Travelling with Pets During Summer: A Practical Guide to Staying Safe in Warm Weather

Summer can be a wonderful time to get away with your pet, whether you are heading to the coast, visiting family, or planning countryside walks. With a little preparation, travelling with dogs, cats, and small pets can be safe and enjoyable. Warmer weather does bring a few extra risks, though, particularly overheating, dehydration, stress, and travel-related stomach upsets.

In this guide, we share practical advice to help UK pet owners travel more safely during summer, from planning ahead and packing essentials to knowing when to contact a veterinary surgeon.

This article is intended for general guidance only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or showing concerning symptoms, please contact your veterinary surgeon.

Why summer travel needs extra care

Pets can struggle in hot weather much more quickly than people expect. Cars, conservatories, caravans, and poorly ventilated rooms can all heat up fast, even on days that feel only mildly warm. Some pets are also more vulnerable than others, including:

• Flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats
• Puppies, kittens, and elderly pets
• Overweight pets
• Pets with heart or breathing problems
• Small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs, who can become dangerously overheated very quickly

If your pet has an ongoing health condition or takes regular medication, it is worth checking with your veterinary practice before travelling, especially if you are planning longer journeys or holidays abroad. If you need prescribed medication before you go, you can find helpful guidance on how to order a prescription medicine through Vetscriptions.

Before you travel: plan ahead

Book pet-friendly places carefully

Check in advance that your accommodation is genuinely suitable for pets and safe in warm weather. Look for shaded outdoor areas, cool indoor spaces, secure gardens, and easy access to fresh water. If you are travelling with a cat or small pet, consider whether there is a quiet room away from noise and disruption.

Make sure identification is up to date

Dogs must wear a collar tag with your name and address when in public, and microchip details should be current. It is also sensible to check that cats are microchipped and that your contact information is correct before you leave.

Check parasite protection

Summer can mean increased exposure to fleas, ticks, and worms, particularly if your pet will be exploring long grass, woodland, kennels, catteries, or shared accommodation. Before travelling, make sure preventative treatments are up to date and appropriate for your pet.

You can browse our flea, tick & worming collection, including dedicated options for dogs and cats, if you need to prepare before your trip.

Travel with enough medication and supplies

If your pet takes regular medication, pack enough for the whole trip plus a little extra in case of delays. Keep medicines in their original packaging and store them according to the instructions, as some products can be affected by heat.

If you are unsure about storage, dosing, or timing while travelling, our Prescription FAQs may help, or you can speak to your veterinary surgeon for advice.

What to pack for your pet in summer

A little preparation can make travelling smoother and less stressful. Helpful items to pack include:

• Fresh water and a non-spill bowl
• Your pet’s usual food and treats
• Lead, harness, collar, and poo bags for dogs
• Secure carrier for cats and small pets
• Bedding or a familiar blanket
• Towels for drying off or helping keep cool
• Any regular medication or supplements
• Pet first aid basics
• Cooling mat or shade cover where appropriate
• Litter tray and litter for cats
• Favourite toy or comfort item

If your dog or cat benefits from digestive support, calming products, or daily supplements, it can be useful to stick to their normal routine while away. You can explore our dog supplements, cat supplements, and premium supplements if you are planning ahead for travel.

Car travel safety in hot weather

Never leave a pet in a parked car

This is one of the most important summer safety rules. Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a car can rise dangerously within minutes. Opening windows or parking in shade is not enough to keep pets safe.

Keep the car cool and well ventilated

Use air conditioning if possible, sun shades on windows, and allow good airflow throughout the journey. Pets should be secured safely using a crash-tested harness, carrier, or travel crate so they cannot move around the vehicle.

Travel at cooler times of day

Early mornings or later evenings are often more comfortable than the hottest part of the day. This can be especially important for dogs with thick coats, flat-faced breeds, and small pets.

Take regular breaks

On longer trips, stop regularly to offer water and allow dogs a short toilet break in a safe area. Cats and small pets should usually remain inside their secure carriers during breaks unless you are in a fully enclosed, safe environment.

Helping pets stay calm while travelling

Some pets are confident travellers, while others become worried by movement, unfamiliar sounds, or changes in routine. Signs of travel stress can include panting, drooling, vocalising, restlessness, shaking, hiding, or toileting unexpectedly.

Simple ways to reduce stress include:

• Getting your pet used to the car or carrier before the journey
• Using familiar bedding and toys
• Keeping journeys as smooth and quiet as possible
• Avoiding heavy meals immediately before travel
• Maintaining a calm routine

Some pets may benefit from pheromone products or calming support, particularly if they are naturally anxious. You can browse options in our dog pheromones, cat pheromone products, dog anxiety, and cat anxiety products collections. If your pet has severe travel anxiety, speak to your veterinary surgeon well before your trip.

Walking and outdoor safety during hot weather

Adjust exercise to the temperature

In summer, dogs should usually be walked early in the morning or later in the evening when the ground and air are cooler. Avoid strenuous exercise in the middle of the day.

Check pavements before walking

Hot pavements, artificial grass, decking, and sand can burn paw pads. A simple rule is to place the back of your hand on the surface for several seconds. If it feels too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.

Provide access to shade and water

Always carry water on outings and encourage regular drinks. Rest in shaded areas and avoid overexertion, especially on humid days.

If your dog has ongoing joint issues, heart disease, or breathing problems, summer exercise may need to be reduced further. We recommend checking with your veterinary practice if you are unsure.

Travelling with cats in summer

Cats often prefer familiar surroundings, so travel and temporary accommodation can feel unsettling. To help:

• Use a secure, well-ventilated carrier
• Line the carrier with familiar bedding
• Keep the car cool and quiet
• Avoid unnecessary handling during travel
• Set up a calm, secure room when you arrive

Make sure your cat has access to water, a litter tray, food, and hiding places once settled. Some cats cope better if left at home with a trusted carer rather than travelling, especially for short breaks.

If you are preparing for a trip, you may also find useful essentials in our cat collection, including cat accessories and cat food & treats.

Travelling with rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets

Small pets are particularly sensitive to heat and stress, so extra care is needed. Their carrier should be secure, shaded, and well ventilated, but never placed in direct sunlight or next to a strong draught from air conditioning.

Always provide water, suitable bedding, and regular checks throughout the journey. Never leave small pets in a parked car, even briefly. In many cases, small pets are safer staying at home with a knowledgeable carer if the journey is not essential.

For travel supplies and everyday essentials, you can browse our small animal collection.

Signs of heat-related illness to watch for

Heatstroke is a serious emergency and can develop quickly. Early signs may include:

• Excessive panting or rapid breathing
• Drooling more than usual
• Lethargy or weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Bright red gums or tongue
• Confusion, wobbliness, or collapse

If you think your pet may be overheating, move them to a cool area immediately, offer small amounts of water, and begin cooling them with cool rather than ice-cold water. Then contact a veterinary surgeon straight away. Heatstroke is always urgent.

When to contact a veterinary surgeon

Seek veterinary advice promptly if your pet:

• Shows signs of overheating or heatstroke
• Becomes unusually quiet, weak, or distressed during travel
• Has vomiting or diarrhoea that is severe or ongoing
• Misses important medication doses
• Develops a cough, breathing difficulty, or collapse
• Has a reaction to a medication or parasite treatment

If you need help with ordering prescribed medication before a trip, completing an animal health form, or checking delivery times, you can also visit our postage & delivery page or contact us.

A safe and enjoyable summer for you and your pet

Summer travel with pets can be enjoyable with the right planning. Keeping journeys cool, sticking to routines where possible, packing essentials, and knowing the signs of heat-related illness can all make a big difference. Whether you are travelling with a lively dog, a sensitive cat, or a small pet, a little preparation goes a long way.

At Vetscriptions, we are here to help UK pet owners make informed, responsible choices about their pets’ health and wellbeing. You can explore our dog, cat, and small animal ranges, or read more about who we are and how we support pet owners with genuine veterinary products and practical guidance.

If your pet has a health condition, needs regular medication, or seems unwell before or during your trip, please speak to your veterinary surgeon. For everything else, we are always here to help you prepare with confidence.