Are you planning your next adventure? If there’s someone with four paws you’d like to take with you, then we’re here to give you all the most important info about travelling with dogs.
Whatever your preferred mode of travel, it’s a good idea to find out how to keep dogs and your fellow passengers happy, whether you’re taking a journey by car, or ferry.
If you decide to travel with P&O Ferries, we’ve got great facilities to keep you and your pet comfortable on board. When it comes to getting to the port, we’ll also show you how to manage your journey and have an unforgettable dog friendly break.
Driving with Dogs
Travelling with your pooch in the car can be a really fun way to travel but, before putting the keys in the ignition, there are some top tips for travelling cross country with a dog that you should get clued up on!
Unsurprisingly, having a dog roaming free in your car isn’t advised for safety and Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that you need to keep your dog restrained while driving to avoid distraction and reduce the risk of injury from stopping quickly.
There are a few ways to make sure you and your travel companion stay safe. Here are some of the basic items you can purchase for your car:
• Dog seat belt harness
• Dog cage
• Dog hammock
We all like to stay cool in the summer and it’s just as important for your dog. To avoid overheating, you should offer your dog plenty of water with a portable bottle and bowl, switch on the A/C when it gets warm and remember to leave a window open if you step out of your vehicle, even if briefly!
Driving on board P&O Ferries is one way to bring your dog with you but we’re also excited to offer dog friendly cabins between Hull and Rotterdam so check this out for an exciting new way to bring your pet on board!
Keeping Your Pet Pal Happy on Long Trips
As you make plans for long-distance travel with a dog, keep in mind they’re just as likely to get restless as kids, so we’ve rounded up a few of the best ways to keep canine companions entertained.
We all know how much dogs love a treat, so make sure you’ve got a big supply of their favourite regular food. A chewy toy that they simply can’t get enough of, is also an ideal way to keep dogs from getting restless on any kind of long journey!
Our next top tip is to provide enough comfortable bedding for your pooch and make sure their dog cage is kitted out with everything they need for the ride. To keep your pooch happy, if you’re travelling with friends and family, having a passenger sit next to your dog might soothe them, so you don’t have to worry about keeping an eye out for them, and can focus on the road instead.
EU Travel with Dogs
Wondering about what the rules are for travelling with your dog to Europe? There are a few important need-to-knows when it comes to exploring the best that Europe has to offer with your doggy travel companion.
For pet travel in the EU, your dog needs to have been microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and hold a valid European pet passport if travelling from an EU country. When travelling from a non-EU country you’ll also need an EU animal health certificate.
If you’re unsure about any of these requirements just pop to your vet for a quick chat or take a look at our handy guide to pet travel from EU to UK after Brexit.
Pre-Pet Travel Final Steps
Before embarking on your exciting adventure, there’s just a few final bits of preparation that we suggest before you set off.
As we all know, practice makes perfect and if your dog isn’t used to car journeys it’s worth getting them slowly accustomed to this unfamiliar space. Sounds like an engine can startle them, so if it’s a challenge for them, make sure to reward their good behaviour with treats!
As well as making sure your mode of transport is primed and prepped for your pet, you may also want to research dog friendly hotels and restaurants near your final destination.
Exploring Europe with your pooch is easy, safe and convenient with P&O Ferries. Your dog can travel in the comfort of your own car, with all his toys, bedding and familiar smells around him, and on our Rotterdam to Hull crossing, your furry friend can even join you if you book a pet friendly cabin!
