Packing for Your Dog’s Holiday: The Ultimate Checklist

But while you might be able to throw a few outfits in a bag and call it packing, your four-legged travel companion needs a little more preparation. 

From their favourite food to the lead they somehow lose every single time, there are a few essentials worth packing before you head off on a dog-friendly holiday. 

So, whether you’re planning a seaside escape, a countryside break or a long weekend exploring the coast, here’s our ultimate dog holiday packing checklist to help you arrive prepared and ready to enjoy your time away together. 

Before reaching for the biggest bag you own, make a quick list of everything your dog uses at home. It’s easy to remember the obvious things, but the smaller essentials can be the ones you miss. 

Think about your dog’s normal routine, too. What do they eat? Where do they sleep? What do they need on a walk? What would you want to have to hand if they got muddy, wet or poorly?

A little preparation before you leave means less time spent searching for a pet shop when you arrive. 

Changing your dog’s food suddenly while you’re away can cause an upset stomach, so it’s best to bring enough of their usual food for the whole trip, plus a little extra just in case.

Pack:

- Their usual food

- Food and water bowls

- Treats

- Food storage container or resealable bags

- Any supplements they normally take

- A travel water bottle or collapsible bowl for days out

If you’re going on a longer journey, keep some food and water easily accessible rather than buried at the bottom of the boot. 

And don’t forget the treats. After all, your dog deserves a holiday too. 

If your holiday involves exploring new places, you’ll probably be doing plenty of walking. Pack everything you normally use for your dog’s walks, including:

- Everyday lead

- Spare lead

- Collar or harness

- ID tag

- Poo bags

- Treat pouch

- Dog towel

- Portable water bowl

- Long line, if you use one

A spare lead might seem unnecessary until your dog discovers an exciting bush, gives it everything they’ve got and comes back without one. 

It’s also worth checking that their ID tag and microchip details are up to date before you travel. 

Dogs are creatures of habit, so bringing a few familiar things from home can help them settle into their new surroundings. 

Depending on the size of your car and how much room you have, consider packing:

- Their bed or blanket

- Favourite toy

- Comfort toy

- Crate, if they normally sleep in one

- Familiar blanket that smells like home

You don’t necessarily need to recreate their entire living room. One or two familiar items can be enough to give them a little bit of home comfort when they’re staying somewhere new. 

If you’re heading to the coast or countryside, chances are your dog is going to find something muddy, sandy or generally questionable to roll in.

Prepare accordingly.

A dog-friendly holiday packing list should include:

- Towels - ideally more than one

- Pet-safe wipes

- Dog shampoo

- Brush or comb

- Paw wipes or a paw-cleaning cloth

- Old blanket for the car

- Waterproof seat cover or boot liner

A towel in the car can be particularly useful after beach walks. Your future self will thank you when you’re not driving home with a wet dog enthusiastically shaking sea water over everything. 

You don’t need to pack an entire veterinary surgery, but having a few basic items with you can be useful when you’re away from home. 

Consider bringing:

- Any regular medication

- Flea and tick treatment

- Tick remover

- Pet-safe antiseptic

- Bandages or dressings

- Tweezers

- Your vet’s contact details

- Details of a local vet near your holiday destination

If your dog takes regular medication, make sure you have enough for the entire trip, plus a little extra where appropriate. 

It’s also worth knowing where your nearest veterinary practice is before you arrive. Hopefully you’ll never need it, but it’s one less thing to worry about if you do.

Whether you’re travelling for an hour or crossing the country, your dog’s comfort and safety should be part of your journey planning. 

Pack:

- Secure dog harness, crate or travel carrier

- Car seat cover

- Water

- Food and treats

- Travel bowl

- Poo bags

- Towel

- Favourite toy or comfort item

Plan regular stops on longer journeys so your dog can stretch their legs, have some water and take a toilet break. 

And remember to never leave your dog unattended in a parked car, particularly on warm days. 

If you’re heading for a dog-friendly beach holiday, there are a few extra things worth adding to your bag.

Pack:

- Fresh drinking water

- Collapsible bowl

- Dog towel

- Beach-friendly lead or long line

- Poo bags

- Portable shade or cooling mat

- Dog-safe sunscreen if recommended for your dog

- Freshwater for rinsing off salty seawater

- A favourite toy

Always check local beach rules before letting your dog off lead, as restrictions can vary throughout the year. 

And after a swim, give your dog access to fresh water and rinse off salt or sand where needed. 

Holiday accommodation is exciting, but even the most adventurous dogs need some downtime. 

A couple of their favourite toys can help keep them occupied while you’re relaxing, eating or simply enjoying a quiet evening together. 

You could pack:

- Favourite toys

- Chew toys

- Puzzle toys

- Ball or frisbee

- Lick mat

- A familiar blanket

If your dog has a favourite toy that they absolutely cannot live without, this is probably not the holiday to discover what happens when it gets left behind. 

There are a few practical things to have with you.

Keep handy:

- Pet insurance details

- Vet contact details

- Emergency contact information

- Medication instructions

- Booking confirmation and accommodation details

If you’re staying somewhere new, check the dog-friendly holiday accommodation rules before you travel. There may be specific information about where dogs can go, whether they need to remain on leads in certain areas and any additional charges or requirements. 

Not ready to start packing yet? Here’s the quick version to save for later.

Once the packing is done, there’s only one thing left to worry about: where you’re going.

At Waterside, we know dogs are part of the family, which is why our dog-friendly holiday parks in Dorset and Cornwall are made for exploring together. From coastal walks and sandy beaches to countryside trails and plenty of places to stretch four paws, there’s no shortage of adventures waiting beyond your accommodation.

And when you’ve had enough exploring for one day? There’s nothing better than heading back to your holiday home, drying off, putting the kettle on and settling in together. 

Explore our dog-friendly holidays. 

The beauty of taking your dog on holiday is that you don’t need to plan every second. 

Pack the essentials, bring plenty of treats and leave a little room for the unexpected. Because some of the best holiday memories are the ones that happen when you follow the path a little further, stop for an extra coffee or let your dog choose the direction for once.