How to stay safe while travelling with pets in summer

Travelling with pets in summer: risks, what to pack and practical tips for heatwave weather

Travelling in summer with your four-legged friends can be a real adventure, and not always the kind you want to remember. But here's the good news: it takes just a little planning, some research, and a pro packing list to be ready for any eventuality.

Flying still isn't an inclusive option for those who want to travel with their pets, even though the offer is improving. Some airlines are finally taking steps to welcome your furry friends to the cabin but they still don't always make travelling with pets the most comfortable, stress-free and affordable experience it can be. Ferries and trains - sometimes combined with a vehicle - or a good old fashioned car trip are always the best choices for humans and animals travelling together.

A car (private or rented) is the option that guarantees the most freedom. Trains are convenient and fast if you travel to the main European destinations, especially big cities. Ferries are perfect for taking your animal friends to those summer destinations that can only be reached by plane, such as Ireland, or to visit the smaller islands (like the Isle of Wight). Of course, it is also possible to combine several options. For example, you can drive to the nearest port, such as Dover, then take the ferry to France, either from Dover to Calais or from Dover to Dunkirk: this is ideal for those seeking to pack with no worries (almost no restrictions and as much space as you can pack into your car), bring all the essentials for their pets (including pet carriers and food), and travel with their best friend.

It will also allow you to explore your destination with zero stress and total flexibility.

Holidays should be a pleasure. To keep tails wagging, it's important to keep in mind a series of rules, in the same way that you need to prepare for the heat when travelling with other people at risk (children, the elderly, people with low blood pressure, etc.), to make sure everyone, can have a good time.

What are the risks of travelling with your pets in summer?

We often talk about the dangers pets face during the warmest months, even during times that should be all about chilling and swimming in the sea. Let's take a look at some situations that could put a downer on your well-deserved break.

Symptoms to watch out for:

High temperatures are the first sign to look out for: animals can suffer from heatstroke or dehydration much more quickly than we do. Changes in environment and routine can also become a source of stress, which can cause symptoms such as loss of appetite, agitation or nausea during the journey.

Every owner knows their pets better than anyone else, but you should look out for symptoms such as: 

• Laboured or excessively rapid breathing.
• Excessive salivation or reddened gums.
• Tremors, weakness or difficulty walking.
• Apathy, unusual drowsiness or loss of responsiveness.
• Loss of appetite or vomiting.
• Signs of dehydration (poor skin elasticity, sunken eyes).

Situations and places to avoid when travelling with an animal in summer

Some tips are more a matter of common sense: never leave an animal in a parked car, even for a few minutes, because the internal temperature can rise above 50°C in a very short time; do not go to the beach at peak times; do not go out without water at hand, and so on.

Other dangers are less obvious. For example, sometimes, as humans wearing shoes, we don't realise how hot concrete and sand can get in summer. In these cases, always check your furry friends for signs of stress or pain, especially around their paws, or try touching the surface before letting them step on it. 

A new environment can also hide unexpected dangers: find out about the local plant-life (are there any plants that are harmful to animals?) or the local wildlife (are there any stray animals that could hurt or infect yours?).

It's not about approaching your holiday with excessive worry; you should look at it as getting all the information beforehand so that you can truly relax during your trip.

Checklist: the perfect suitcase for a summer holiday with your furry best friend

When you embark on a summer trip with a pet, there is only one key word: planning. Not all places, however pet-friendly they may be, offer everything your four-legged friend might need, not to mention that some essential items (medicine, special food) may be difficult to buy on the spot. Why take risks when a little bit of planning can put your mind at ease for the whole getaway?

Our checklist can help you avoid forgetting "that one thing you shouldn't have forgotten" and ensure the best possible holiday for you and your travel companion.

• Bowl (ideally a foldable silicone one) and water bottle so you always have fresh water available.
• Food, paying attention to transport and storage temperatures, especially if there is wet food.
• Your pet's health papers and documents.
• Leash, harness and muzzle (and maybe the spare leash - just in case)!
• A safe, approved pet carrier or kennel; some hotels or bnb's may ask you to keep your pet in the carrier if you leave them alone in your room, so don't leave it in the car.
• Toys, blankets and other comfort items to reduce stress during the journey.
• Sanitary bags and cleaning wipes.
• Medication and a small veterinary first aid kit; find the number of the nearest vet in case of emergency.
• Products against fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, according to your destination.
• If necessary, you can give your pet a jab for car sickness: ask your vet!

Where to book your next trip with your pets

If you are travelling with your pet, choosing the right destination can make all the difference, especially during a busy season like summer. And it's not just about choosing a place where your furry friends can have fun, but also taking into account some practical issues: are there beaches that allow pets? Can I take my dog into bars? Where will we spend the hottest hours of the day? Most of these tips are designed for animals that can go out with their humans, such as dogs and cats but if your travel companions are happy to spend an all-inclusive holiday in their chosen home, good for them!

3 rules for understanding if your destination is suitable for a holiday with pets

All (or almost all) destinations can become pet-friendly with good organisation and a little adaptability. However, there are some cities or countries that have made a special effort to welcome tourists with pets; places where most establishments accept animals, with inclusive public services, green areas, accessible beaches, and a positive attitude towards animals.

For this reason, we recommend focusing on three main characteristics: hospitality, safety, and fun.

As for the first point, hospitality, look for a location where most establishments do allow pets. It's not just a matter of finding a hotel to stay in, for example, but of choosing an environment where pets are welcome in every way. A city with many pet-friendly hotels will probably have likely have a lot of customers with pets, which will normally means all related businesses (bars, restaurants, beaches, parties, etc.) accept them too, but it's best to check online first. 

This also means being able to take refuge in an air-conditioned bar when needed, without having to walk for hours under the sun in search of a pet-friendly café - which brings us to the second point.

Safety is a very important issue, perhaps the one that concerns those travelling with their four-legged friends the most. What makes a place safe for your pets? Without a doubt, a hotel that is prepared to welcome animals, with no unexpected escape routes (international hotel chains are often better equipped). 

In addition to this, find out as much as you can about the characteristics of the place. For example, many places in Greece have a very high number of stray dogs and cats that roam undisturbed even in the city centre, and if your dog has difficulty interacting with unfamiliar dogs, it could turn into a pretty stressful experience. If you are going to the mountains or countryside, keep an eye on the local hunting season dates. And of course, check the temperatures, not only for the health of your pets, but also so that you can enjoy your time together to the fullest.

Finally, spending your holiday holed up in a hotel because it's too hot outside is certainly not the most fun option. It's better to choose a destination where the climate will allow you to have fun together (if you're travelling with pets can join you for a walk).

Pet-friendly destinations in the UK and Europe for the summer

There are many things to consider when making your choice; so here's a few suggestions that stand out for being especially welcoming for those travelling with pets, particularly dogs.

• Ireland is exceptionally dog-friendly for those interested in exploring nature: the wonderful green countryside, the beaches and all the rural areas are perfect for some relaxing walks. Ireland also features many pet-friendly accommodations - and not just hotels, but also cottages and holiday homes. You can travel from the UK to Ireland very easily by taking the ferry from Liverpool to Belfast.
• France is often mentioned among the recommended destinations. Paris has many pet-friendly establishments (both hotels and restaurants) and accessible parks. Many seaside destinations, such as Nice (on the French Riviera), have miles of free beaches where dogs are welcome, complete with drinking water showers to refresh humans and animals alike. France is easily accessible by ferry, and it is a fantastic country to explore by car. Plus, the list of ferries travelling from England to France is definitely one of the longest! Ferries depart regularly from Dover, Folkestone, Portsmouth, and Newhaven, and you can reach Calais, Caen, Dieppe and Dunkirk.
• In Italy, there are many places that are a good fit: the whole country has a very pet-friendly attitude. Venice is considered one of the most pet-friendly cities in Europe, with over 500 hotels ready to welcome your best friends. Some museums, such as the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, are even implementing pet-sitting services to leave your dog during your visit. The Romagna Riviera (the Eastern coast of the Emilia-Romagna region) is an excellent seaside destination if you are travelling with pets and want to take them to the beach, thanks to its many well-equipped beaches. Even Milan is a great option. The city of fashion might not be a popular summer destination if your goal is to escape the heat. However, if you are looking for a “city” holiday, you should know that Milan tops the rankings as the most pet-friendly city in Italy.

If you prefer to stay in the UK for your travels, there are still plenty of options on the table. All the major natural landmarks, such as the Peak District or the Yorkshire Moors & Dales, the coastal areas (Cornwall, Devon, and so on), and the open-air options are generally pet-friendly. With the local weather getting better in the warm season, summer is the perfect moment to spend time outdoors to relax or explore, depending on your preference, but always with your best friend by your side. The islands are also very welcoming, like the already mentioned Isle of Wight, the Isles of Scilly, and various Scottish islands like Skye and Orkney.

Tips and advice for travelling with pets in summer

• Always plan to travel during the coolest hours of the day; these are also the quietest hours, which are pleasant for many humans, too.
• If it is their first car journey, gradually get your pet used to the carrier and the car before the big journey. If you are travelling by train, consider taking a short “practice” trip before. If you are taking a ferry, you could let your furry friends listen to the sounds of the new environment to create a sense of familiarity.
• If travelling by car, take regular breaks during the journey for water and walks; it is good for all passengers to stretch their legs.
• Give them a light meal before departure to avoid stomach issues.
• Bring cooling mats or small portable fans - for both of you!
• Find out in advance about vets and clinics in the holiday area.

Book your next holiday with your pets

Now that you're prepared for any eventuality, the last step is to book! Remember to always contact the companies you are travelling with to confirm all the details, and the accommodation where you will be staying to communicate your needs. If you are booking a ferry and want to select a pet-friendly cabin, you can do so easily at the time of booking by using the Direct Ferries Deal Finder. For planes, trains and other transportation, you may need to book by phone.

Whatever travel choice you make, we wish you a safe journey!