‘Petiquette’ – Your Essential Guide To Dog-Friendly Travel

A dog-friendly travel guide curated by PetsPyjamas Co-founder Denise Elphick – a travel journalist who has travelled with her Norfolk Terrier, Kiki.

I believe that travelling with your dog makes holidays so much more fun and rewarding and whenever we can my husband, Rory, and I like to include our Norfolk Terrier, Kiki, aka the Pet Inspector, in our plans. She absolutely loves staying in hotels and cottages by the sea -she especially loves long walks on the beach and has even climbed to the top of Cat Bells in the Lake District – one of her favourite spots. She also likes being included in our supper plans – whether it’s dining at our hotel or at a local pub close by.

So whichever dog-friendly holiday you choose – whether its a beachside stay, a doggie road trip, a hiking holiday in the Lakes, a luxury stay at a Scottish castle hotel or a family gathering on a country estate, there are a few suggestions I would like to make as well as a checklist of important items to bring with you on your travels to ensure everyone has a tail-waggingly good time, including your best furry friend!

dog in car - dog-travel-guide - pets pyjamas
Source: The Kennel Club

Before You Leave

Make sure your dog looks their best – washed and/or groomed, as they will be the star of the show! Pack their favourite toys, treats, their own dog food, bed or blanket (if not supplied by the hotel), towel and a supply of doggy bags. I always pack a stairgate and a crate which can be very useful if you are leaving your dog in the room at any time. Kiki loves sleeping in her crate when she is staying at a hotel as it makes her feel secure and safe.

 dog-travel-guide - pets pyjamas
Source: Pet Place

The Drive Down/On The Train

It’s important for pet owners to bring along a bottle of water and a collapsible PetsPyjamas dog bowl in the car for furry friends and make plenty of stops. Thankfully service stations are becoming far more dog-friendly offering designated dog walking areas, feeding stations with water bowls and pet-friendly coffee areas outside. You can also expect lots of attention from dog owners wishing that they had brought their dog too!

If you are travelling by train make sure your dog has visited the loo and ensure tails are tucked in during the journey especially when the refreshment trolly comes around!

On Arrival

Don’t be surprised if your dog receives a better welcome than you do – they may even receive a welcome letter too! Hotels are now so dog-friendly that reception staff may surprise you and your pet by popping around the desk for a cuddle and your dog may also be offered a welcome treat. I find that dogs pick up on a dog-friendly atmosphere and, especially after a long journey, other dogs will be so delighted to have arrived that they will be on their best behaviour anyway with waggy tails all around.

During Your Stay

Make sure you keep furry guests on the lead in all areas of the hotel except your room. Try to keep them on the ground level and try to discourage them from jumping up on sofas and on the bed.

dog in restaurant- dog-travel-guide - pets pyjamas
Source: Open Table

Dining With Your Dog

More and more hotels are happy to let you dine with your dog – even the swankiest of hotels – provided dogs are kept close and don’t get in the way of the serving staff! That said – pet-friendly hotels may provide gourmet doggy diners and offer well-behaved dogs a sausage at breakfast!

Pet sitting and pet listening are also available in quite a few hotels if you would rather dine without your pet. At many hotels, you will find that your four-legged friend has had such a busy day of dog walks they would rather stay in the room. If you do decide to leave your dog in the room make sure they have had plenty of exercise in the day, have a comfy bed or crate to snuggle up in and remember to hang up the do not disturb sign.

Socialising With Other Guests

Dogs make terrific ice breakers so expect lots of interaction with other guests, especially if they have dogs too, you and your pet might even make a few new friends along the way. Also, don’t be afraid to let other guests know if your dog is nervous and would rather not be touched.

dog on mountain - dog-travel-guide - pets pyjamas
Source: Mountaineering Scotland

Walkies

An active dog is a happy one so keep yours busy with lots of walks in the country, dog parks or beach walks. Most hotels offer a handy list of dog walks of various different lengths with pub stops on the way, with many providing an outdoor cleaning station for muddy paws and pups on your return. If you have an active dog who is inclined to bolt choose a hotel or cottage with an enclosed garden where your dog can let off steam in a safe environment.

Finally, always remember to pick up after your dog and choose a ground-floor room or cottage that will definitely make life as a dog owner easier!

By following these few basic commands of doggy social niceties you and your furry friends are bound to have a fabulous time!

dog on hill - dog-travel-guide - pets pyjamas
Source: istock

Travel Checklist

Here is a checklist with our suggestions of great tips and suggested items to bring along with you for your stay to guarantee you have a fabulous time.

  • A collapsible water bowl
  • A bottle of water
  • Your dog’s own food
  • Doggy waste bags
  • A coat or fleece (for colder months)
  • Treats for the journey
  • A spare lead (its so easy to drop a lead on a long country walk when your dog is off lead)
  • A crate and/or stair gate
  • Bed and or blanket (if not supplied by the hotel)
  • A towel
  • A few of your dog’s favourite toys
  • Brush and shampoo

Share your favourite doggy travel tips and ideas below and we may even feature you on our socials!