What to Pack for Your Dog if You’re Travelling for the Holidays

Travelling during the holidays can feel busy enough without adding a dog into the mix. The good news is that with thoughtful preparation, you can make the journey comfortable for your dog and far easier for yourself. Packing well means fewer surprises, smoother transitions between locations and a more relaxed experience overall. Many people underestimate how much their dog relies on familiar items, so a clear plan can make a real difference.

This guide walks you through everything you need to pack for your dog, from daily essentials to often forgotten extras. It reflects the same friendly, practical tone you’d expect when getting straightforward training advice. Nothing dramatic, just calm, sensible guidance that helps you feel fully prepared. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what to bring, why it matters and how to avoid the common mistakes that catch travellers out during busy periods.

Start with the Basic Daily Essentials

The easiest way to think about packing is to imagine your dog’s usual day at home. What do they need from morning to evening. Once you break it down, the essentials become clear.

Food should always be the first item on your list. Even if you are staying somewhere that carries your dog’s usual brand, the holiday season often means shops are busy, stock is unpredictable and opening hours vary. It is much safer to pack enough food for the entire trip, plus an extra couple of days in case your return is delayed. A sudden switch in diet can cause an upset stomach, which is the last thing you want during travel.

Next, include your dog’s regular treats. Holiday travel often involves unfamiliar situations, new people and extra waiting about. Having familiar treats to hand makes it easier to reward calm behaviour or help your dog settle during delays. Stick with what you know works rather than trying anything new on the journey.

Fresh water and a portable bowl are also essential. Even short trips can lead to dehydration when dogs become distracted, excited or stressed. A simple foldable bowl saves space and encourages you to offer water more often. Regular water breaks can help prevent restlessness and keep your dog comfortable throughout the journey.

For meals, pack your dog’s usual bowls. Dogs often eat better from containers they recognise, especially when staying somewhere new. If your dog tends to push bowls across the floor, choose a bowl with a non slip base to avoid spillages in unfamiliar houses or hotel rooms.

Pack Items That Make Your Dog Feel Secure

Dogs handle change far better when they have comforting reminders of home. These items are easy to overlook, but they are often the most important for helping your dog relax when everything around them feels different.

A familiar bed or blanket should always be included. Even if the place you are staying provides a dog bed, it will smell unfamiliar to your dog. Bringing their own bedding helps them settle much more quickly. If space is tight, choose the blanket your dog lies on most often. This helps recreate a sense of normality in a strange environment.

Toys are another helpful comfort tool. Choose two or three favourites rather than the whole basket. One soft toy, one chew toy and one boredom buster, such as a treat puzzle, usually works well. A chew item can be particularly useful during periods where your dog has to wait quietly, such as long car rides or while you are preparing holiday meals.

Do not forget your dog’s lead, collar and harness. It may seem obvious, but many owners only realise something is missing when they go to take their dog out after arrival. Make sure your dog’s ID tag is up to date with your mobile number. This is especially important during holiday travel, since dogs can become unsettled or curious in unfamiliar settings.

If your dog uses a crate at home, consider bringing it with you. Many dogs see their crate as a predictable, safe space. If your dog is already comfortable in it, the crate can make both your journey and your stay much easier. Folding crates can be particularly convenient for car travel.

Health and Safety Supplies

Holiday travel often means more hustle and bustle, which can lead to unexpected situations. A small pet first aid kit is well worth packing. You do not need anything elaborate. A few basic items such as sterile pads, bandages, saline solution, tick remover, dog safe antiseptic and a pair of tweezers are usually enough for everyday mishaps.

Do not forget your dog’s medication if they have any. Pack enough for the entire holiday, plus a little extra. Travel delays, lost bags or sudden changes in schedule can catch you out. Keeping medication in your hand luggage or within reach is safer than putting it in a checked bag or a hard to access case.

If your dog suffers from motion sickness, anxiety or noise sensitivity, chat to your vet before you travel. Many dogs cope well with travel once you plan ahead, but some benefit from short term support. Whether it is a calming supplement or a prescribed medication, knowing what helps your individual dog can make the trip far more comfortable.

Waste bags are another essential item. It is easy to assume you will pick some up on the way, but during holidays you may find yourself in places where shops are closed or extremely busy. Pack enough for the full trip. It keeps your routine consistent and avoids any awkward moments.

A towel is also useful. Winter travel often means wet paws, muddy fields or unexpected spills. A dedicated dog towel protects furniture in your accommodation and helps your dog dry off quickly. Choose a lightweight microfibre towel if you want to save space.

Travel Items for the Car or Train

If you are travelling by car, safety should be your first priority. Dogs must be secured properly, either in a crate, behind a dog guard or with a car approved harness and seat belt. This protects both you and your dog during sudden stops and also prevents your dog from distracting the driver.

Pack a non spill water container for the journey. These are designed to stay level as the car moves, which reduces mess and encourages your dog to drink when they need to. Long trips can dry out your dog faster than expected, especially if the heating is on.

Plan rest breaks before you set off. Dogs benefit from short, regular stops. A quick walk helps them stretch, sniff and refresh before the next leg of the journey. Keeping a small travel bag within reach, containing treats, a lead and waste bags, makes rest stops much easier.

If your dog is travelling by train, be mindful of busy stations, loud announcements and crowded carriages. A lightweight blanket can help your dog settle on the floor and avoid cold surfaces. Keep your lead short in crowds to prevent your dog from weaving between people or becoming startled.

For either car or train travel, consider packing a calming item such as a piece of clothing that smells like you. This can help steady your dog’s nerves when surrounded by unfamiliar sights and sounds.

Consider the Weather and Time of Year

Holiday travel often means winter conditions. Cold weather, shorter days and unpredictable forecasts can affect your dog’s comfort and routine. Even if your dog has a thick coat, many still benefit from a warm jacket when walking in wind, rain or snow.

Choose a coat that fits well and keeps your dog comfortable without restricting movement. If the area you are visiting is particularly cold or damp, you may want to bring an extra jacket so one can dry while the other is in use.

Paw protection is also worth considering. Icy paths, grit and salt can irritate your dog’s paws. A simple paw balm applied before walks can help protect the skin. If your dog will tolerate them, dog boots can offer extra protection in extreme conditions. Always test these at home before your trip so your dog can get used to them.

If you are travelling to a warmer climate for the holidays, adjust your packing list accordingly. Pack a cooling mat or cooling bandana, extra water and travel appropriate shades for the car. Dogs can heat up quickly during long journeys, so practical cooling items help keep their temperature steady.

Documents and Identification

Keeping your dog’s documents organised is one of the most important steps when travelling. If you are staying within the UK, pack your dog’s vaccination record and insurance details. Many holiday accommodations ask for proof of vaccination, especially for kennel cough. Having these documents ready avoids delays.

Microchip information should be up to date before you travel. If your contact number or address has changed, update it before the trip. In an unfamiliar place, a microchip is the fastest way to reunite you with your dog if they become lost.

If you are travelling abroad, check the exact requirements for the country you are visiting. Some destinations require specific vaccinations, health certificates or parasite treatments. These rules can change, so it is worth checking well in advance. Leave yourself plenty of time to arrange vet appointments so you are not rushing at the last minute.

Pack printed copies of key documents as well as digital copies on your phone. This gives you a backup if your phone loses charge or you do not have signal.

Pack for the Place You’re Staying

Think about your accommodation and what your dog may need once you arrive. Holiday homes, hotels or houses belonging to family and friends may not be dog proofed. Bringing a few simple items can help protect both your dog and the property.

A portable baby gate can be extremely useful. It lets you block off areas that are not safe or suitable for your dog, such as staircases, kitchens or rooms filled with decorations. This helps your dog relax without constant supervision and prevents any holiday mishaps.

You may also want to bring a waterproof blanket or cover for furniture. Even if the host allows dogs on sofas or beds, having your own cover reduces the chance of leaving marks or odours. It also keeps your dog comfortable on surfaces that are unfamiliar.

If your dog is used to being fed in a quiet space, consider creating a similar area at your destination. Bringing a simple mat or small non slip rug can help mark out a clear spot for meals. This keeps routines familiar and helps your dog feel more settled.

Packing for Travel Days Versus the Full Stay

It can help to divide your dog’s items into two categories. The first includes items needed during the journey. The second contains items for the full duration of the stay.

For the journey, pack treats, water, bowls, lead, waste bags, a favourite toy, a blanket and any medication that may be needed quickly. Keep these within easy reach rather than packing them deep in the boot or in checked luggage.

For the full stay, pack food, extra bedding, grooming tools, first aid supplies and spare towels. It is useful to store these in one organised bag so you can set up your dog’s area as soon as you arrive.

This approach helps you stay calm and avoids rummaging through bags at service stations or train platforms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many owners forget grooming items when travelling. A simple brush can help manage shedding, keep coats comfortable and reduce the amount of hair left in your accommodation. In winter, a brush also helps remove dried mud, which keeps your dog clean and avoids irritation.

Another common oversight is forgetting to pack enough poo bags. It seems small, but running out during holiday travel can be inconvenient and embarrassing. Having a spare roll in several bags ensures you are never caught off guard.

Do not pack brand new treats or toys for the journey. Dogs often react differently to unfamiliar items, especially when already excited or unsure. Stick with what your dog knows and enjoys.

Finally, avoid feeding a full meal right before travel. Light meals and snacks reduce the risk of upset stomachs, especially for dogs prone to motion sickness.

Putting It All Together

Packing for your dog during holiday travel may feel like a lot at first, but once you break it down into daily essentials, comfort items, health supplies and travel equipment, it becomes much easier. Every dog is different, so the exact list will vary, but the principles remain the same. Prepare early, pack familiar items and keep important things within reach.

Travelling with a dog can add joy to your holiday plans. When you know your dog is comfortable and well equipped, you can relax and enjoy the journey together. With thoughtful preparation, your dog will settle quickly, adapt to new places and enjoy the adventure just as much as you do.