Pet essentials: What does your four-legged friend need for your stay?

Taking your dog away for the weekend? Here’s everything you need to remember so that you and your pet can enjoy the holiday.

Published: Monday, 19 May 2025

It’s not really a family holiday unless the dog comes too, right? But when it comes to planning a dog-friendly break, there are a few extra essentials you'll want to bring along (in addition to poop bags and a sturdy leash).

From collapsible bowls to calming plug-in diffusers, here's our list of pet essentials to help make your holiday stress-free for both you and your pup.

Looking for a hotel that welcomes pets? Click here to see the pet-friendly hotels we offer.

1. Comfort Blanket

Wherever you’re staying, you’ll want to make sure your dog is as comfortable as possible. One way of doing that is to take their favourite blanket or cushion that they can sleep with. Having something familiar that feels and smells like home can put your pup at ease, and help them settle into their new surroundings.

2. Collapsible bowl

Portable bowls are great for keeping your four-legged friend fed and watered when you’re on your travels. Collapsible ones fold flat when they’re not in use, making them dead easy to store and carry around with you. Alternatively, a water bottle with a bowl attachment can come in handy on long walks or car journeys.

Before you even set off on your trip, it’s a good idea to check ahead whether your dog will be allowed into the restaurants at your hotel and in the local area.

3. Calming spray or plug-in for the room

Some dogs can struggle to settle when they’re away from home, but the good news is that there are plenty of remedies to help calm anxious pets.

Plug-in diffusers use a pheromone liquid that mimics the naturally occurring chemicals released by a canine mum to reassure her pups. They work in the same way as plug-in air fresheners – simply plug them into a socket in your room to create a calming effect on your surroundings.

You can also get calming sprays to use on pet bedding to keep your furball nice and relaxed.

4. A doggy first-aid kit

Accidents can happen, so it's a good idea to bring a basic first aid kit for your dog. This should include things like gauze, adhesive tape, hydrogen peroxide, and tweezers. Hopefully you won’t need it!

5. A microfibre towel

Whether it’s for drying your dog down after a bath, or brushing off the mud after a woodland walk, a microfibre towel is a great addition to your canine travel bag. Lightweight and super-absorbent, it’ll have your pup dry in no time.

And, if you’re going all-out luxury, remember to bring your dog’s dressing gown so you’ll all be wrapped up in snuggly bathrobes before bedtime.

6. Local walkies knowledge

Our friendly hotel staff are in the know about their local area – and that includes the best places for walks (and snacks!). They’ll be happy to point you in the direction of the best pet hotspots.

And while we’re on the subject of walkies, it’s smart to be prepared for all weathers. Fleeces and protective boots can help your pup stay warm when the weather gets cold and rainy, while a cooling vest may be much appreciated in summer.