Heading off on a dog-friendly cottage holiday?

Packing for your dog can sometimes feel like packing for another person! Having welcomed lots of four-legged guests to our holiday cottages in Galloway, we know there are a few essentials that can make a dog-friendly break much easier.

From muddy paw towels and travel bowls to leads, treats and favourite blankets, here’s our simple dog holiday packing checklist to help you remember everything you need.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

1. Collar, lead and ID tag

It sounds obvious, but these are the essentials you definitely don’t want to leave at home. Make sure your dog’s ID tag has up-to-date contact details, and pack a spare lead if you have one – particularly if you’re planning lots of countryside or beach walks.

2. Food, treats and travel bowls

Pack enough of your dog’s usual food for the whole holiday, along with a few favourite treats.View the Collapsable water bowls on Amazon, they are really handy for days out and walks, as they take up very little room and make it easy to offer food or water wherever you are.

3. A cosy bed or favourite blanket

Bringing your dog’s own bed or favourite blanket can help them settle into unfamiliar surroundings. Having something that smells of home can make a holiday cottage feel familiar, especially at bedtime.

4. Muddy paw towels

A couple of old towels or find an absorbent microfibre dog towel on amazon, they are a must for a dog-friendly holiday, especially after wet walks, muddy adventures or trips to the beach. Keep one by the door so you can quickly dry muddy paws before your dog comes inside.

5. Poo bags and bag holder

It’s always worth packing more poo bags than you think you’ll need! A small bag holder clipped onto your dog’s lead makes them easy to grab when you’re out exploring and means you’re less likely to leave without them.

6. Favourite toys and chews

Pack one or two of your dog’s favourite toys or chews to help keep them entertained during quieter moments at the cottage. A familiar toy can also help them settle and feel more at home in a new place.

7. Dog water bottle for days out

If you’re planning long walks or days out, this portable dog water bottle on amazon is really useful. It makes it easy to offer your dog a drink when you’re away from the cottage, particularly on warmer days or longer countryside walks.

8. Medication and vet details

If your dog takes regular medication, make sure you pack enough for the whole holiday, plus a little extra just in case. It’s also worth having your own vet’s contact details to hand and checking where the nearest vet is to your holiday cottage before you travel.

9. Tick remover and grooming essentials

If you’re heading somewhere with lots of countryside walks, it’s worth packing this tick remover on Amazon along with a brush or comb. A quick check after walks can help you spot ticks, grass seeds or anything else your dog may have picked up while exploring.

10. Car and travel essentials

Don’t forget anything you normally use to keep your dog safe and comfortable in the car, such as a seat-belt harness, travel crate or boot liner. It’s also handy to keep some water and a towel within easy reach for stops along the way.

Quick dog holiday packing checklist

☐ Collar, lead and ID tag

☐ Dog food and treats

☐ Food and water bowls

☐ Bed or favourite blanket

☐ Towels for muddy paws

☐ Poo bags

☐ Favourite toys or chews

☐ Portable water bottle

☐ Medication and vet details

☐ Tick remover and grooming brush

☐ Car travel essentials

Planning a dog-friendly cottage break

We hope this checklist makes packing for your next dog-friendly holiday a little easier. A bit of planning means less to remember when you arrive and more time to enjoy long walks, days out and relaxing at the cottage with your four-legged friend.

Our dog friendly cottages at Wellhouse Farm