Dom
8 minute read
August 08, 2025
Planning a Pet-Friendly UK Holiday? Top Safety Tips for Travelling with Your Dog or Cat
Heading off on a UK staycation or exploring the countryside with your furry friend? Keeping your pet safe, comfortable, and traceable is essential for a stress-free getaway. This guide covers practical tips for travelling with dogs and cats, from car journeys to hotel stays, plus essential steps to prevent pets going missing. Discover how to prepare for every part of your adventure and why a QR code pet tag adds peace of mind on the move.
Planning Your Pet-Friendly UK Holiday: What Every Owner Should Know
Holidays with pets are a fantastic way to explore the UK’s stunning landscapes and create lasting memories, but they also come with extra responsibilities. Ensuring your dog or cat stays safe, relaxed, and easy to identify while away from home should be top priorities. Whether you’re heading to the Cornish coast, the Scottish Highlands, or a cosy Lake District cottage, follow our comprehensive guide to make your trip enjoyable for both you and your pet.
Why Pet Safety Matters When Travelling
A change in environment can unsettle even the most adventurous pets. New places bring unfamiliar sights, smells, and risks, increasing the chances of accidents or escapes. With careful planning, you can minimise these risks and ensure your pet’s safety throughout your travels.
Before You Set Off: Pre-Holiday Checklist
- Vet Visit: Book a check-up to confirm your pet is healthy enough to travel. Discuss vaccinations, parasite prevention, and any specific needs for the region you’re visiting.
- Microchip Update: Check your pet’s microchip details are up to date with your latest contact information. This is a legal requirement for dogs and, from 10 June 2024, for cats too.
- Collar and ID Tag: Ensure your pet wears a secure collar and a contact information tag. For extra reassurance, opt for a scannable QR code pet tag that links directly to your up-to-date details.
- Pet Insurance: Double-check your policy covers travel and any potential emergencies away from home.
- Accommodation Check: Confirm your hotel, cottage, or campsite is genuinely pet-friendly and check for any rules about pets on site.
Packing Essentials for Pet Travel
| Item | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Lead and harness | For safe walks and control in new areas |
| Travel crate or carrier | Ensures safety during journeys, especially for cats and small dogs |
| Food and water bowls | Familiar items help pets settle and eat normally |
| Pet food and treats | Stick to your pet’s usual diet to avoid tummy upsets |
| Blankets, beds, and toys | Comfort from home soothes anxiety |
| Poo bags/litter tray | Essential for clean-ups and politeness |
| QR code pet ID tag | Fast way for finders to contact you if your pet goes missing |
| Grooming kit | For muddy walks or sandy playtimes |
| First aid kit | Treat small scrapes or irritations on the go |
On the Road: Car Travel Safety for Dogs and Cats
- Secure All Pets: UK law requires dogs to be suitably restrained in vehicles. Use a seatbelt harness, crate, or carrier.
- Never Leave Pets in Cars: Even on a mild day, vehicles can become dangerously hot. If you need to stop, take your pet with you.
- Plan Regular Breaks: Stop every 2–3 hours for water, toilet breaks, and a leg stretch.
- Keep Windows Safe: Avoid letting dogs stick their heads out of the window. It can lead to injury or escape.
- Calm and Comfort: Play gentle music, bring a familiar toy, and talk reassuringly to soothe travel nerves.
Travel Tips for Cats
- Always use a sturdy, escape-proof carrier with good ventilation.
- Place a blanket or item from home inside the carrier to provide comfort.
- Cover the carrier with a light cloth if your cat is anxious or easily overstimulated.
- Keep carriers on a flat, stable surface in the car to prevent sliding.
Arrival: Settling Your Pet in New Surroundings
When you reach your destination, give your pet time to explore and adjust. Some dogs and most cats may need a quiet room to acclimatise before joining the family. Stick to their feeding and walking routines as much as possible to provide stability.
Safety in Unfamiliar Places
- Inspect gardens and outdoor areas for hazards such as broken fencing, toxic plants, or busy roads nearby.
- Keep cats indoors for the first few days or use a secure cat harness if exploring outside.
- Always walk dogs on the lead until you’re confident the area is safe and your recall is reliable.
- Use a QR code pet tag on your pet’s collar. If they wander, any finder can scan the code and reach you instantly, wherever you are in the UK.
Pet Etiquette in Public Places
- Respect no-go areas for pets, such as certain beaches or National Trust sites.
- Always clean up after your pet and dispose of waste responsibly.
- Keep dogs under control around livestock, wildlife, and other visitors.
Preventing Lost Pets on Holiday: Top Strategies
Unfamiliar environments can be confusing for pets and increase the risk of them getting lost. Take these steps to reduce the chances:
- Double-Check Security: Make sure doors, gates, and windows are closed and secure before letting pets roam free.
- Use a QR Code Pet Tag: A Paw ID tag provides instant access to your contact details if your pet is found far from home. You can update your information online if your accommodation or mobile number changes during your trip.
- Take Clear Photos: Have recent, clear images of your pet on your phone to help in case of an emergency.
- ID on All Collars: Keep collars with ID tags on at all times, even indoors – pets can slip out of unfamiliar doors unexpectedly.
- Stay Calm and Visible: If your pet does escape, calmly call their name and search the area. Inform your accommodation and any local groups promptly.
Special Considerations for UK Destinations
| Location | Key Tip |
|---|---|
| Coastal holidays | Check tide times and beach dog restrictions. Watch for sharp shells or jellyfish. |
| Country cottages | Inspect gardens for gaps in fencing and make sure livestock is out of reach. |
| City breaks | Keep leads short near roads and identify quiet green spaces for walks. |
| Camping trips | Never leave pets unattended in tents. Secure all food to avoid wildlife encounters. |
Holiday Hazards and How to Avoid Them
- Heatstroke: Provide shade, fresh water, and avoid strenuous exercise on hot days. Never leave pets in cars or direct sunlight.
- Ticks and fleas: Use preventative treatments before travelling to rural areas.
- Poisonous plants: Supervise your pet outdoors and check gardens for plants like lilies and foxgloves.
- Lost pets: Equip collars with a QR code tag and keep a recent photo to hand.
- Travel sickness: Offer light meals, take plenty of breaks, and consult your vet if your pet is prone to nausea.
Returning Home: Post-Holiday Health Check
- Check your pet for ticks, cuts, or signs of illness after your trip.
- Resume normal routines as soon as possible to help your pet settle back in.
- If you updated your contact details for your holiday, remember to change them back on your QR code pet tag.
Final Thoughts: Make Every Holiday Safe and Enjoyable
With thoughtful preparation, the right gear, and a little extra care, your pet can be a happy part of your UK holiday adventures. Remember that visible identification is just as essential as microchipping, especially in an unfamiliar place. A scannable QR code pet tag from Paw ID keeps your contact details just a scan away, no matter where you are in the country.
Ready for your next trip? Visit the Paw ID homepage to explore more tips and find the perfect pet tag for your travels.