Whether you’re a constant long-distance traveller or mainly stick to short trips around town, we have a number of travel accessories to make car travel with your pets as comfortable and easy as possible. Here we look at the top five travel accessories every dog owner should have.
1. Travel Crate
It is a legal requirement that dogs are kept safely restrained in the car when travelling. This goes for short and long distance journeys. A travel crate is a great option for most dog owners; whether it’s a slanted crate for small breeds or a large carrier for medium to large breeds.
2. Car Seat Belts & Carriers
If you prefer to travel with your dog in the main area of the car rather than the boot, then a dog seat belt or carrier which straps in to the seat is a great way to keep them safe. Seatbelts attach to your dogs harness (don’t attach to a collar as it may pull on your dog’s neck) and clip into your car’s fitted seatbelt. These are great for larger breeds that are too big for your boot. Where as the smaller carriers are great for smaller pups to be safely secured in the car.
3. Travel Bowls
Travel bowls are an essential item for longer journeys. The Beco travel bowls are our favourite as they fold down flat for easy storage and are made from eco-friendly plant based fibres. Available in a number of sizes and colours these are truly handy accessories for any dog owner.
4. Boot Mats
A good quality boot mat is a handy addition to any travel accessories collection. Perfect after a walk in the countryside or on the beach to help protect your car from muddy paws.
5. Drying Coat or Bag
This may seem like an odd choice for a travel accessory, but actually these come in so handy on your travels. Drying coats, towels and bags aren’t just for bath time but ideal after a run on the beach, or to dry off after a wet weather walk. Pop the coat on once you get back to the car and it will help dry and keep your pup warm. We always keep a drying coat in our travel bag as you just never know when it might come in handy!
And We haven’t forgotten Travel for Cats…
It’s just as important to ensure our cats are safe on their travels. From short trips to the vet to longer car journeys, a good quality carrier is a must-have.
What are your favourite travel accessories? We’d love to know what items you can’t live without when travelling with your furry family members. Send us pictures and we may even feature you in a social media post!
Whether you’re a constant long-distance traveller or mainly stick to short trips around town, we have a number of travel accessories to make car travel with your pets as comfortable and easy as possible. Here we look at the top five travel accessories every dog owner should have.
1. Travel Crate
It is a legal requirement that dogs are kept safely restrained in the car when travelling. This goes for short and long distance journeys. A travel crate is a great option for most dog owners; whether it’s a slanted crate for small breeds or a large carrier for medium to large breeds.
2. Car Seat Belts & Carriers
If you prefer to travel with your dog in the main area of the car rather than the boot, then a dog seat belt or carrier which straps in to the seat is a great way to keep them safe. Seatbelts attach to your dogs harness (don’t attach to a collar as it may pull on your dog’s neck) and clip into your car’s fitted seatbelt. These are great for larger breeds that are too big for your boot. Where as the smaller carriers are great for smaller pups to be safely secured in the car.
3. Travel Bowls
Travel bowls are an essential item for longer journeys. The Beco travel bowls are our favourite as they fold down flat for easy storage and are made from eco-friendly plant based fibres. Available in a number of sizes and colours these are truly handy accessories for any dog owner.
4. Boot Mats
A good quality boot mat is a handy addition to any travel accessories collection. Perfect after a walk in the countryside or on the beach to help protect your car from muddy paws.
5. Drying Coat or Bag
This may seem like an odd choice for a travel accessory, but actually these come in so handy on your travels. Drying coats, towels and bags aren’t just for bath time but ideal after a run on the beach, or to dry off after a wet weather walk. Pop the coat on once you get back to the car and it will help dry and keep your pup warm. We always keep a drying coat in our travel bag as you just never know when it might come in handy!
And We haven’t forgotten Travel for Cats…
It’s just as important to ensure our cats are safe on their travels. From short trips to the vet to longer car journeys, a good quality carrier is a must-have.
What are your favourite travel accessories? We’d love to know what items you can’t live without when travelling with your furry family members. Send us pictures and we may even feature you in a social media post!
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If you’re a UK-based pet owner planning a trip abroad with your dog or cat, you’ve likely come across the term “pet passport.” From the cost of a cat passport to the post-Brexit regulations affecting an animal passport, it can be a little confusing to understand the latest requirements. In this guide, we’ll break down what a pet passport is, how it used to work in Europe before Brexit, and what you’ll need to do now to ensure your pet has everything it needs to travel safely and legally.
What Is A Pet Passport?
A “pet passport,” sometimes also called a pet ID passport, is an official document that historically allowed pets—most commonly dogs, cats, and ferrets—to travel between various countries without needing lengthy quarantine periods. Before Brexit, a European pet passport was often sufficient for UK owners travelling to EU countries, provided their pet’s vaccinations, microchip details, and owner information were up to date.
The Purpose of a Pet Passport
Verified Identity: It contains your pet’s microchip number, name, and breed.
Health Records: It includes proof of valid rabies vaccinations and other relevant health details.
Owner Information: Shows the name, address, and contact information of the pet’s owner.
By having a valid pet passport (or, in the post-Brexit world, the right certification), you minimise any travel-related stress for both you and your pet, making the journey smoother at border controls.
Pet Travel After Brexit
Since the UK left the EU, the European pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) is no longer valid for travel to EU countries. Instead, pet owners now need what is known as an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) if they’re travelling from the UK to the EU or Northern Ireland.
Animal Health Certificate (AHC): This is valid for a single trip into the EU, onward travel within the EU for four months, and return to Great Britain within four months. Every time you travel to the EU, you need a new AHC unless you already have an EU-issued passport from before Brexit (still valid if issued by an EU country).
To get an AHC, you need to visit an official veterinarian (OV) who will check your pet’s microchip, rabies vaccinations, and general health. For more detailed information, you can consult the official guidelines on Getting an animal health certificate (GOV.UK).
Do I Still Need a Pet Passport?
If you have a pet passport issued by an EU country, you might still be able to use it—this includes documents issued in Northern Ireland. However, if your passport was issued in Great Britain, it is no longer valid for travel in the EU. You’ll need an AHC for your next trip. You can learn more about this on the GOV.UK website.
For UK-based owners, think of the new Animal Health Certificate as the updated version of a pet passport. The purpose is the same—ensuring your pet meets all health requirements before crossing borders—but the format and paperwork have changed since Brexit.
Applying for a Pet Passport (Pre-Brexit) vs. Now
Before Brexit, you could easily apply for a pet passport online through certain veterinary providers or book an appointment with an official vet. You would bring your pet’s vaccination records and microchip details, and they would issue a passport that remained valid as long as you kept vaccinations updated.
Today, the process is more or less replaced by obtaining an Animal Health Certificate if you’re travelling from Great Britain. You can’t simply apply for a pet passport online in the UK the same way you once could for EU travel, because the requirements have changed. However, you can still find online resources to guide you to an official vet, who is the only person able to issue the relevant documentation.
How Much Does It Cost?
One of the most common questions people ask is the cost of a cat passport or dog passport. While the pet passport scheme is no longer valid in the same way if it was issued in Great Britain, you can still get an EU-issued passport if your pet resides in an EU country or travels regularly there. However, for most UK owners, the main cost to consider is the Animal Health Certificate.
The fee for an Animal Health Certificate can range from around £100 to £200+, depending on your vet’s pricing.
Vaccinations & Microchipping Cost:
Rabies vaccinations typically cost around £15 to £60, tapeworm treatment is around £20 to £30 and a microchip insertion can be around £15 to £30 if your pet isn’t already chipped.
Because these expenses can add up, it’s always a good idea to call around to different veterinarians to compare prices. Keep in mind you may also need boosters or treatments for tapeworm (particularly for dogs) depending on your destination. You will also want to make sure your pet is up to date with their regular vaccinations, flea and worming treatments - the cost of these varies between vets but a lot of practices have pet plans which include or subsidise the cost of these.
What You Need to Travel with Your Pet
The specific requirements vary based on where you’re travelling, but here are some general guidelines:
Microchipping: Your pet must be microchipped before any vaccinations for travel.
Rabies Vaccination: This must be done at least 21 days before you travel
Animal Health Certificate: Issued within 10 days of your trip if you’re heading to the EU.
Tapeworm Treatment (For Dogs): Required when travelling to certain countries, administered by a vet no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before arrival.
Preparing Your Pet for Travel
Travel can be stressful for animals, especially if they’re not used to long journeys. Whether you have a dog passport or a cat passport, there are a few steps you can take to make their trip more comfortable
Carrier or Crate: Invest in a sturdy, comfortable pet carrier or crate that allows your pet enough room to turn around and lie down.
Familiar Items: Put a favourite toy or blanket inside the carrier to help your pet feel more at ease.
Gradual Acclimatisation: Let your pet get used to the carrier at home before the trip so they see it as a safe space.
Frequent Breaks: If you’re driving, plan stops so your pet can stretch their legs, rehydrate, and relieve themselves.
For more tips on travelling safely with your pet, check out the Travelling with Your Pet collection on our website, where you’ll find carriers, travel accessories, and other essentials designed to make journeys smoother.
Final Thoughts
While the European pet passport offered a convenient solution in the past, the post-Brexit travel scenario for UK-based pets now requires a bit more planning with the Animal Health Certificate. The good news is that the process is still straightforward, as long as you’re prepared.
Make sure your pet’s microchip and rabies vaccinations are up to date well in advance of your travel date, and keep an eye on the latest guidance from GOV.UK to ensure your paperwork remains valid. With a little preparation, you and your furry companion can continue to explore new destinations together, worry-free.
Want to learn more about travelling with pets? Feel free to browse our Travelling with Your Pet collection for crates, carriers, and other travel essentials. Wherever your next trip takes you, we hope you and your pet have a safe and joyful journey!
How to Keep Your Dog Entertained During a Winter Road Trip
Winter road trips can be a delightful experience, offering picturesque landscapes and cosy adventures. However, when you have a dog on a road trip, especially during the colder months, it's essential to ensure your furry friend is not only safe but also entertained. A bored or restless pet can lead to distractions, which might compromise safety on the road.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore expert tips on how to keep your dog entertained and secure during your winter travels, as well as recommend some of our favourite travel products to make your road trip as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Securing Your Dog in the Car
Before focusing on entertainment, safety should be your top priority. So, how do you secure a dog in a car? Dogs should be properly restrained to prevent injuries in case of sudden stops or accidents. There are several options:
Dog Seat Belts and Harnesses: These attach to your car's seat belt system and your dog's harness, keeping them safely in place.
Crates and Carriers: A sturdy crate can be one of the safest ways for your dog to travel. Ensure it's well-ventilated and secured so it doesn't shift during the drive.
Pet Barriers: If you have an SUV or a wagon, a pet barrier can keep your dog confined to the cargo area.
Not only do these methods protect your dog, but they also prevent them from distracting the driver. Do dogs have to be restrained in a car? In the UK it is legally required to restrain pets during travel.
Our Top 5 Options For Securing Your Dog In The Car
Lords & Labradors Dog Car Booster Seat - This is the perfect companion for your pup while travelling. This easily installed booster seat elevates your dog, enabling them to look out of the window. It includes attachment belt for buckling up your dog and will fix in easily with your seatbelt. With a removable cushion and foam padding for extra comfort, this seat also features a dipped front for easy access, providing your pup with a safe and comfortable ride.
Lords & Labradors Easy Traveller - Its versatile 3 in 1 design serves as a pet bed, carrier, and cat seat bed. The removable and reversible cushion provides comfort and the non-slip base ensures stability. Secure your pet with the tether and store travel essentials in the extra pockets.
Lords & Labradors Travel Seat Snoozer - Expertly designed for pet parents, the Travel Seat Snoozer by Lords & Labradors is the perfect car seat for your furry companion. With a waterproof lining, non-slip base, and protection from pet hair and dirt, your car will stay clean and dry on rainy walks. It has a tether to attach to your dog’s harness to keep them secure, this is a great option for both your car and your pet.
Lords & Labradors Double Easy Traveller - A versatile 2 in 1 pet bed and car seat, this is a great choice for larger dogs or dogs who love to stretch out. Featuring a removable and reversible cushion and a non-slip base for stability. Keep your pet safe and comfortable with two straps for headrests and a tether for large pets.
KONG Ultimate Safety Tether - The KONG Ultimate Safety Tether is designed to ensure safe and secure travel with your dog. Featuring superior control than regular tethers, this adjustable product offers ultimate safety and peace of mind. Accurate measurements, secure construction, and reliable performance make it an ideal choice for responsible pet owners.
Preparing for Pet Travel During Winter
Travelling with pets requires additional preparation, especially in winter. Cold weather can affect your dog's comfort and health. Ensure your vehicle is warm enough, and consider bringing along a blanket or a warm bed for your pet.
Here's a checklist for winter pet travel essentials:
Food and Water: Pack enough for the trip, including a travel water bowl.
Lead, Collar and Harness: Necessary for walks during stops.
Poo Bags: For cleaning up after your dog.
Medications: If your dog requires any.
Identification Tags: In case your dog gets lost, make sure they have got up to date contact details on
Dog Entertainment Toys for the Road
Keeping your dog entertained is crucial for a peaceful journey. Dog entertainment toys are a fantastic way to occupy your pet's time. Here are some dog toys to keep dogs entertained during a road trip:
Chew Toys: Durable and safe chew toys can keep your dog busy for hours. We love the Zeus Nosh bones, they are great for chewers and are super long lasting.
Food Dispensing Toys: Toys that dispense treats when manipulated can stimulate your dog's mind. A KONG is a great choice for a road trip as your dog needs minimal space to be able to retrieve the food from the toy and you can fill them with whatever your dog likes, we love to use our dogs wet food as a fun way to give them their dinner.
Scented Toys: Engage your dog's sense of smell with toys infused with enticing scents. The Gnosher bones are a great choice they have chicken, bacon and chocolate scented chew toys which your dog is sure to love!
When selecting toys, ensure they are appropriate for your dog's size and chewing strength. Avoid toys that can be easily destroyed and pose a choking hazard.
Interactive Games and Activities
Beyond toys, there are other ways on how to entertain your dog during a long drive:
Training Sessions: Use the time to reinforce commands. Simple training can mentally stimulate your dog.
Car-Friendly Games: Play games like 'find the treat' by hiding small treats around your dog's area.
Calming Music: Some dogs respond well to music specifically composed for pets.
Remember to praise and reward your dog for good behaviour, reinforcing a positive experience during the trip.
Regular Breaks and Exercise
A crucial aspect of travelling with a dog in the car is scheduling regular stops. Dogs need to stretch, relieve themselves, and burn off energy. Plan to stop every 2-3 hours at pet-friendly rest areas.
Short Walks: A brisk walk can help alleviate restlessness.
Playtime: If possible, engage in a quick game of fetch or tug-of-war.
Hydration: Offer water during stops to keep your dog hydrated.
These breaks not only benefit your dog but can also help you stay alert and refreshed.
Comfort and Familiarity
Creating a comfortable environment is key to how to keep dog entertained and relaxed. Bring along your dog's favourite blanket or bed, which carries familiar scents. This can provide comfort in an unfamiliar setting.
Additionally, maintaining a consistent routine with feeding and walking times can help reduce anxiety. Familiarity in routine can make travelling with pets less stressful for both of you.
Weather Considerations
Winter travel comes with unique challenges. Be mindful of the following:
Temperature Control: Ensure the car is warm enough, but not overheated.
Avoiding Drafts: Position your dog away from cold drafts coming through doors or windows.
Clothing: For short-haired breeds or small dogs, consider a dog jumper or coat.
Final Thoughts on Road Trips with Dogs
Embarking on a road trip with dogs during winter can be a rewarding experience with proper planning. By securing your dog safely, providing engaging toys, and attending to their comfort, you can ensure a pleasant journey. With the right preparation, you and your canine companion can enjoy some of the best road trips with dogs, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
At Lords & Labradors, we offer a wide range of products to make your trip successful, from dog entertainment toys to travel accessories. Explore our collection to find the perfect items for your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How should a dog travel in a car?
A: Dogs should travel in a car using a proper restraint system like a seat belt harness, crate, or pet barrier to ensure safety.
Q: Do dogs have to be restrained in a car?
A: In the UK it is the law to restrain your dog in the car
Q: What are the best dog toys to keep dogs entertained during a road trip?
A: Chew toys, puzzle toys, and interactive toys are excellent choices to keep your dog engaged during travel.
Q: How can I keep my dog entertained without toys?
A: Engage in training sessions, play car-friendly games, or use calming music to keep your dog occupied.
Q: What are some tips for travelling with pets in winter?
A: Ensure your pet is warm, bring necessary supplies, maintain their routine, and plan for regular exercise breaks.
