Whether you're heading off on a weekend in the Lake District, visiting family, or simply taking your dog on a day out, being prepared makes travelling much more enjoyable for both you and your four-legged companion.
Over the years we've learned that having a few carefully chosen essentials packed in the car can make all the difference. Here's our list of travel must-haves that never leave the Barkley and Fetch car.
1. A Seatbelt Attachment and Well-Fitting Harness
Safety always comes first.
Just as we wouldn't drive without wearing a seatbelt ourselves, our dogs should also be properly restrained while travelling. The UK Highway Code states that dogs should be suitably restrained when travelling in a vehicle to help prevent distractions and reduce the risk of injury.
We always recommend using a harness, never attaching a seatbelt directly to a collar. In the event of sudden braking, a collar can place dangerous pressure on your dog's neck.
Our Barkley and Fetch Essential Seatbelt Attachment, paired with one of our Essential Harnesses, keeps your dog secure while still allowing them enough room to sit or lie down comfortably.
2. A Comfortable Settle Mat
Dogs spend plenty of time waiting when you're out and about.
Whether you're stopping at a dog-friendly café, visiting friends, watching a sporting event or enjoying a pub lunch, giving your dog their own place to settle helps them relax.
Our range of Barkley and Fetch Settle Mats roll up neatly, are easy to carry and provides a familiar place for your dog wherever your adventures take you.
3. A Treat Bag Filled with Their Favourites
You never know when you'll need to reward good behaviour, encourage a recall or simply keep your dog occupied for a few minutes.
We always keep our Barkley and Fetch Treat Bag stocked with favourite training treats, plus a longer-lasting chew. A chew can be invaluable if you're sitting outside a café or waiting somewhere and need your dog to stay happily occupied.
4. A Cosy Blanket
Even in summer, the temperature can drop surprisingly quickly.
A soft blanket is perfect for chilly evenings, outdoor dining, holiday cottages or simply giving your dog somewhere warm to curl up after a long walk.
Our Barkley and Fetch Blankets are easy to keep in the car and always come in handy.
5. A Softshell Dog Jacket
British weather has a habit of changing without warning.
A sunny walk can quickly turn into wind and rain, so we always keep one of our Barkley and Fetch Softshell Dog Jackets in the boot.
They're lightweight enough to carry everywhere while providing warmth, wind protection and shower resistance when the weather changes.
6. A Comfortable Dog Car Seat
If your dog is happier travelling in a raised, cosy seat, we're big fans of the beautiful handmade car seats from Where's Winnie.
Designed and made here in the UK, their car seats help keep dogs secure while giving them a comfortable place to travel. Each seat includes a safety tether that clips to your dog's harness, and they're designed with safety and comfort firmly in mind.
Supporting other British handmade businesses is something we're always proud to do.
7. A Collapsible Water Bowl
Hydration is just as important for dogs as it is for us.
A lightweight collapsible bowl takes up hardly any room and means you can offer your dog fresh water wherever you stop.
We love the handcrafted travel bowls from Wild Barc. They're compact, lightweight and ideal for everything from road trips to long countryside walks. They are also handmade in the UK!
8. Keep a Spare Lead in the Car
This is probably the simplest tip on the list, but it could be the most useful.
Always keep a spare lead permanently in your car.
It's surprisingly easy to forget your everyday lead when you're rushing out of the house. If your car breaks down, you have an accident, or you simply need to take your dog out while waiting for roadside assistance, you'll be incredibly grateful that you have one tucked away in the boot.
It's one of those items you'll hopefully never need—but when you do, it's an absolute lifesaver.
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Travelling with your dog doesn't have to be complicated. A little preparation goes a long way towards making every journey safer, more comfortable and much less stressful.
At Barkley and Fetch, we design our travel accessories to be practical, durable and handmade here in the UK, helping you enjoy many adventures together—whether you're heading across the country or simply popping out for the afternoon.
Happy travels!