Planning a Safe and Happy Car Journey with Your Dog

Travelling with a dog in the car can be great fun, but without the right prep, it can also lead to stress for both you and your pet. Whether it's a long family trip away or a quick weekend visit to the coast, dogs need just as much thought and planning as the people making the journey. It’s not just about getting them into the car and setting off. The goal is to keep them comfortable, safe, calm, and well looked after, from the moment you leave home until you arrive at your destination.

Summer holidays across the UK bring hot roads, busy services, and longer days behind the wheel. With that in mind, it helps to have a plan that puts your dog’s wellbeing first. From checking your car’s setup to packing the right gear, small actions can make all the difference. Here’s how to set everything up before that engine starts.

Planning And Preparation

A smooth journey starts well before the engine turns on. Giving yourself time to get things sorted means fewer surprises when you're already on the road. That extra bit of planning helps your dog feel calm and teaches them that car travel is something familiar and safe.

Start by thinking about your dog’s needs. Look at the usual length of time they can be active without a break. Do they get carsick or anxious? Have they travelled before? A small dog might be happiest in a secure carrier, while a large dog could prefer a crate or harness clipped to the rear seatbelt. Consider how long you'll be on the road and whether there's space for your dog to lie down, shift position, or stand when needed.

Once you're clear on what suits your dog, check that your car is ready too. That means:

• Cleaning out clutter and removing anything that could fall over or spook your dog

• Checking for working air vents or windows for airflow in the back seat or boot

• Testing any seatbelt attachments or crate latches to make sure they're secure

Getting your packing right plays a big part too. A dog that has their own bag packed with the basics feels more settled. Here’s what that should always include:

• Lead, harness, and ID tags

• Dog waste bags

• Blankets or bedding from home to help with scent and comfort

• Favourite toy or chew to prevent boredom

• Treats for praise or redirection

• A travel water bowl and clean drinking water

• Enough food for the journey and possibly a spare meal portion

Safety gear is a must. Dogs shouldn't move freely around a moving car. It’s both a distraction to the driver and a risk in the event of braking or a crash. You’ve got a few options to keep them safely in place:

• A travel crate positioned in the boot (with rear seats folded if needed)

• A pet seatbelt harness secured to a back seatbelt loop

• A back seat barrier to block access to the front seats

Build in a few trial journeys ahead of your big day. Even a short trip to a nearby park helps your dog get used to the feel and sound of travel. Keep things positive with encouragement, a calm tone of voice, and their favourite toy or blanket on hand.

Before The Journey

Your dog’s comfort begins long before you reach the car. A settled, tired dog is far more likely to travel calmly than one full of energy and nerves. Start your day with a good walk to reduce restlessness. It doesn’t need to be a long hike, just enough that your dog is relaxed and has had a toilet break.

Feeding should happen early. Travelling on a full stomach can lead to queasiness or discomfort. Aim to give your dog their usual meal at least two hours before departure. Don’t be tempted to feed big meals while the car is moving. Stick to small treats if needed and make sure water is available in a neat, non-spill form.

Breaks make a huge difference. They give your dog time to stretch, relieve themselves, and reset mentally. Structure the journey so that you stop every couple of hours, especially if you'll be on the road all day.

Here’s a simple pre-drive checklist to follow before getting in the car:

1. Walk your dog to burn off energy and allow for a bathroom break

2. Offer water and keep a clean supply ready for the trip

3. Feed at least two hours ahead, avoiding heavy meals right before leaving

4. Pack all your travel items, checking that the water bowl, lead, and comfort items are close by

5. Make your dog’s travel area secure and comfortable with blankets or bedding

6. Keep the car cool before loading your dog. Hot interiors build up fast, even in the UK summer

Once you're on the move, your early planning will already be paying off. A little forethought can turn a long day’s journey into a relaxed, safe ride that works for both of you.

During The Journey

Once you're on the road, your role shifts from planning to managing. Getting your dog settled in the first few minutes sets the tone for the rest of the drive. It’s natural for some dogs to get a bit restless or even excited when the car starts moving, especially if it’s a new experience or they associate the car with the vet. Keeping them calm goes a long way in making the journey easier for everyone.

Distractions can help fill the time and ease anxiety. Bring a familiar toy or something they can chew on. Some dogs are comforted by soft background noise, like the radio turned down low. Talking to your dog casually throughout the ride helps too, letting them know you're still there and paying attention.

Keep an eye on the temperature inside the car. Even in the UK, summer sun can heat up a parked car within minutes. Use shades on the windows, and if your car doesn’t have AC, leave windows slightly open (without compromising safety) to help with airflow. Never leave your dog alone in a parked car for any length of time. Even a short stop can lead to heatstroke.

Another thing to stay aware of is your dog’s behaviour during travel. Watch for drooling, yawning, heavy panting, or restlessness. These can be signs they’re uncomfortable or not feeling well. If you see anything unusual, pull over safely and give them a break. Water, a short walk, or even just stretching their legs can help.

Arrival And Post-Trip Care

Finally arriving at your destination might feel like mission complete, but your dog still needs care and attention to settle properly. Even after short trips, dogs can feel disoriented or overstimulated by new smells, sights, and sounds. Create a calm space for them as soon as you arrive. Reuse some of the familiar items from your car, like a blanket or their toy, to give them a sense of security.

Let them explore, but at their own pace. They’ll probably want to sniff around, mark their new territory, and get to know where their food and water are going to be. Stay close while they adjust. You’re still their best source of comfort.
It's a good idea to give them a quick once-over after the trip. Check their paws, coat, ears, and eyes. Long car rides, especially with rest stops on grassy areas, can sometimes invite ticks or cuts if they step on something sharp. Also check hydration levels. If you notice they’ve not had much to drink, try offering water a little at a time.

Re-establish their usual feeding routine as soon as possible. A familiar meal can help settle their stomach and gives them something grounded after an exciting or tiring day. Try to avoid sudden switches in diet or feeding times unless absolutely needed.

Making Travel Enjoyable For Both Of You

Good road trips aren’t just about where you’re going. The journey itself can be memorable, and dogs love being part of the experience when it’s done right. Some dogs even look forward to car rides once they’ve had a few positive ones. Building those associations takes some time, but it starts with positive reinforcement and doing things at your dog's pace.

Keep future trips calm by rewarding calm behaviour along the way. Use treats or kind words when your dog enters the car calmly, lies down without fuss, or waits patiently during stops. These early wins shape how they respond to travel each time.

If you take regular trips, you’ll probably notice your dog getting more settled each time. For working dogs or active breeds, frequent travel can even provide the stimulation they crave. Dogs that hike, swim, or work outdoors regularly benefit from being comfortable in the car as it becomes part of their normal routine.

One more thing worth adding to your travel kit is a water bowl that’s designed to stay steady and avoid spills while driving. Car rides often mess with feeding and drinking habits, especially on warm days. A bowl that works in the car gives your dog the chance to drink little and often, which keeps them comfortable for longer journeys.

Planning ahead, watching the weather, and paying attention to your dog’s behaviour means every car trip can go from stressful to smooth in no time. When your dog feels safe and happy on the move, you’ll enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.

Staying on top of your dog’s needs is the best way to make every trip more enjoyable. If you're planning on traveling with a dog in the car, making sure they can drink whenever they need to is just as important as offering regular stops and comfort. Porta-Bowl is the simple, mess-free way to keep water within reach on the go, giving you one less thing to worry about along the way.