DogLens - Travel & Holidays

🚗 Car Travel

Most dogs travel by car regularly, whether it's trips to the vet, the park, or on holiday. Getting car travel right means keeping everyone safe and legal.

⚖️ The Law — Highway Code Rule 57: Dogs must be "suitably restrained" in a vehicle so they cannot distract the driver or injure themselves or others if you stop quickly. Failing to comply can result in a fine of up to £5,000 for driving without due care and attention, and your insurance may be invalidated.

Approved Restraint Methods

📦 Crate / Cage

Safest option. Placed in the boot with tie-down points. Dog has space to lie down and turn around. Keeps dog contained when you open the boot. Practice at home first so it's a positive space.

🛡️ Dog Guard / Boot Gate

Metal grille behind the rear seats giving the dog the full boot space. Less protective than a crate in a crash, but gives more room. Dog is not contained when you open the boot — use a lead first.

📐 Seat Belt Harness

Clips into the existing seat belt buckle. Best for back seats only. Choose a crash-tested harness. Keep the tether short enough to prevent the dog reaching the front seats but long enough for comfort.

💼 Pet Carrier

Ideal for small dogs and puppies. Secure on the back seat with the seat belt. Never on the front seat if there's an active passenger airbag.

Car Journey Tips

Don't feed 2 hours before travel to reduce motion sickness
Stop every 2 hours for toilet breaks, water, and a stretch
Keep the car cool — use air conditioning and ventilation. A partially open window away from the dog provides airflow without debris risk
Bring water and a bowl — non-spill travel bowls are ideal
Use familiar bedding in the crate or boot for comfort
Window blinds can help dogs who get over-stimulated or anxious from passing traffic
Never let your dog hang their head out of the window — debris can injure their eyes

🚨 NEVER Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car: On a 22°C day, the inside of a car can reach 47°C within an hour. Dogs die in hot cars every year. Even with windows cracked, it's not enough. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, call 999.

Motion Sickness

Common in puppies (most outgrow it). Signs include drooling, yawning, whining, and vomiting. Help by:

Starting with very short journeys and gradually building up
Keeping the car cool with good ventilation
Not feeding before travel
Facing the dog forwards (not sideways)
Keeping the car ride smooth — avoid sudden braking and sharp turns
Your vet can prescribe anti-nausea medication for severe cases

🌎 Taking Your Dog Abroad

Since Brexit, taking your dog from Great Britain to the EU is more complex than it used to be. GB-issued pet passports are no longer valid for EU travel. Here's what you need:

Requirements for Travelling to the EU

Step	Details	Timing
1. Microchip	Must be microchipped before rabies vaccination	Any time before vaccination
2. Rabies Vaccination	Not a routine UK vaccine — ask your vet specifically. Dog must be at least 12 weeks old. Valid for 1–3 years depending on vaccine brand	At least 21 days before travel
3. Animal Health Certificate (AHC)	Must be issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV). Required for every trip. Valid for a single EU entry + onward travel within the EU for up to 4 months	Within 10 days of departure
4. Tapeworm Treatment	Required for dogs travelling to Ireland, Finland, Malta, and Norway. Must be recorded on the AHC	1–5 days before arrival
5. Approved Route	Must enter the EU through a designated Travellers' Point of Entry. Documents and microchip will be checked on arrival	Day of travel

💡 Cost: An AHC typically costs £100–£250 depending on your vet. Since you need one for every trip (unlike the old pet passport), travelling with your dog to Europe is significantly more expensive post-Brexit. Budget accordingly and book your OV appointment well in advance.

Northern Ireland

From June 2025, a new simplified Northern Ireland Pet Travel Document is available — free, lifetime valid, applied for online. Your dog needs to be microchipped but does not need rabies vaccination or tapeworm treatment. However, if travelling onwards from NI to the Republic of Ireland or the EU, you'll still need the full AHC.

Returning to the UK

You can use the same AHC that was issued for your outbound trip. No additional steps are needed except tapeworm treatment for returning dogs (if required). Your pet must travel on an approved route back into Great Britain.

📰 Future Changes: In May 2025, the UK and EU agreed in principle to reinstate a lifelong EU-style pet passport for British pets. Details and timelines are still pending. Check gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad for the latest information before booking.

🏙️ Dog-Friendly UK Holidays

The UK is brilliantly set up for holidays with dogs. Thousands of cottages, lodges, and holiday parks welcome pets, and there's no shortage of beautiful walks, beaches, and dog-friendly pubs.

Popular Dog-Friendly Destinations

🌊 Cornwall

Dramatic coastline, dog-friendly beaches (many year-round), the South West Coast Path, and countless dog-friendly pubs and cafes.

⛰️ Lake District

Fell walking, lake swimming, stunning scenery. Most pubs and cafes welcome dogs. Endless off-lead opportunities in the fells.

🏞️ Yorkshire Dales

Rolling green valleys, waterfalls, and quiet villages. Robin Hood's Bay and the Cleveland Way for coastal walks.

🏔️ Scotland

Scotland's right to roam laws mean exceptional dog walking freedom. Highlands, lochs, islands, and vast empty beaches.

🐦 Norfolk

Vast sandy beaches, the Norfolk Broads for boat trips with dogs, gentle flat walks, and charming coastal villages.

🌴 Devon

Dartmoor and Exmoor for moorland walks, plus beautiful beaches on both the north and south coasts. Cream teas welcome!

🇴🇧 Northumberland

Quiet, vast beaches (Bamburgh, Druridge Bay), Hadrian's Wall walks, dramatic castles, and far fewer crowds.

🌴 Cotswolds

Honey-stone villages, the 102-mile Cotswold Way, rolling hills, and picture-perfect countryside pubs.

Finding Accommodation

Self-catering cottages are the most dog-friendly option — your own space, garden, and flexibility
Look for enclosed gardens so your dog can be off-lead safely
Check how many dogs are allowed — some properties accept one, others up to three or more
Expect a small pet supplement — typically £20–£50 per stay
Specialist sites like Canine Cottages, Dog Friendly Cottages, and Dog Friendly Retreats focus exclusively on pet-friendly accommodation
National Trust has over 160 dog-friendly holiday cottages across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Dog-Friendly Beaches

The UK has thousands of dog-friendly beaches, but rules vary:

Many beaches ban dogs May–September (peak season) — always check before you go
Winter is brilliant — most restrictions are lifted and you'll have the beach to yourself
Some beaches are dog-friendly year-round — look for these specifically
Watch for signs about on-lead requirements, designated dog areas, and seasonal restrictions
Always clean up after your dog — fines of up to £1,000 for not doing so
Be aware of tides — dogs can get cut off on unfamiliar beaches just like people
Rinse off after sea swimming — salt water can irritate skin and upset stomachs if swallowed in quantity

🐟 When You Can't Take Your Dog

Sometimes taking your dog isn't practical. Here are your main options:

🏠 Boarding Kennels

Pros: Supervised 24/7, experienced staff, secure facilities, vet access nearby, social options with other dogs.

Cons: Can be stressful for anxious dogs, kennel cough risk (vaccination usually required), limited personal attention, unfamiliar environment.

Cost: Typically £15–£35 per night.

Tips: Visit before booking. Check they're licensed by the local council. Ask about exercise, feeding routine, and what happens in an emergency.

👤 Professional Pet Sitter (In Your Home)

Pros: Dog stays in familiar surroundings, routine maintained, no kennel cough exposure, can care for multiple pets.

Cons: More expensive, need to trust someone in your home, less socialisation.

Cost: Typically £25–£50 per night.

Tips: Check insurance and references. Do a trial visit first. Leave detailed care instructions and vet details.

🏠 Home Boarding (Someone Else's Home)

Pros: Home environment (less stressful than kennels), personal attention, often fewer dogs.

Cons: Unfamiliar home, other pets/children may be present, quality varies widely.

Cost: Typically £20–£40 per night.

Tips: Must be licensed by the local council. Visit the home first. Check how many dogs they take at once.

👪 Family & Friends

Pros: Free (usually!), familiar faces for your dog, you know and trust them.

Cons: They may not know dog behaviour well, their home may not be dog-proof, you might feel bad asking.

Cost: Free (but a thank-you gift goes a long way!).

Tips: Leave comprehensive written instructions. Ensure they know your vet's details. Do a trial overnight stay.

💡 Book Early: Good kennels and pet sitters book up weeks or months in advance, especially during school holidays, Christmas, and summer. If you know your travel dates, book care for your dog at the same time you book your holiday.

😨 Travel Anxiety

Many dogs find travelling stressful, whether it's the car, unfamiliar places, or being away from home. Here's how to help:

Building Positive Car Associations

Start by sitting in the parked car with your dog, engine off — give treats and praise
Turn the engine on (but don't move) — more treats
Take very short drives (end of the road and back)
Gradually build to longer journeys, always ending at somewhere fun (the park, a field)
Never only drive to the vet or kennels — the car should predict good things

Helping at the Holiday Destination

Bring familiar items: their bed, blanket, toys, usual food and bowls
Stick to normal routines as much as possible — feeding times, walk times
Explore the new area gradually — don't overwhelm them with too much too fast
Give them a "safe space" in the accommodation (set up their bed in a quiet corner)
If your dog has separation anxiety, don't leave them alone in unfamiliar accommodation — it will be significantly worse than at home

💡 Products That Can Help: Adaptil spray (squirt in the car or on bedding 15 minutes before travel), Adaptil collar, anxiety wraps (ThunderShirt), and calming supplements. For severe travel anxiety, speak to your vet about anti-nausea or calming medication.

💼 Dog Travel Packing List

📋 Essentials

Lead and spare lead
Collar with up-to-date ID tag
Harness
Poo bags (plenty!)
Food (enough for the trip + extra)
Food and water bowls
Water bottle for walks
Any medication

🛌 Comfort

Dog bed or familiar blanket
Favourite toy(s)
Treats
Kong or puzzle feeder
Crate (if they use one)
Towels (for drying after rain/sea/mud)
Dog coat (if cold weather)

💉 Health & Safety

Vaccination certificate
Pet insurance details
Vet contact number
Tick remover
Dog-safe antiseptic wipes
Dog-safe sun cream (for pink noses/ears)
Flea/tick treatment (stay up to date)
AHC (if travelling abroad)

✈️ Flying with Your Dog

Flying with dogs from the UK is possible but limited. The honest reality is that the UK is one of the least dog-friendly countries in Europe when it comes to air travel.

The Bad News: UK Airlines

No UK-based airline allows pets in the passenger cabin. EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, Wizz Air, British Airways, and TUI all restrict cabin travel to certified assistance dogs only. Emotional support animals are not accepted by any UK airline.

A small number of UK airlines allow pets in the hold (cargo area):

Loganair

One of the few UK airlines allowing pets as checked baggage on domestic routes. £50 one-way. Your dog travels in a suitable container in the hold. Pre-approval required. Mainly Scottish island and regional routes.

British Airways

Pets travel as cargo only, handled by their partner PetAir UK (not as checked baggage). This is a separate booking and cargo process — your dog may not be on the same flight as you. Assistance dogs fly in the cabin free of charge.

TUI Airways

Allows pets in the hold on some routes. Contact their Cargo Department in advance. Pet and carrier combined must not exceed 32kg. Limited to one pet per flight (two small pets from the same household may share a carrier).

Aurigny Air Services

Pets travel in the hold on the Guernsey to Southampton route only. Very limited service but useful for Channel Island travellers.

The Better News: European Airlines Flying from the UK

Several European airlines do allow small dogs in the cabin on flights departing the UK. This is the only way to fly with your dog beside you from a UK airport:

🇫🇷 Air France

Small dogs in cabin. Max 8kg including carrier. Flies from Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh. Widely used by UK dog owners flying to Europe.

🇳🇱 KLM

Small dogs in cabin. Max 8kg including carrier. Flies from multiple UK airports to Amsterdam, connecting to worldwide destinations. Generally considered one of the most pet-friendly airlines.

🇩🇪 Lufthansa

Small dogs in cabin (up to 8kg). Larger dogs in hold (up to 75kg). Flies from Heathrow. Has a dedicated pet travel policy page with clear UK-specific guidance.

🇪🇸 Vueling

Small dogs in cabin. Max 10kg including carrier. Budget-friendly option for flights to Spain. Variable fees from €39-€60. Book early — limited to five pets per flight.

🇬🇷 Aegean Airlines

Dogs in cabin and hold on flights departing the UK (except Gatwick, hold only). Max 8kg for cabin. Greek flag-carrier with routes to Athens and Greek islands.

🇫🇮 Finnair

Small dogs in cabin (up to 8kg), larger dogs in hold (up to 75kg). Flies from Heathrow. Has a specific UK pet travel page. Good option for Scandinavian and Asian connections.

🚨 The Catch — Coming Home: While you can fly out of the UK with your dog in the cabin on these airlines, UK law requires all pets entering the UK to travel as manifest cargo (not cabin, not checked baggage). This means your return journey is more complex and expensive. Your dog must fly back as cargo on an approved route, handled by a specialist pet transport company. This is the single biggest barrier to flying with dogs from the UK.

💡 Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced): Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and other short-nosed breeds are often refused by airlines — both in cabin and in hold — due to serious breathing risks at altitude. If you have a brachycephalic breed, flying is generally not recommended. Ferries or the Eurotunnel are far safer options.

Is Flying Worth It?

For most UK dog owners travelling to Europe, the honest answer is: probably not. The restriction on dogs entering the UK as cabin or checked baggage means you face a complex, expensive return leg involving cargo transport. For European destinations, driving through the Eurotunnel or taking a ferry is simpler, cheaper, and far less stressful for your dog.

Flying makes more sense for long-distance destinations (North America, Asia) where there's no alternative, or for one-way relocations where the return trip isn't an issue.

🚢 Eurotunnel & Ferries

For most UK dog owners travelling to Europe, these are the best options — simpler, cheaper, and far less stressful for your dog than flying.

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

🐾 The easiest option for Europe: Your dog travels in the car with you. No crate required, no cargo hold, no separation. The crossing takes just 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais. Dog-friendly picnic areas are available at both terminals. Book the pet-friendly ticket option when purchasing. You'll need a valid Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for your dog.

Ferry Operators

Pet policies vary significantly between ferry companies. Here's a summary of the main UK operators:

Brittany Ferries

Routes to France and Spain. Pet-friendly cabins available on longer crossings — your dog stays with you in the cabin. On shorter crossings, dogs stay in the car. Dedicated pet exercise areas on some ships. One of the most dog-friendly ferry operators.

DFDS

Routes to France and Netherlands. Pet-friendly cabins on the Newcastle-Amsterdam route — a popular option for driving holidays in Europe. Dogs stay in the car on Dover-Calais/Dunkirk crossings. Pet lounge available on some ships.

P&O Ferries

Dover to Calais. Dogs must stay in the vehicle during the crossing. Short crossing time (90 minutes). No pet-friendly cabins, but deck access may be available on some sailings — check when booking.

Irish Ferries

Routes to Ireland and France. Pet-friendly cabins and kennels available on some routes. Dogs can access outside deck areas on some ships. Check specific route policies as they vary.

Stena Line

Routes to Ireland, Netherlands, and Scandinavia. Pet-friendly cabins on some routes (notably Harwich-Hook of Holland). On-board kennels on other routes. Pet exercise areas available.

Condor Ferries

Routes to the Channel Islands and France (via Jersey/Guernsey). Dogs travel in the car on conventional ferries. Pet cabins sometimes available on the high-speed service. Check current policies as they change seasonally.

Ferry Tips

Book pet-friendly cabins early — there are usually only a few per sailing and they sell out quickly, especially in summer
Check whether dogs can leave the car — on short crossings many operators require dogs to stay in the vehicle the entire time
If your dog stays in the car, leave windows slightly open and ensure the vehicle deck is ventilated (it usually is, but ask the crew)
Walk your dog thoroughly before boarding — they may be in the car or cabin for several hours
Bring water, a bowl, and a blanket — familiar items help with anxiety
Keep your dog on a lead at all times on the ship, including in pet-friendly cabins (they may try to bolt when the door opens)
You'll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for your dog when travelling to Europe, regardless of whether you take the Eurotunnel or a ferry

✈️ Travel & Holidays