Dog Travel Checklist: What to Pack for a Day Out

Your dog travel packing list

Before you get as far as “Where’s the lead?”, run through this.

Suitable car restraintUsing a strap? Check the harness and car buckle too. Lead, collar & walking harnessReady for getting out and exploring. Water & a bowlPack your own, even for a short outing. Poo bags & treatsA few more than you think you’ll need. A familiar matTheir own place beside your table. Extras for your dogTowel, usual food or prescribed medication.

Travelling by car?
Sort the setup first.

Highway Code Rule 57 says animals should be suitably restrained so they cannot distract the driver or cause injury during a sudden stop. It lists options including a seat belt harness, carrier, cage or dog guard.

A dog seat belt connects their travel harness to your car’s buckle. Check the strap, harness and buckle are compatible and follow their fitting instructions. Clip to the harness, never the collar.

Holy Cow adjustable dog seat belt strap with a green harness clip and silver vehicle buckle tongue

One end to the harness.
One to the buckle.

Harness clip at one end. Car-buckle fitting at the other. Adjust the strap for the setup, then check both connections before moving off.

A restraint strap is one part of the setup. It doesn’t make a walking harness crash-tested. Check the harness maker’s travel guidance.

Leave room for a sniff stop.

For longer journeys, plan breaks for water, a toilet stop and a stretch. Keep the lead handy so you can attach it before your dog gets out.

Keep the car comfortable and well ventilated. Never leave your dog alone in a parked car. If they find travel frightening, build up gently with help rather than forcing a long trip. Dogs Trust’s car-travel guide is a useful starting point.

Your table.
Their place beside it.

A café floor is full of passing feet, chair legs and dropped crumbs. A familiar dog travel mat gives your dog a place to rest while you stop. Let them get used to it at home first.

Carry their things.
Unfold their spot.

Our Bag to Mat carries the walk essentials, then opens into a mat when you arrive. One less separate thing to bring.

Holy Cow Bag to Mat carried over the shoulder as a printed tote bag

Check the unfolded dimensions against the space your dog uses when lying down. Put the mat somewhere quiet, clear of walkways, and keep water within reach.

Mind The Fluff · Made in Bristol, UK

For the drive.
For the stop.

Two useful pieces for different parts of the day.

For the drive

Holy Cow
Dog Seat Belt

Connects their travel harness to a compatible car buckle. Use the strap and harness together.

Choose your options See all dog seat belt prints

For the stop

Holy Cow
Bag to Mat

A bag for their things. A mat for their place beside you.

See Bag to Mat See all Bag to Mat prints

Before you head off.

Is a dog seat belt the only car-travel option?

No. The Highway Code also lists a carrier, cage or dog guard. Choose a suitable restraint setup for your dog and vehicle, and follow its instructions.

Can a travel mat replace car restraint?

No. A mat provides a place to rest. It doesn’t restrain your dog in the car.

Will a mat make my dog settle in a café?

A familiar mat can give them a recognisable resting place. It doesn’t make a busy venue comfortable for every dog. Start with short, quiet stops and choose another plan if they’re struggling.