Travelling With Your Dog: The Ultimate Summer Guide

Travelling with your dog this summer is one of the best ways to enjoy the warmer months. Whether you're planning a weekend away or a longer holiday, travelling with your dog can create unforgettable memories.

With a little planning, you can ensure your dog stays safe, comfortable and happy from start to finish. Here's everything you need to know before setting off on your next adventure.

Plan Ahead:

Not every destination is equally dog-friendly, so it's worth doing a little research before you leave.

Look for:

• Dog-friendly accommodation
• Beaches and parks that welcome dogs
• Walking trails suitable for your dog's age and fitness
• Local cafés and pubs with outdoor seating
• Nearby veterinary practices in case of an emergency

Planning ahead helps avoid unnecessary stress and lets you focus on enjoying your holiday together.

Pack Your Dog's Travel Essentials:

Your dog needs their own travel bag just as much as you do.

Be sure to pack:

• Food and treats
• Plenty of fresh water
• A portable water bowl
• Lead and harness
• Poop bags
• Favourite toy or blanket
• Dog bed
• Towel
• First aid kit
• Vaccination records if required

Familiar items can help anxious dogs feel more settled when staying somewhere new.

Travelling with Your Dog Safely by Car:

If you're travelling by car, safety should always come first.

Your dog should travel using:

• A crash-tested harness
• A secured travel crate
• A dog guard for larger vehicles

Never allow your dog to travel loose inside the car.

On longer journeys, stop every two to three hours to allow your dog to stretch their legs, have a drink and enjoy a toilet break.

For more guidance on travelling safely with pets, see the Highway Code (Rule 57) and advice from the PDSA's guide to safe car travel for pets,

Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car:

Even on a relatively mild summer's day, the temperature inside a parked car can become dangerously high within minutes.

If you're stopping somewhere dogs aren't permitted, it's much safer to leave them at home or travel with another person who can stay with them.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.

The RSPCA's guide to heatstroke in dogs explains how to recognise the warning signs, prevent overheating and what to do if your dog develops heatstroke while you're out exploring.

Help Your Dog Stay Cool:

Dogs can overheat much faster than people, especially during the summer.

To help keep them comfortable:

• Walk early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Always carry plenty of fresh water.
• Take regular breaks in shaded areas.
• Let your dog paddle in safe, clean water where appropriate.
• Avoid walking on hot pavements that could burn their paw pads.

If your dog is panting excessively, appears lethargic or struggles to stand, seek veterinary advice immediately.

Don't Forget Grooming:

Travelling often means muddy paws, sandy coats and plenty of new smells.

Giving your dog a gentle bath after a beach day or countryside walk helps remove sand, mud, salt water, pollen and unpleasant odours while keeping their coat healthy.

Our Summer Adventures Collection has been specially created for dogs who love exploring. Whether they've been splashing in the sea, hiking woodland trails or rolling through long grass, there's a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo to keep them clean, fresh and ready for the next adventure.

If your dog is particularly prone to lingering odours after a day outdoors, Stink Be Gone Dog Shampoo is an excellent choice. Made with natural ingredients including cedarwood and bergamot, it helps neutralise unpleasant smells while being kind to your dog's skin and coat.

Long walks on hot pavements, rocky paths and sandy beaches can also take their toll on your dog's paws and nose. Applying our nourishing Ultimate Rescue Balm after your adventures helps moisturise dry skin and keep paw pads soft, protected and comfortable.

Watch Out for Summer Hazards:

While exploring, keep an eye out for:

• Grass seeds
• Ticks
• Fleas
• Blue-green algae
• Sharp shells or stones
• Barbecues and discarded food

After every walk, check your dog's paws, ears and coat for anything unusual.

Respect Local Wildlife:

Many countryside areas have livestock, nesting birds and protected wildlife during the summer months.

Keep your dog on a lead where required and always follow local signage.

Responsible dog owners help protect nature while ensuring everyone can enjoy outdoor spaces.

Keep Identification Up to Date:

Before travelling with your dog, make sure:

• Your dog's microchip details are up to date.
• Their collar includes your current mobile number.
• You have recent photographs of your dog in case they become lost.

It's a simple step that provides valuable peace of mind.

Enjoy Travelling with Your Dog This Summer:

The best holidays aren't always about travelling the furthest—they're about spending quality time together.

Whether you're hiking through forests, exploring coastal paths or relaxing outside a dog-friendly pub, your dog will simply be happy to be by your side.

We hope these tips make travelling with your dog easier, safer and more enjoyable wherever your summer adventures take you.

Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Whether you're heading to the coast, exploring the countryside or planning a UK road trip, having the right grooming products makes travelling with your dog even more enjoyable.

Explore our Summer Adventures Collection for gentle shampoos inspired by the great outdoors, refresh muddy or smelly coats with Stink Be Gone Dog Shampoo, and keep hardworking paws in top condition with our nourishing Ultimate Rescue Balm.

Every purchase from Scrappy To The Rescue also helps dogs in need, with 20% of profits donated to UK dog rescues, so your summer adventures can make a difference beyond your own four-legged companion.