Dog Travel Checklist: What to Pack for an Overnight Stay
Your dog sees the overnight bag come out and suddenly needs to be wherever you are. By the time you’re looking for your car keys, they’ve stationed themselves by the front door. As far as they’re concerned, they’re packed.
Whether you’re staying with family for Christmas or heading to a cottage for the weekend, think about the trip in three parts: the journey, the first evening and breakfast the next morning. It’s an easier way to work out what to bring than staring at a pile of dog things and wondering whether you’ve forgotten something.
Pack for the first stop
The lead you need at the services is always the one you’ve packed underneath the overnight bags. Give the lead, water, travel bowl and poo bags a spot you can reach as soon as you stop. Keep an old towel there too. It’ll earn its place if the only patch of grass at your stop turns out to be a small bog.
Set up your dog’s car restraint before you load the boot and check there’s room for them to lie down comfortably. The Highway Code’s advice on travelling with dogs covers suitable restraints, including a seatbelt harness, carrier or dog guard. On longer journeys, plan stops where you can offer water and take your dog out for a toilet break. Clip the lead on before they get out of the car.
Bring something that smells like home
When you arrive, you’ll probably want to put the kettle on and get the bags inside. Your dog will want to inspect the front step, the hedge and every inch of the hallway. Give them time for a short sniff and a toilet break, then show them where they can get a drink and lie down.
Take their usual bed if it fits in the car. A blanket they already sleep on can do the job if space is tight. Put it somewhere quiet and out of the way, especially if the house is full of people. If you’re booking somewhere new, ask where dogs can sleep and whether the garden is enclosed. For the first trip into an unfamiliar garden, keep them on the lead while you check the gates and fences yourself.
Keep dinner familiar
It’s easy to remember dinner and forget breakfast, especially if you’re only away for one night. Portion out both meals before you go and pack an extra serving in case you decide to stay longer. Once you’ve arrived, try to feed your dog around their usual time. There’s enough to get used to in a different house without dinner being a surprise as well.
If your dog already eats Dewkes Lamb Lunch or Pork Dinner, the Lamb Lunch Dog Food Bowl and Pork Dinner Dog Food Bowl come in their own serving bowls. Check the feeding guide and pack enough for your dog’s usual portion. If you’re trying a different recipe, introduce it gradually at home before the trip.
Your dog travel checklist for an overnight stay
- For the journey · Car restraint, lead, harness or collar, ID tag with up-to-date contact details, water, travel bowl, poo bags and a towel.
- For the first night · Their usual bed or blanket, a favourite toy and any regular medication.
- For meals · Their usual food, an extra portion, a food bowl if needed and any familiar treats.
- For your phone · Your vet’s number and the details of a local vet near where you’re staying.
If this is your first weekend away together, the Dogs Trust guide to dog-friendly holidays has more advice on choosing somewhere to stay and helping your dog settle in.
