Choose your destination

What to pack

• Your dog’s bed; to help him settle into a strange environment and dissuade him from trying to sleep on sofas.
• A few days’ supply of his food, to tide you over until you can find it locally.
• Towels for drying him and protecting floors from wet, muddy feet.
• Plenty of poop bags.
• Activity toys to keep him occupied.
• Old sheets to cover beds and sofas he’s likely to try to sit on.
• A corkscrew stake to tie your dog to when you stop for a rest or a picnic.
• A first aid kit (and find out the phone number of the nearest vet).
• Travel or collapsible food and water bowls.
• An ID tag with your mobile number or the number of your accommodation on it.

Getting there

• By car: Make sure your dog is suitably restrained and has somewhere comfortable to lie - and don’t forget you won’t be the only one needing a comfort break. Check your route and consider where you might stop to stretch your legs or eat. Some motorway service stations such as Moto will provide water and even disposable bowls for dogs (visit: www.moto-way.com for locations) or try: www.5minutesaway.co.uk to find services just off major routes, which might provide more suitable areas for stopping with dogs.
• By rail: Dogs are accepted on many services but you should check with the rail carrier before paying for tickets. Most carriers allow two dogs to travel free but may charge if you want to take more. Once on the train, don’t allow your dog to sit on seats or upset other passengers. Contact national Rail Enquiries on tel. 0845 748 4950 for details.
• By bus and coach: Check with individual companies before you set out. Some local buses will allow dogs to travel, some charge and others only let guide dogs on board.

Having fun

• The local TIC will be able to advise you on attractions that accept dogs and there may be similar information at your accommodation, or ask the owner.
• Generally country parks and places such as ruined castles and hill forts are a good bet for outings but check whether they allow dogs.
• Try to plan active outings for the mornings so your dog will be happier to settle down quietly for the rest of the day.
• If the weather’s warm there are usually plenty of pubs and cafés where you can sit outside with your dog but it may be a good idea to take some water with you in case you can’t access any. In cooler conditions some pubs will allow dogs indoors,  especially if they remain quietly hidden in a corner. You may even find some restaurants are willing to allow dogs in –– it’s always worth asking.

Do:
Pick up after your dog.
Take water and travel bowls on journeys.
Dont:
Leave your dog unattended in the car.
Go on long treks in hot weather

Useful reading

‘Pets Welcome! 2005’ (price £8.99, ISBN 1850553491), published by FHG Publications, is a guide to holiday accommodation that welcomes all the family, including pets. It is divided into counties and includes a narrowboat section.

Look for accommodation

Each month, Your Dog magazine is packed full of useful articles on health, breeds, training, feeding, grooming and general lifestyle features for those who love dogs. For more information see the subscription page