Whether it's a weekend getaway, a road trip across Europe, or a flight to visit family, travelling with a small dog takes planning. The right travel set is the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth one your dog actually enjoys.
Here's what to pack for safe, comfortable, low-stress travel with your small companion.
1. A travel-friendly carrier
The single most important piece of your travel set — choose it for your mode of transport.
For flights: an airline-approved soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat, with mesh panels on at least two sides for ventilation, a padded removable base, and top and side entry for security checks. A shoulder strap keeps your hands free through the airport. Cabin size limits vary by airline — always confirm yours before buying.
For trains, cars, and urban trips: a structured backpack with chest and waist straps spreads weight evenly, while a crossbody sling suits quick errands and public transport. Carriers with pockets for passport, treats and waste bags save you a second bag.
Whichever you choose, get your dog used to it well before you travel — feed meals inside it, leave it open at home, take short practice trips.
2. A secure harness and leash
For travel, choose an escape-proof harness — an H-harness or vest style — because a stressed dog in an unfamiliar place may try to back out of a looser design. Attach an ID tag with your mobile number, add reflective strips for early or late bathroom breaks, and consider a harness with a back handle for quick control in crowds.
For the leash, a 120 cm fixed-length leash works for airports, stations and rest stops — and always pack a spare, because leashes break, get left behind, or fall into puddles. An ultra-short 30–50 cm traffic leash is useful where you need your dog right beside you. Avoid retractable leashes in travel situations; they're too easy to lose control of in busy environments.
3. Car safety equipment
Never let a small dog roam loose in the car. In a sudden stop, an unrestrained dog can be thrown with enough force to injure themselves and everyone else in the car.
There are three main ways to secure them. A seatbelt harness clip attaches the harness directly to the seatbelt. A booster seat raises your dog so they can see out — which reduces motion sickness and anxiety — and the better models include a built-in tether. A travel crate strapped into the back seat is the most secure option of all.
Beyond restraint, a waterproof seat cover protects your upholstery, a window shade cuts heat and glare, and a non-slip mat helps if your dog rides on the seat itself. On longer drives, stop every 2–3 hours for a bathroom break, water, and a stretch.
4. On-the-go essentials
For hydration and feeding, pack collapsible silicone bowls, a portable water bottle with an attached bowl, and an airtight food container portioned for the length of the trip. Bring the food your dog already eats — switching brands while travelling combines stress with a new diet, which invites digestive trouble — and pack extra in case of delays. A small dog can't comfortably miss meals.
5. Hygiene and health
For waste, pack biodegradable bags — roughly three times what you think you'll need — and a dispenser that clips to the leash or carrier. For cleanups, bring pet-safe wipes, a fast-drying microfibre towel, and a stain and odour remover for accidents in hotels or rentals.
For health and safety, carry a small first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, tick remover, and any prescription medication), your dog's vaccination records and EU pet passport for international trips, and up-to-date flea and tick prevention. Save your vet's contact details in your phone along with an emergency vet at your destination, and keep a recent photo of your dog on your phone in case they get lost. Before you travel, check that your dog is microchipped and that the registered contact details are current.
6. Comfort and calming items
Familiar scents settle a dog in a strange place. Bring a blanket or bed from home — and don't wash it right before the trip; the familiar smell is the point — along with a favourite toy, ideally one that doesn't squeak.
For downtime on flights, train rides, or in the hotel, long-lasting chews and a lick mat with wet food or peanut butter give your dog something to focus on — freeze the lick mat for flights to occupy them through takeoff and landing. If you're considering calming treats or sprays, check with your vet first.
Pack paw balm too, for hot pavement, sand, salt or rough terrain, plus paw wipes for cleaning up after walks in unfamiliar places.
7. Accommodation essentials
For hotels, rentals or staying with family, a portable pen or travel crate gives an unsettled dog a familiar space and prevents anxiety-driven destruction. Pack a few pee pads — new environments can briefly confuse house-trained dogs — a lint roller for fur before checkout, and consider a white noise app to mask unfamiliar sounds.
Book pet-friendly accommodation in advance, and confirm the pet policy — size limits, fees, number of dogs allowed — before you arrive.
Travel preparation checklist
2–4 weeks before: vet checkup and any required vaccinations; update microchip registration and ID tags; book pet-friendly accommodation; check airline or train pet policies; begin carrier training if your dog isn't used to it.
1 week before: pack and test your whole travel set; prepare the first aid kit; portion food into daily containers; research vet clinics at your destination.
Day of travel: a morning walk and bathroom break; a light meal 3–4 hours before departure to reduce motion sickness; pack the comfort items; double-check passport, vaccination records, and carrier.
Travelling with a small dog: your questions answered
Can my dog sit on my lap in the car?
Not safely. Even in a minor accident, an unsecured dog can be thrown or cause serious injury. Always use a seatbelt clip, booster seat, or secured crate.
Do small dogs need passports to travel abroad?
Within the EU, yes — dogs need an EU pet passport with an up-to-date rabies vaccination and a microchip. Non-EU countries have different requirements, so check at least three months ahead.
What's the best carrier for flying?
A soft-sided, airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Dimensions vary by airline, so always confirm the limits for your specific flight before buying.
Should I sedate my dog for flights?
It's almost never recommended — sedation can affect breathing and balance at altitude. Consult your vet, who may suggest a mild calming supplement instead. Never sedate without professional guidance.
How do I prevent motion sickness?
Feed a light meal 3–4 hours before travel, keep ventilation good, take frequent breaks, and let your dog see out, which helps with balance. Some dogs benefit from anti-nausea medication — ask your vet.
What if my dog has an accident in the carrier?
Line the carrier with a pee pad under the blanket, and pack spares. Most dogs won't eliminate in their carrier if given a proper bathroom break beforehand.
How do I find dog-friendly stops on a road trip?
Map your route in advance and search for dog parks or pet-friendly rest areas along it, planning a stop every 2–3 hours.
My dog is extremely anxious about travel. What can I do?
Start with very short trips of 5–10 minutes and build up gradually, using high-value treats and calm energy. For severe anxiety, ask your vet about calming supplements. And it's worth saying plainly: some dogs simply aren't suited to extensive travel, and that's okay.
The bottom line
Travelling with a small dog is easier, and far more enjoyable, when you're prepared. The right travel set keeps them safe, comfortable and calm — which means less stress for both of you. Pack thoughtfully, plan ahead, and the journey becomes part of the trip rather than the hard part of it.
Explore our travel collection, selected for small dogs on the move.
