Seasonal
Holiday and Christmas travel with dogs: a safety guide
Last updated: 2026-09-22
Holiday travel means busier roads and longer drives, so restrain your dog with a harness and seat belt, plan regular breaks, keep festive hazards like chocolate and raisins out of reach, and pack for cold weather. Never leave your dog alone in the car.
The quickest way to keep your dog restrained and legal is an adjustable 3-in-1 dog car seat belt that clips into any standard seatbelt socket.
Busier roads, longer journeys
Christmas and holiday periods bring heavy traffic and long drives to see family. Keep your dog restrained with a harness and seat belt for the whole trip, plan your route with dog-friendly stops, and build in a break roughly every two hours.
Festive hazards to watch
Many seasonal foods are toxic to dogs — chocolate, raisins and mince pies, and anything containing the sweetener xylitol. Keep them out of reach in the car and at your destination. Antifreeze is also highly poisonous and more common in winter, so watch for spills on driveways.
Packing for winter trips
Bring a warm blanket, water and a bowl, a towel for wet or muddy paws, your dog's lead, and any medication. Reflective or light-up gear helps on dark winter walks during stops. Never leave your dog alone in a cold or hot car.
Frequently asked questions
Is holiday travel riskier for dogs?
It can be — busier roads, longer drives and festive hazards all add risk. A secure restraint, regular breaks and keeping toxic foods away keep the trip safe.
Which festive foods are dangerous to dogs?
Chocolate, raisins and mince pies, grapes, onions, and anything with the sweetener xylitol are all toxic. Keep them well out of reach.
Can I leave my dog in the car while visiting family?
No. A parked car can become dangerously cold in winter or dangerously hot in milder weather. Take your dog with you or leave them safely at home.
Sources: UK Highway Code, Rule 57. UK animal-welfare guidance on seasonal hazards and car travel. Guidance only — not veterinary or legal advice.