• Car harnesses
• Pet seatbelts
• Dog travel crates

Remember: don’t let your dog stick their head out of the window, never leave your dog alone in the car, and stop regularly for toilet breaks.

In the UK, most rail operators allow up to two dogs per passenger free of charge, as long as you follow the regulations. 

Typical rules:

• Dogs must not sit on the seats
• Dogs must be on a lead or in a carrier
• You may be refused travel if your dog is disruptive

If you’re planning longer rail journeys, start with a few short trips first. Always check the specific train company’s pet policy in advance, especially for sleeper services.

Dogs aren’t currently allowed on the Eurostar, except registered assistance dogs. But they can travel in your car on Eurotunnel LeShuttle trains.

Can dogs travel on aeroplanes? Flying can be stressful for dogs, so it’s usually best avoided unless necessary. Some airlines allow small dogs to travel in the cabin, but larger dogs have to travel in the hold. You’ll need to check each airline’s specific regulations and use a carrier that meets its travel requirements.

Boat travel is often more comfortable than flying, and many ferry operators offer dog-friendly cabins. These tend to get booked in advance, so plan ahead.

Avoid routes where dogs must remain in vehicles for long crossings where possible, as this can be very stressful for them.

Canal boat and sailing holidays can be very dog-friendly, but also require careful planning. Even if your dog is comfortable around water and a confident swimmer, they’ll need to wear a life jacket and be supervised at all times. It’s also worth checking that any mooring locations you want to visit allow dogs. 

Travel sickness in dogs is common, especially in puppies and anxious pets.

Signs include:

• Drooling
• Whining
• Vomiting
• Restlessness

If your dog struggles, speak to your vet about dog travel sickness pills or anti-nausea treatments. Taking frequent breaks can help, and many dogs improve with age and positive travel experiences.

UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for most EU travel, so you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). Up to five dogs can share the same AHC, but it must be issued for each trip.

If you’re travelling to the following countries, your dog will need tapeworm treatment before they leave:

• Ireland
• Northern Ireland
• Finland
• Malta
• Norway

You’ll need to book an appointment with your vet for this treatment, which must be given between 24 hours and five days before travel and recorded on your dog’s AHC.

When returning to the UK from Europe, your dog will need another tapeworm treatment in the country you’re departing from. The only exclusions are if you’re travelling back from Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway. 

Again, this needs to be administered between 24 hours and five days before travel. You’ll need to arrange this with a vet in the country you’re visiting, and the details will be recorded on your dog’s AHC.

If you’re travelling to Europe or Northern Ireland, your dog will also need a rabies vaccination. Dogs must be over 12 weeks, and travel is allowed 21 days after your dog has been fully vaccinated.

Always check the latest rules before travel, as requirements can change.

Travelling with your dog outside of Europe is a little more complicated. They’ll need:

• An export health certificate 
• Destination-specific vaccinations or blood tests
• An export application (EXA) in England, Scotland and Wales

Start planning at least three to four months in advance for complex destinations, as it can take time to prepare. Petplan insurance does not provide cover outside of the EU, so additional protection may be needed for travel further afield.

Not all ‘pet-friendly’ stays are equal. Before booking, it’s worth checking:

• Size or breed restrictions
• Any additional pet cleaning fees 
• What cleaning supplies are provided

The sights, sounds and smells of a new destination can overwhelm even confident dogs. To make trips as fun and stress-free as possible:

• Use a lead unless in a secure area
• Bring some of your dog’s favourite toys
• Pack familiar-smelling items from home
• Maintain normal feeding and walking routines
• Avoid leaving your dog alone in unfamiliar accommodation
• Watch out for local hazards like intense heat or new parasites
• Use calming remedies like pheromone sprays to ease the stress of travel
• Bring enough dog food for the entire trip, if possible, as this will reduce the chance of your dog suffering from any gastrointestinal issues

If you’re worried your dog won’t enjoy going on holiday, it’s best to leave them at home. Hire a pet sitter so your dog can stay in their own house. Ask family if they can look after your dog while you’re away, or check out local dog boarding options.

Before you leave, download and print our handy checklist to make sure you’ve got the essentials, including: 

• Collar and ID: Make sure these have your up-to-date contact details.
• Lead: It may be helpful to take a spare in case one gets lost or breaks.
• Dog carrier: If driving with dogs, you’ll need a harness, boot guard, pet seat belt or carrier.
• Bedding: Taking your dog’s familiar bedding, or a travel dog bed, will help them settle into a new place.
• Poo bags: Kitchen roll and an enzymatic cleaner could also come in handy (as can a lint roller to deal with fur on your accommodation’s soft furnishings).
• Dog food and bowl: Ideally enough for the duration of your trip.
• Plenty of treats: For rewarding good behaviour. A substantial chew or two (appropriate to your dog’s age and dental development) can help them settle into a new environment.
• Collapsible bowl or travel water bottle: Handy on the move and can double as a water bowl throughout your holiday.
• Towels: To dry wet and/or muddy fur and paws.
• First-aid kit/medications: Basic dog first-aid essentials, such as a tick remover, are always useful, plus any regular medicines your dog takes.
• Grooming kit: If you have a long-haired breed that needs regular grooming, don’t forget the necessary brushes and combs.
• Recent photo: Helpful if your dog gets lost on holiday.
• Documentation: Any required paperwork for travelling abroad, and your pet’s vet and insurance details.