Travelling with pets in the UK

Yes, under the Highway Code, dogs and other animals must be suitably restrained when travelling in a vehicle so they can’t distract the driver or injure themselves or others in a sudden stop.

While there’s no specific fine for having an unrestrained dog, driving with one could lead to a charge of driving without due care and attention, which carries a fine of up to £1,000 and penalty points on your licence.

Acceptable forms of restraint include:

The law doesn’t specify a single approved restraint type, but it does require that dogs are secured safely.

There are other legal and practical considerations for dogs in cars. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, you must not cause unnecessary suffering to an animal, which means you are legally obliged to make sure your dog has access to fresh air, water on longer journeys, and is not left in dangerous conditions.

It is not automatically illegal to leave a dog in a car, but it can quickly become a criminal offence if it causes suffering - particularly in warm weather.

A dog in a hot car is one of the most serious risks pet owners face on holiday. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise from 22 to over 40 degrees Celsius in under an hour, even on a mild, cloudy day. Heatstroke in dogs can be fatal within minutes.

If your dog is found to have suffered as a result of being left in a hot car, you could face prosecution, with penalties including an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison.

For tips on keeping your dog or cat cool, see our guide - How to help your pet in hot weather.

Dogs need regular breaks, fresh water, and a secure, comfortable space to travel safely on longer trips.

On a long car journey, plan to stop at least every two hours. Let your dog stretch, go to the toilet, and drink water. Avoid feeding a large meal immediately before travel, as motion sickness is common in dogs.

Keep the car well-ventilated, and never leave your dog in direct sunlight even with windows cracked. If your dog shows signs of anxiety or car sickness on journeys, speak to your vet before your trip - there are safe medications and training approaches that can help.

Tips for safer car travel with dogs:

For more dog care tips, see our guide - Looking after dogs.

Yes - most UK train operators allow dogs on board for free, though rules vary between operators and on some services a ticket may be required.

If you’re planning a holiday with your dog by rail, check the specific rules of the train operator you’re using before you travel. Generally, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and must not occupy seats. On busier services, your dog may need to travel in the luggage area or at your feet.

Cats are less commonly taken on trains, but are allowed in a secure, closed carrier on most services. It’s worth calling ahead to check policies, particularly if you’re travelling at busy times.

Most cats find travel stressful, so preparation and a secure carrier are essential to keeping them calm and safe.

Unlike dogs, cats are rarely keen on travelling. Cats in cars should always travel in a hard or soft carrier that is secured with a seatbelt or wedged safely so it can’t move if you brake. A loose carrier can become a dangerous object in an accident.

Before your trip, help your cat get used to the carrier by leaving it open at home with familiar bedding inside. Keep the car cool and avoid talking loudly or playing music at high volume.

For more dog care tips, see our guide - Looking after cats.

Yes - cat-friendly holidays in the UK are growing in popularity, with many self-catering cottages and lodges now welcoming cats as well as dogs.

When booking, always confirm with the accommodation that cats are allowed - not all ‘pet-friendly’ properties mean cat-friendly. Look for enclosed gardens or outdoor spaces if your cat is used to going outside, and check that the property is secure enough to prevent escapes. In an unfamiliar environment, even an outdoor cat should be kept inside for the first 24-48 hours.

Bring your cat’s own food, water bowls, bedding, and litter tray. Familiar scents reduce stress and make it easier for your cat to settle in.

A well-packed bag for your dog covers health, safety, and comfort, and can save you a lot of stress if something unexpected happens.

When thinking about how to travel with a dog, preparation is everything. Key items to pack include:

Many pet owners don’t realise that their cover travels with them within the UK. Whether your cat swallows something dangerous in a holiday cottage or your dog injures a paw on a walk, pet insurance can help with the vet fees, subject to the terms and limits of your policy.

Tesco Pet Insurance policies also include access to a 24-hour vet helpline, so if you’re not sure whether your pet needs emergency treatment or can wait until morning, you can speak to a qualified vet any time of day or night. This is particularly valuable when you’re away from your usual vet and don’t know the local area.

Pet insurance is mainly designed to cover the cost of veterinary treatment, rather than things like cancelled trips or lost deposits. However, Tesco Pet Insurance may cover holiday cancellation or cutting your trip short in certain situations, such as where your pet becomes seriously ill or goes missing shortly before or during your trip.

Any cover for this is limited and subject to specific conditions, including how close you are to your departure date and whether the treatment is confirmed as urgent by a vet. Because of this, it is important to check your policy carefully so you understand what is and is not included, as well as any limits or exclusions that may apply.

If you are concerned about losing money due to cancelling a trip, it is also worth checking whether your travel insurance provides additional cover.

Travelling overseas? See our guide - Taking pets abroad - what do I need to know?

Unfamiliar environments, seasonal hazards, and changes in routine mean holidays can bring unexpected health risks for pets, even on short domestic trips.

Common holiday risks to be aware of include:

Check your pet for ticks after every walk in areas with long grass or woodland, and make sure their flea and tick treatment is up to date before you travel.

Contact the nearest vet as quickly as possible, or call a 24-hour vet helpline for advice.

Before you travel, do a quick search for emergency vet practices in the area you’re visiting and save the numbers in your phone. In an emergency, time matters, and knowing where to go in advance can make a real difference.

Keep your pet insurance policy info, the claims contact details, and the 24-hour vet helpline number saved or written down somewhere. You’ll be glad of it if you’re dealing with a sick or injured pet in an unfamiliar location.

Get advice for your pet, whenever you need it. Just call the vetfone helpline.

Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.

vetfone is provided by Vetsdirect Ltd.

You'll find complete details of the cover, monetary limits, exclusions, excesses and terms in our policy documents.