The beauty of a staycation is that you can bring your furry family member along with you!

They deserve a holiday too, and there’s so much fun to be had with your dog on home soil. But, taking them away from their home comforts and switching up their routine can be unsettling for them.

Keep them happy and safe by planning ahead, ensuring you have everything they need and finding dog-friendly activities for when you get there!

Finding dog-friendly accommodation in the UK

The UK is abundant with beautiful holiday destinations, perfect for families with dogs – Cornwall, Devon, the Lake District and the Cotswolds just to name a few.

Many holiday cottages, campsites and Airbnb’s allow pets so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding suitable accommodation in your destination of choice. Some hotels even allow dogs and will provide beds, food and toys for them!

To make the search easier, check dedicated sites such as Canine Cottages, Pet Pyjamas, Paws & Stay.* Most accommodation websites like Booking.com and Airbnb will allow you to filter for ‘dog-friendly’ too.

What to pack for your dog for a staycation

To make the transition into holiday mode as smooth as possible for both you and your dog, don’t forget to pack the essentials!

  • Their own food – a holiday isn’t the best time to switch up their diet
  • Their own bed (if possible!) – this will make them feel comfortable, and keep the smell of home with them in a new place
  • Their favourite toys – again to keep them settled and entertained
  • Travel water bowel – to keep them hydrated on days out
  • Towel – for any seaside swims if you’re near the beach
  • Any medication they currently take – this is essential for keeping them healthy
  • Lead, and collar or harness
  • ID – it’s a legal requirement in the UK for dogs to wear an ID tag on their collar sharing the owner’s name and address when in a public space.
  • First aid kit – just in case!

Travelling in the car with your dog

Safe car travel when taking your dog on holiday is essential. It is required, by law, that a pet must be restrained when travelling in the car. Unrestrained, your pet could cause distraction, be hurt in an accident, or hurt another passenger in an accident.

Options for restraint include; a harness (secured with a pet seatbelt), a pet carrier or crate.

Car journeys can be stressful for some pups; take these extra steps to make sure they are as comfortable as possible:

  • Ensure they have access to fresh drinking water
  • Provide them with cosy blankets and familiar toys for comfort
  • Consider the time of day and temperature when travelling
  • Make sure there is sufficient air ventilation
  • Take regular breaks so they can go to the toilet and stretch their legs

Dog-friendly activities and days out

Now you’ve safely arrived at your UK staycation, it’s time for some fun!

When planning your activities and days out, don’t forget to check if they’re dog-friendly. Leaving them on their own for too long, especially when in a new environment, can cause them stress and anxiety.

If you’re heading to the coast, we’ve put together our top dog-friendly beaches in the UK! Be aware that some beaches have summer restrictions in place so make sure you do your research ahead of time so you’re not disappointed.

Tourist towns can be extremely busy during peak summer months, so consider this before visiting. Areas like the Lake District boast beautiful long walks and mountainous hikes, which can be a great option if you have a dog who is comfortable and experienced with this type of activity.  

Many bars and restaurants are dog-friendly these days, but it’s always worth checking!

Will pet insurance cover my dog when on holiday?

Whether your dog will be covered by pet insurance when you’re on holiday depends on the type of pet insurance policy you have.

Pet insurance is designed to cover instances where your pet needs medical treatment, and in some cases when you are away from home. This will depend on the insurance policy you have in place, so it is always worth checking before you travel regarding coverage.

Our pet insurance policies offer optional extras for travel and holiday cancellation that are worth exploring if you plan on travelling frequently with your pet. *

If you’d like to know more about what our pet insurance policies cover, please give our friendly team a call on 0800 050 2022.

*Vetsure is not currently affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this post and cannot be held liable for your individual experiences with these companies.

*Optional extras or benefits can only be added to your policy during set up or at renewal.