Travelling with Your Pet This Summer: How to Keep Them Safe, Calm & Comfort

Travelling with Your Pet This Summer: How to Keep Them Safe, Calm & Comfort

Whether you’re heading off on a UK staycation, camping trip, caravan holiday or travelling abroad, taking your pet away with you can be a wonderful experience. However, travelling can also be stressful for pets, and the summer heat brings extra risks that every owner needs to be aware of.

With a little preparation, you can help make sure your dog, cat or other companion animal stays safe, healthy and comfortable throughout your trip.

Keep pets safe in the summer heat

Summer holidays often mean spending more time outdoors, but warmer temperatures can quickly become dangerous for pets.

Never leave pets unattended in hot vehicles

A car can become dangerously hot within minutes, even on mild days or with windows slightly open. Dogs are particularly at risk because they cannot cool themselves down as efficiently as humans.

Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle, even if you are “only gone for a few minutes”. Signs of heatstroke include:

  • Excessive panting
  • Drooling
  • Restlessness
  • Weakness or collapse
  • Vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Confusion or seizures

Heatstroke is an emergency and can be fatal. If you suspect your pet is overheating, move them to a cool area, offer small amounts of water and contact your vet immediately.

Be mindful when camping, caravanning or travelling

Tents, caravans and awnings can also become very warm in direct sunlight. Make sure your pet always has:

  • A shaded, well-ventilated area to rest
  • Plenty of fresh drinking water
  • Access to cooler surfaces
  • The option to move away from heat

Avoid exercising dogs during the hottest parts of the day and remember that pavements and sand can become hot enough to burn paws.

A good rule of thumb: if the ground feels too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.

Helping your pet feel calm while travelling

Some pets love adventures, while others find travelling stressful. Whether it’s a car journey, staying somewhere unfamiliar or being surrounded by new sights and smells, there are ways to help your pet feel more comfortable.

Create a familiar, safe space

  • Taking familiar items from home can make a huge difference. Pack your pet’s:
  • Favourite blanket or bed
  • Toys
  • Usual food and treats
  • Familiar-smelling items from home

A familiar environment can help reduce anxiety when your pet is faced with new surroundings.

Keep routines as normal as possible

  • Pets thrive on routine, so try to maintain their usual schedule where possible. This includes:
  • Regular feeding times
  • Plenty of toilet breaks
  • Consistent exercise routines
  • Quiet time to rest

Always ensure your pet has access to fresh water, especially during travel and warmer weather.

Consider calming products for stressful journeys

For pets that struggle with anxiety during travel or changes in routine, calming products can provide extra support.

At Farm Vet Supplies, we stock a range of calming solutions, including:

  1. ADAPTIL Calm – a pheromone-based calming solution designed to help dogs feel more secure during stressful situations.
  2. ADAPTIL Chews – calming chews to support dogs during stressful events such as travelling, fireworks or changes in routine.
  3. Thundershirt – a calming wrap that applies gentle pressure to help some dogs feel more relaxed.
  4. Feliway Classic – designed specifically for cats to help reduce stress associated with changes to their environment.

Always introduce calming products before travelling where possible, so your pet has time to get used to them.

Travelling abroad with your pet

If you’re planning to take your pet overseas, preparation is essential.

Before travelling, make sure your pet:

  • Is fully vaccinated
  • Is healthy enough to travel
  • Has any required parasite treatments
  • Has all necessary documentation

Requirements vary depending on your destination, so always speak to your vet well in advance of your trip to make sure you have everything your pet needs.

Don’t forget your pet’s medication

If your pet takes regular medication, make sure you have enough supply before travelling.

It’s a good idea to order medication well in advance, as some prescription medicines require a written prescription from your vet.

Farm Vet Supplies stocks a wide range of pet healthcare products, including many long-term medications and supplements. Browse our full range here:

View Our Products

If your pet requires prescription medication, simply ask your vet for a written prescription and send it to us. We may be able to supply your pet’s medication at a lower cost than your veterinary practice.

Pack a pet first aid kit

A first aid kit is always useful when travelling, particularly if you have an adventurous dog who will be exploring new environments, walking on unfamiliar terrain or spending more time outdoors.

A basic pet first aid kit may include:

It’s also worth saving your vet’s contact details, as well as the details of a local veterinary practice at your holiday destination.

Keep supporting joint health while away

Holidays often mean more activity for our pets — longer walks, exploring new places and increased exercise.

For older pets or those with joint stiffness or arthritis, maintaining their usual supplements while away is just as important as at home.

Stopping supplements suddenly may reduce the support they provide, especially during periods of increased activity.

Explore our range of dog supplements here:

Dog Supplements – Farm Vet Supplies

If travelling is very stressful for your pet

Some pets find travelling extremely difficult, despite careful preparation. Dogs and cats may experience anxiety, nausea or stress during journeys.

If your vet has recommended prescription medication to help with travel anxiety or travel sickness, Farm Vet Supplies can help.

Simply ask your vet for a written prescription for the medication your pet needs, and we can supply many prescription products — often at a more affordable price than buying directly from your veterinary practice.

Is your pet staying with a sitter or boarding facility?

Not every pet will travel with you, and many owners choose to use a pet sitter, kennel or cattery while they are away.

Before your pet goes into someone else’s care, make sure you:

  • Have enough medication and supplements to last their stay
  • Provide clear feeding and care instructions
  • Leave emergency contact details
  • Pack familiar items such as blankets and toys

A change of environment can be stressful, especially for cats and anxious pets. Calming products may help them adjust to their temporary surroundings.

For dogs, consider:

For cats:

Final holiday checklist for pet owners

Before you set off, remember to:

  • Check your pet is fit and healthy to travel
  • Pack food, water and familiar items
  • Bring enough medication and supplements
  • Prepare a pet first aid kit
  • Keep pets cool during hot weather
  • Plan regular breaks during journeys
  • Check travel requirements if going abroad
  • Speak to your vet if your pet struggles with anxiety or travel sickness

With a little preparation, travelling with your pet can be a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone.

Shop pet healthcare, supplements and calming products at Farm Vet Supplies today.

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Posted by Farm Vet Supplies
14th July 2026

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