Dog Travel Essentials
Dog Travel Essentials: Stylish Packing Guide and Checklist
Planning a UK holiday with your pup? Whether it’s a weekend cottage escape or a full-blown staycation tour, packing for your dog doesn’t have to mean throwing things into a plastic bag last minute. With a little planning and the right accessories, you can ensure your four-legged companion is comfortable, calm, and undeniably chic.
This is your Luna-approved guide to dog travel essentials, with practical tips, product recommendations, and a checklist that actually covers it all.
1. The Stylish Essentials: Lead, Collar and ID Tag
The bare minimum? A lead and collar. But that doesn’t mean basic.
Choose something that’s comfortable for your dog, secure, and lovely to look at. Our bestselling Adjustable Dog Harnesses, like The Lunar One or The Wild One, are perfect for all-day wear and come in multiple sizes for a perfect fit.
Pair them with a matching collar and lead for a put-together look that works from city pavements to muddy trails.
Don’t forget a proper ID tag — and if you’re staying somewhere for more than a few nights, it’s worth adding your temporary address and mobile number to a second tag.
Explore Our Dog Leads
2. Food, Treats and Feeding Gear
No dog likes a disrupted dinner schedule. Pre-portion meals into small containers, bring their usual treats, and make sure you’re not introducing anything new while travelling.
Swap bulky kitchen bowls for a silicone collapsible version. They’re lightweight, space-saving, and ideal for meals on the move. A simple feeding mat is helpful too, especially for messy eaters.
If your dog’s a bit of a gourmet, you can even match their travel gear with your interior aesthetic. (Yes, we do that.)
3. Something That Smells Like Home
New surroundings can be exciting, but also overwhelming. Bring along something comforting, like their everyday bed or blanket.
Our Luna Co travel blankets are lightweight, washable, and look just as good folded on the back seat as they do in a boutique hotel. Pair it with a favourite soft toy or chew to help your dog feel secure from the moment you arrive.
Explore: thelunaco.co.uk/travel-accossories (will be online soon)
4. Cleaning Essentials You’ll Be Glad You Packed
You don’t need a suitcase full of gear, just a few clever basics.
Bring:
A neutral-toned towel (ideal for drying off after muddy walks)
Biodegradable pet wipes
A lint roller or pet brush (for car seats and jumpers)
A small bottle of pet-safe fabric spray or cleaner
Whether it’s wet fur, grassy paws, or a moment of overexcited rolling, a well-packed clean-up kit will save your sanity (and your security deposit).
5. Poop Bags, But Make It Fashion
It’s not the most glamorous job, but it doesn’t have to ruin your look.
Choose a refillable, reusable poop bag holder that clips onto your lead or belt bag. Our Luna accessories come in minimalist shades and sturdy fabric, because even the tiny details deserve style.
Explore: Our stylish poop bags
6. For the Journey: Rucksack, Extras and Travel Routine
Whether you’re walking to the pub or exploring a National Trust trail, a good rucksack or tote makes life easier. Stock it with water, treats, a spare lead, and your emergency wipes.
Our upcoming travel collection includes bags designed for hands-free comfort, perfect for holding dog gear without sacrificing your own style.
It’s also worth thinking about how your dog travels best. Do they feel safer in a harness with a seat belt loop? Would a soft-sided crate or travel bed make long drives more manageable?
A little prep goes a long way.
7. Weather-Ready Gear
UK weather is famously unpredictable. One moment it’s sunny strolls. The next, you’re towel-drying your dog in a car park.
If your dog wears a coat, pack it — especially if they have short hair or feel the cold. Look for lightweight waterproofs with reflective details for visibility. Don’t forget paw balm in winter and sun protection for light-coloured noses in summer.
8. Medication, Vet Details and ‘Just in Case’ Items
Always bring:
Any regular medication or supplements
A printed or digital note with your vet’s info
A list of emergency vets near your destination
Pet insurance details
You don’t want to use them, but you’ll be glad they’re there if you need them.
9. Style Meets Utility: Snoods and Post-Swim Layers
Sometimes, the smallest items make the biggest difference, especially for messy eaters and soggy dogs.
Snoods for Mealtimes
If your dog has long ears or a gloriously fluffy mane, you know the chaos that can follow a bowl of wet food. A snood is a simple but stylish solution.
Designed to keep ears clean and fur out of the way, our Luna Co snoods come in lightweight, washable fabrics with beautiful patterns that coordinate with your dog’s walkwear. Whether you’re dining al fresco or feeding in the car, a snood keeps things tidy, and looks adorable doing it.
Explore our dog snoods
Dog Clothes for Drying Off
After a beach swim or rainy woodland walk, a damp dog isn’t just uncomfortable, they’re also less welcome in cafés, cars, and neatly made hotel rooms. That’s where a soft, breathable layer comes in.
Slip on a post-swim outfit like our cosy cotton jumpers or fleece-lined layers to keep your pup warm while they dry off. It saves the upholstery and makes lounging post-adventure more enjoyable for everyone.
For cooler months, consider a full coverage coat or jumper, not just for style, but for real comfort. (And yes, ours are designed to pair beautifully with your dog’s collar or harness.)
Explore our dog clothes
10. Your Complete Dog Holiday Checklist
Planning the ultimate dog-friendly escape? We’ve rounded up every stylish and practical essential into one place.
You’ll find all the items listed below, and a printable version you can download and take with you. Whether you pin it to the fridge, fold it into your travel bag, or keep it on your phone, it’s designed to make packing easy (and aesthetically pleasing).
Download the checklist: Your printable dog holiday checklist in PDF
Essentials
- Collar, lead, and ID tag
- Harness (if used)
- Travel bag or rucksack
- Dog food (pre-portioned)
- Treats
- Food and water bowls (collapsible)
- Feeding mat
- Travel blanket or bed
- Toys or chews
- Poop bags and holder
- Towel and wipes
- Lint roller or brush
- Fabric spray or cleaner
- Raincoat or jumper
- Medication and supplements
- Vet and insurance details
- Spare lead
Water bottle - Rubbish bag or laundry bag
Optional extras
- Grooming spray or brush
- Cooling mat or winter coat
- Paw balm or sun protection
- Seatbelt clip or crate
Before You Hit the Road
One Last Wag of Advice
Packing for your dog is part logistics, part love. It’s about making sure they’re as happy and relaxed on holiday as you are, and doing it all with a bit of flair.
At The Luna Co, we believe every dog deserves to travel well, and every dog parent deserves gear that fits their style. From chic leads to travel-friendly blankets, our collections are designed for pups who live (and lounge) in style.
Check all our dog accessories.
Planning the full getaway? Don’t miss our guide (will be ready soon):
Dog on Holiday: The Complete Guide to Travelling with Your Dog in the UK
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