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How to Plan the Perfect Dog-Friendly Holiday

How to Plan the Perfect Dog-Friendly Holiday

Dog-friendly holidays and pet travel are more popular than ever, and with a little planning, they can be safe, stress-free, and packed with tail-wagging adventures! At Jerry Green Dog Rescue, we believe that welcoming a rescue dog into your life doesn’t mean giving up travel. It just means planning with paws in mind.

So, whether you’re off to a dog-friendly beach, or a cosy canine cottage retreat, we’ve put together some top tips to help you create unforgettable memories with your four-legged friend.

Choosing the Perfect Dog-Friendly Destination

From beautiful coastlines to peaceful woodland walks, the UK is bursting with pet-friendly places perfect for you and your pooch. With a staycation, you don’t need to go far – just find a location with open green spaces, dog-friendly accommodation, and plenty of opportunities explore.

Top dog-friendly holiday spots in the UK:

Lake District & Peak District: Ideal for scenic hikes and dog-friendly pubs.

Cornwall & Devon: Perfect for beach-loving dogs! (Just be sure to check local beach regulations).

Northumberland & Wales: Rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and rural villages packed with dog-friendly places to eat.

Scottish Highlands & Islands: For adventurous dogs and owners who love solitude and stunning landscapes.

Cotswolds & Norfolk: Wide-open countryside, dog-friendly gardens and peaceful walking trails.

What to Pack for Your Dog

Don’t forget your dog’s holiday essentials! This pet travel checklist will help keep them comfortable and happy throughout your trip:

Food and water bowls

Dog food and treats

Collar with tag, harness and lead.

Familiar bed or blanket

Toys and chews

Poo bags

Medications (if required)

Towels for muddy paws

Cool mat (during warmer weather)

Travelling Safely with Your Dog

Getting to your holiday destination is part of the fun, but travelling with dogs requires extra consideration to ensure a smooth, stress-free journey:

Always secure your pooch with a dog seat belt, dog guard or travel crate.

Plan regular stops for water, toilet breaks and a quick stretch.

Keep the car well-ventilated and consider sunshades for longer journeys.

Never leave your dog alone in a parked car – temperatures can become life-threatening in minutes.

If you have an anxious dog or nervous traveller, preparing in advance with short practice trips and positive reinforcement can help build their confidence before the big getaway.

How to prepare your dog for travelling

Keeping Your Dog Happy on Holiday

Exploring new places is exciting, but for some dogs, a change in routine and surroundings can be overwhelming. These tips will help make your holiday just as enjoyable for them as it is for you:

Maintain routine with their usual feeding, walk and rest times to provide stability and reduce stress.

Be sure to build plenty of rest time into your holiday schedule, and provide a quiet, comfy space where your dog can retreat and relax after busy days.

Bring home comforts like their bed, blanket or favourite toy. Familiar items can reduce anxiety, especially for recently adopted dogs adjusting to new experiences.

Plan around the weather. Avoid long dog walks or intense activities on hot days.

If You Can’t Take Your Dog with You

We understand that not every holiday is suitable for our furry friends, but that doesn’t mean your dog has to miss out on a great time.

At Jerry Green Dog Rescue, we offer 5-star rated dog boarding facilities at our centres in North Lincolnshire, South Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.

With safe spaces, daily enrichment and plenty of love, you can relax knowing your dog is cared for by the same expert team who support our rescue dogs every day.

We still have spaces across our centres over the coming months, but availability is limited! Contact your local centre to enquire about our taster sessions and booking availability below.

Discover our dog boarding services