Travelling with Puppies: A Vet-Approved Guide to Safe Journeys
1. Safety first
2. Plan ahead
3. Arrange regular breaks
4. Boredom busters
What should I pack when travelling with my puppy?
How to help motion sickness in puppies
Travelling with a puppy by train or bus
Travelling outside of Great Britain
FAQs: Travelling With a Puppy
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Travelling with Puppies: A Vet-Approved Guide to Safe Journeys
Travelling can be exciting but exhausting for puppies. New routines, unfamiliar smells and loud environments can leave them overstimulated. Take things slowly, be patient, and always keep your puppy on a lead in new surroundings.
With the right preparation, travelling can be a happy and confidence-building experience for your puppy.
1. Safety first
In the UK, it’s the law that all occupants of a moving vehicle must be safely restrained—and that includes your puppy.
Without proper restraint, a sudden stop or collision could send your dog forward, putting everyone in the car at risk. If your puppy distracts you while driving, you could face fines and penalty points.
Key safety essentials:
Puppies should travel in a secure crate or carrier.
Or, use a dog seat belt harness attached to a rear-seat seatbelt.
Never travel with your puppy on your lap.
Avoid the front passenger seat and footwell—puppies can interfere with pedals.
Do not allow your puppy to hang their head out the window; it’s dangerous. Flying objects (like insects or grit) and oncoming traffic can seriously injure them. Sudden braking could also lead to severe injury.
Never leave your puppy alone in a car in warm weather. Even mild temperatures can become fatal in minutes.
2. Plan ahead
Your puppy’s first car journey should never be an eight-hour motorway drive. Start small and gradually build their confidence.
Preparation tips:
Get them used to the car when stationary first, using treats and toys, then with the engine on.
Begin with short, positive trips and increase very slowly.
Travel early in the morning or later in the evening during summer to avoid heat and heavy traffic.
Feed a light meal at least 1–2 hours before travel.
Take your puppy for a short toilet walk before leaving.
Keep the car cool and well ventilated with air conditioning or open windows.
If your puppy seems anxious, calming supplements and pheromone sprays may help. If travel sickness is severe or persistent, speak to your vet about appropriate treatment.
3. Arrange regular breaks
Puppies have small bladders and limited patience—regular breaks are essential. Take a break every 30 to 60 minutes for young puppies.
Before setting off:
Plan your route and take note of safe stops.
Carry fresh water and a bowl.
Pack poo bags, wipes and puppy pads.
Remember to keep your puppy on a lead near roads and car parks.
4. Boredom busters
Puppies get bored—and restless—quickly. To keep journeys calm:
Bring a familiar blanket and their favourite toy.
Some puppies relax when they can see out of the window (safely restrained, of course).
Play soothing music at low volume.
Break up long journeys with short detours to grassy areas for sniffing and play.
What should I pack when travelling with my puppy?
Even with careful planning, accidents happen—especially with puppies. Being prepared helps reduce stress if accidents or delays occur.
A puppy travel kit should include:
Water and a bowl
Light snacks
Poo bags and puppy pads
Towels and dog wipes
A favourite toy or blanket
Tick remover
Cooling mats or pads in hot weather
Always double-check that your puppy’s microchip details are up to date before travelling.
How to help motion sickness in puppies
Travel sickness is common in puppies, but it usually improves with age. Their balance system is still developing, and new movements or stress can cause nausea and vomiting.
To help prevent motion sickness, start with short trips and very gradually increase journey length as your puppy gets more comfortable. Offer a light meal at least 1-2 hours before travel. Ensure good ventilation in the car and keep the environment calm and quiet.
For puppies that continue to struggle, pheromone products or supplements may help. If motion sickness persists or is severe, speak to your vet about safe anti-nausea medication.
Travelling with a puppy by train or bus
Travelling by train
Well-behaved dogs can travel on trains on a lead or in a carrier
You can usually take up to two pets free of charge
Travel at quieter times where possible
Remember: puppies can’t toilet on trains, so journeys must be short enough for them to cope comfortably
Travelling by bus
Many UK buses allow one small dog, but it’s always at the driver’s discretion
Keep your puppy on a lead or in a carrier and out of the aisle
Have a backup plan if the bus is busy or access is refused
Travelling outside of Great Britain
Careful planning is essential when travelling with your puppy. As soon as you start to think about travel, contact your vet for advice. They can guide you on vaccinations and timing, parasite prevention, and any country-specific requirements. As regulations vary between destinations, it’s important to check entry requirements well in advance.
1. For travel from Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) to Northern Ireland, your puppy will need to have:
A Northern Ireland pet travel document (PTD).
A Microchip (under UK law, all dogs should be microchipped anyway).
2. If you live in Northern Ireland, you don't need a PTD for travel to and from the UK, but your dog must be microchipped.
3. For travel from Great Britain to the EU, your puppy needs:
A microchip.
Rabies vaccination: Your puppy must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated.
An Animal Health Certificate: issued by a specially qualified vet and valid for 10 days to enter the EU, and then for for 4 months of onward travel within the EU and re-entry to Great Britain.
Approved tapeworm treatment before returning to the UK.
4. For travel from Northern Ireland to the EU, your puppy needs:
A microchip.
Rabies vaccination: Your puppy must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated.
A valid EU-issued Pet passport or an EU Health Certificate.
Approved tapeworm treatment before returning to NI.
FAQs: Travelling With a Puppy
Q: How old does my puppy need to be before they can travel?
A: Puppies can technically travel from any age, as long as they are safely restrained and the journey is short and calm. It’s best to save longer journeys for when your puppy is settled at home and relaxed in the car.
Q: How long can a puppy travel in a car?
A: Young puppies should only travel for 30–60 minutes at a time before needing a break. As they grow and get better bladder control, this can be gradually increased. Regular breaks for water, toileting and stretching are essential.
Q: What is the safest way for a puppy to travel in a car?
A: The safest options are a secure crate or carrier or a dog harness attached to a rear-seat seatbelt. Puppies should never travel loose, on your lap, or in the front passenger seat.
Q: What should I do if my puppy needs a vet while we’re on holiday?
A: If you’re unsure what to do, the Joii Pet Care app offers 24/7 access to UK-registered vets. They can help you decide whether your puppy needs urgent, in-person treatment or if the issue can safely be managed at home.
If your puppy needs hands-on veterinary help, search “emergency vet near me” on Google. Even if your nearest practice looks closed, call their number. Most clinics have a voicemail message that directs you to the local out-of-hours emergency service.
Join us again next month as we cover everything you need to know about caring for your puppy’s dental health.
