Dog Friendly Holidays UK – The Ultimate Guide to Taking Your Dog on Holiday.
- thedoggypaddleclub
- Jul 20
- 3 min read
Planning a dog friendly holiday? Download our FREE printable Dog Holiday Packing Checklist.
For many of us, our dogs aren't just pets—they're family. So, when it's time to pack for a holiday, they're coming too!
Whether you're escaping to the coast in a caravan, camping under the stars, enjoying a countryside cottage or exploring one of the UK's many dog-friendly destinations, a little preparation can make all the difference.
At The Doggy Paddle Club, we're passionate about helping dogs and their owners enjoy every adventure safely. While we're still eagerly awaiting planning approval before opening our doors, we love sharing practical advice to help you make the most of life with your four-legged friend.
Dog Friendly Holidays UK – Before You Leave Home
Before setting off, make sure you've covered the essentials:
Check your dog's microchip details are up to date.
Ensure their collar has a current ID tag.
Pack enough food and any medication they'll need.
Make sure flea, worm and vaccination treatments are up to date.
Save the details of a local vet near your holiday destination.
Give Yourself Extra Peace of Mind
Even the most well-trained dogs can become distracted in unfamiliar surroundings.
As well as a legal ID tag and an up-to-date microchip, many owners now choose to use a GPS tracker and QR code ID tag. These provide an additional way for someone to identify your dog and contact you quickly if they wander off.
At The Doggy Paddle Club, we stock both GPS trackers and QR code ID tags because we believe every extra layer of protection is worth having—especially when you're somewhere new.
Travelling Safely
Whether your journey is one hour or six, your dog's safety should always come first.
Secure your dog using a crash-tested harness, travel crate or dog guard.
Plan regular stops for water and toilet breaks.
Keep the vehicle cool and well ventilated.
Never leave your dog alone in a parked vehicle.
Enjoying Your Holiday
The UK is full of fantastic dog-friendly places to explore.
When you arrive:
Check gardens and outdoor areas are secure.
Keep your dog's routine as normal as possible.
Be respectful of other holidaymakers.
Always clean up after your dog.
Keep dogs on leads where required and around livestock.
Discover Dog-Friendly Places
Looking for inspiration?
Two of our favourite resources are PetsPyjamas, which lists dog-friendly hotels, cottages, attractions and holidays across the UK, and Dog Friendly, which is packed with ideas for dog-friendly beaches, cafés, pubs, walks and days out.
Spending a few minutes planning before you travel could help you discover some amazing hidden gems.
To make your holiday preparations even easier, we've created a FREE printable Dog Holiday Packing Checklist.
It includes everything you'll need before setting off, including:
Travel essentials
Health and safety items
Food and feeding
Comfort items
Summer must-haves
A handy "Before You Go" reminder list
Download it, print it and keep it somewhere handy while you're packing.
Make Memories That Last
Your dog won't remember how far you travelled or how much the holiday cost.
They'll remember chasing waves, exploring new woodland trails, relaxing beside the caravan and spending time with their favourite people.
Those are the moments that matter.
From Everyone at The Doggy Paddle Club
Although we're still waiting for planning approval before opening, we love being part of our local dog community and sharing helpful advice throughout the year.
If you're heading away this summer, we'd love to see your adventures. Tag The Doggy Paddle Club in your holiday photos on Facebook or Instagram—you might even feature on our page!
Have a fantastic holiday, travel safely, and enjoy every moment together.
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