Travelling with Pets This Summer: UK Staycays & Abroad (2026)

Introduction

More UK pet owners than ever are choosing to bring their animals along for the ride this summer — and why not? Whether you're heading to a dog-friendly cottage in Cornwall, a campervan trip through Scotland, or even flying abroad, travelling with pets is absolutely doable with the right preparation. This guide covers everything you need to know for a smooth, stress-free summer trip.

Before You Go: Planning Essentials

Check pet policies in advance. Whether it's a holiday cottage, hotel, campsite, or ferry, always confirm their pet policy before booking. "Pet-friendly" can mean very different things — some allow dogs only, others have size or breed restrictions.

Visit your vet. Before any trip, especially abroad, book a vet check. Ensure vaccinations are up to date, flea and tick treatments are current, and your pet is microchipped. For international travel, your pet will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) — allow at least 10 days before departure.

ID and microchipping. Make sure your pet's microchip details are registered and up to date. Add a travel tag to their collar with your mobile number.

Pack a pet travel kit:

• Food and treats (enough for the trip plus extra)
• Collapsible water bowl and fresh water
• Medications and vet records
• Favourite toy or blanket for comfort
• Poo bags, litter, or cage liner as appropriate
• First aid basics

Travelling by Car: UK Staycations

Car travel is the most common way UK pet owners travel with their animals, and a few simple steps make it much safer and more comfortable.

Keep pets secure. Under the Highway Code, pets must be suitably restrained in a vehicle. An unsecured pet is a distraction and a danger. Use a well-fitted harness with a seatbelt attachment, a secured crate, or a boot guard.

Hydration on the road. Stop every 2 hours to offer water and a short walk. Our 3-in-1 Dog Travel Water Bottle is perfect for this — it combines a bottle, dispenser, and bowl so you're never caught short at a motorway services. The Portable Pet Hydration Bottle is another compact option ideal for the glovebox.

Never leave pets in a parked car. In summer, this is critical. Even on a cloudy 20°C day, a car can reach dangerous temperatures within minutes.

Reduce travel anxiety. For nervous pets, try covering the carrier with a light blanket, using a calming spray, or placing a worn item of your clothing inside. A Pet Lick Mat spread with a little peanut butter or wet food can keep anxious dogs occupied during the journey.

Travelling by Train and Bus

Many UK train operators allow dogs on board for free or a small fee — cats and small animals must be in a carrier. Check the specific operator's policy before travelling.

• Keep dogs on a lead at all times on public transport.
• Avoid peak hours when carriages are crowded and stressful for animals.
• Our Airline Approved Pet Carrier is soft-sided and collapsible, making it ideal for train travel too — it fits neatly under seats and is well-ventilated.

Flying Abroad with Your Pet

Taking a pet abroad from the UK requires careful planning — start at least 4 weeks before your trip.

Key requirements for EU/international travel:

• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant)
• Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel)
• Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel
• Some countries require additional treatments (e.g., tapeworm treatment for dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, or Norway)

In-cabin vs. cargo hold. Small pets (typically under 8kg including carrier) may travel in-cabin on some airlines. Larger dogs travel in the hold. Always check your airline's specific rules — policies vary significantly.

Choosing the right carrier for flights. Your carrier must fit under the seat in front and meet the airline's size requirements. Our Airline Approved Pet Carrier is designed specifically for this, with a soft-sided collapsible design and ventilation panels on all sides.

UK Staycation Destinations Worth Knowing

Some of the most pet-friendly destinations in the UK for summer 2026:

• Cornwall & Devon — miles of dog-friendly beaches (check seasonal restrictions), coastal paths, and a huge range of pet-welcoming accommodation.
• The Lake District — stunning walking country; most trails are open to dogs on leads.
• Scottish Highlands — vast open spaces, fewer crowds, and a very relaxed attitude to dogs.
• Norfolk Broads — great for boating holidays; many boat hire companies welcome dogs.
• Pembrokeshire, Wales — dramatic coastline with excellent dog-friendly beaches and campsites.

Always check beach-specific dog restrictions — many UK beaches ban dogs between May and September during certain hours.

Accommodation Tips

• Use dedicated pet-friendly booking sites such as Canine Cottages, Holidaycottages.co.uk, or Pitchup for campsites.
• Always bring your pet's own bedding — familiar smells reduce anxiety in new environments.
• Check whether the property is fully enclosed if you have a dog that likes to roam.
• Be a considerate guest: clean up after your pet and never leave them unattended if they're likely to bark or cause damage.

Keeping Pets Comfortable on Arrival

Once you arrive, give your pet time to settle before exploring.

• Set up their sleeping area first with familiar bedding and toys.
• Stick to their normal feeding routine as closely as possible — disrupted mealtimes add to stress.
• For cats and small animals, keep them in one room initially before allowing access to the wider space.
• Fresh water should always be the first thing you set up. The Ultimate 3-in-1 Pet Hydration System works well both at home and away.

Quick Pre-Travel Checklist

• Vet check and up-to-date vaccinations
• Microchip details registered and current
• AHC obtained (if travelling abroad)
• Pet-friendly accommodation confirmed
• Travel carrier or restraint tested and fitted
• Food, water, and medications packed
• Favourite comfort items packed
• Emergency vet contact for your destination noted

Summer travel with your pet takes a little extra planning, but the reward — exploring new places together — is absolutely worth it. Browse our full range of pet travel essentials at Petziverse to get trip-ready.