Dog Furiendly
There’s nothing quite like a summer road trip—windows down, blue skies overhead, and your four-legged friend along for the ride. Whether you’re heading to the coast, exploring countryside trails, or discovering new dog-friendly towns, travelling with your dog is the perfect way to make memories that last a lifetime.
But summer travel comes with its own set of challenges, especially when dogs are involved. From keeping them cool and calm to ensuring their safety on the road, preparation is everything. That’s why we’ve created a car set-up that ticks every box for dog-friendly travel—safe, stylish, and super comfortable.
Read on for our full set-up, as well as some helpful summer travel tips, to keep your dog happy on the road.
Our Dog-Friendly Car Set-Up
A well-thought-out travel set-up is essential for safe and stress-free journeys. Here’s how we’ve designed our boot space to keep our dogs secure and comfortable, no matter how far we’re going:
Dog Travel Crate
We use the double door dog crate from Pets at Home. It fits neatly into the boot and provides a secure, dedicated space for our dogs to travel. The double-door design makes loading from either side a breeze—ideal when juggling leads, luggage, and coffee cups at rest stops.
It’s also a great way to give your dog a designated ‘safe space’ while travelling. For many pups, especially nervous ones, having a familiar area to retreat to can help them feel more relaxed and settled, turning the car into a comfortable part of their routine rather than a source of stress.
Luxury Crate Bed
Inside the crate, we’ve added the luxury crate bed from Ralph & Co. This plush, supportive memory foam bed turns the crate into a cosy retreat, perfect for long naps during the journey. It keeps your dog stable on the road and adds a touch of comfort they’ll thank you for.
The bed is tailored to fit inside the crate without bunching or sliding, which is especially helpful on winding roads or longer trips. It’s also great for older dogs who need that extra bit of joint support, or pups who simply enjoy a bit of luxury on the go.
Ralph & Co crate beds also have washable covers and a waterproof inner layer, making them ideal for the car (especially after a wet or muddy dog walk).
Travall Dog Guard
Safety is everything when you’re driving with dogs. That’s why we’ve installed a Travall dog guard. It creates a secure barrier between the boot and back seats, keeping your dogs safely in the rear compartment—especially helpful if you’re not using a crate or when loading and unloading.
The custom-fit design makes it sturdy and rattle-free—unlike many universal options that can feel a bit flimsy. It also offers real peace of mind when opening the main cabin, as even the most determined escape artist won’t be able to squeeze through. If a dog is travelling loose in the boot, we’ll often secure their lead to the boot guard, so there’s no chance of them leaping out unexpectedly when the boot opens.
We have an exclusive discount code for the Dog Furiendly community: DOGF5 to save 5%!
Extra Dog Bed for a Travel Companion
Got more than one pup along for the ride? We’ve placed a Ralph & Co XS Balmoral dog bed next to the crate—perfect for a second dog or small companion. It’s compact, super comfy, and fits beautifully into the boot space without crowding your setup.
This bed is also handy for dogs who prefer a more open space to stretch out or for friends’ dogs who tag along for the adventure. Its herringbone design gives it a stylish edge too—so your boot still looks tidy, even when it’s full of wagging tails.
For Nervous Travellers
Some dogs don’t love the car – and that’s Okay. Our pugs, Oscar and Henry are extremely focal in the car. We use the Ralph & Co Balmoral blanket to make the crate feel extra secure.
We simply drape the blanket over the crate, creating a den-like space that blocks out outside views. It helps reduce motion-related anxiety, cuts down on visual stimulation, and even offers a little soundproofing—keeping things calmer for both pup and driver.
Why Electric Cars Are Perfect for Dog Travel
One of our favourite parts of travelling with dogs? Doing it in an electric car.
Not only are EVs a greener choice for long countryside drives, but they also come with one game-changing feature: pre-conditioning. On hot summer days, we can pre-cool the car via our phone before setting off. This means our dogs can hop straight into a comfortably air-conditioned space – no engine idling required.
It’s a simple but powerful way to keep pets safe in the summer heat, while making the journey smoother for everyone. We’re not here to plug electric cars, but this is genuinely one of the features we love most for dog-friendly travel.
Top Tips for Dog-Friendly Summer Travel
☀️ Beat the Heat
- Travel during cooler parts of the day – Early mornings and late evenings are best for avoiding the midday heat.
- Use sunshades on windows – These help block direct sunlight and keep the interior cooler.
- Carry a portable fan and a cooling mat – Especially helpful for longer journeys or if your dog is prone to overheating.
- Offer water regularly – Keep a collapsible bowl and fresh water handy at all times.
- Pack a damp towel – A quick and easy way to help cool your dog down during rest stops.
- Avoid heavy meals before travelling – Some dogs feel queasy in the car, especially in hot weather.
🧳 Pack the Essentials
- Travel bowl and fresh water – Hydration is especially important in warm weather.
- Poo bags, wipes, and towels – For quick clean-ups after muddy paws, beach days, or unexpected accidents.
- Favourite toys and chews – Familiar items help ease anxiety and keep your dog entertained on long drives or during downtime.
- ID tag and up-to-date microchip details – In case your dog gets spooked or wanders off while exploring.
- Treats and snacks – Useful for rewarding good behaviour and coaxing your dog back into the car!
- Dog-friendly sunscreen – Particularly important for light-coated or short-haired breeds.
- Tick kit – Especially important when walking in long grass, woodlands, or rural areas. A tick remover tool and antiseptic spray are a must.
🐕 Plan Dog-Friendly Stops
Use the Dog Furiendly directory to find dog-friendly cafés, restaurants, pubs, walks, and attractions along your route. Breaking up long journeys with scenic stop-offs is good for you and your dog, and makes the whole trip feel more like a mini adventure.
Final Woofs
Travelling with your dog in the summer doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and the right gear, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore together. Whether you’re off on a big road trip or a weekend escape, these small details go a long way to making sure your dog is happy, safe, and ready for adventure.
So pack the treats, grab the lead, and hit the road—your next dog-friendly travel experience is waiting!
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