Travelling with your dog — what we pack

The car set-up

A tested seat-belt clip on the harness ring. Not the collar. A spilled water bottle once dried inside a back seat for two months — these days, ours folds.

Stops every two hours

Every 2 hours, for at least 10 minutes. Off-lead time on a long line is a treat after a stretch.

Overnight stays

Bring the bed they sleep on at home. A familiar smell halves the settle time in a new room. We add the folding crate when the room has too many distractions.

The "never forget" list

• A current vet contact card in the glove box.
• A spare lead.
• A copy of vaccination records (a printout, not a phone screenshot).
• The phone number of an emergency vet on the route.