What To Pack For Your Dog-Friendly Break

You’re planning a visit to the New Forest National Park with your four-legged friend… You’ve booked one of our pet-friendly rooms, you’re excited about the Beco Pets Doggy Hamper we’ll have ready and waiting, and you’ve heard good things about the ‘A La Bark’ menu at our country pub, Monty’s - so what do you need to pack?

When you’re packing for a dog-friendly break away at our Hampshire hotel it’s important remember necessary items such as medications, food (particularly if your dog is on a medicated or specific diet), and favourite toys that will bring them comfort in a new environment.

Create a packing list

Creating a checklist for you and your dog will help you to enjoy a stress-free break. Although a dog bed is supplied, some owners prefer to bring their own to ensure their pet feels safe and comfy.

Include everything on your list, from travel essentials to medication, food, treats and bowls; and poo bags, towels and toys – especially those ones they can’t live without! We understand that dogs thrive when you can maintain their routine, so making them feel as comfortable as possible is key to their visit feeling as relaxed and ‘normal’ as possible. This will help them to settle in and keep any anxiety at bay.

What should you pack for your dog-friendly break?

Travelling:

Whether your dog is used to travelling or not, ensure a smooth, more comfortable trip for everyone by considering these top travel tips.

• Keep them safe in the car with a doggie seat belt harness.
• Travel sickness medication – the movement of the car can sometimes upset their stomachs. Bring motion sickness medication or calming aids if you think they may be necessary.
• Stop frequently on long journeys for toilet breaks and to give them water and a short walk and stretch.

The essentials

You’ll need to remember essential items such as food, medications, lead, bed/blankets, poo bags and toys. These are some of the important familiar items that will help a short break away from home feel as normal as possible for your pet. It’s also important that your dog is chipped, and has an ID tag with your contact number on in case they decide to have an adventure of their own.

• Pack enough food for the whole break, plus a little extra, just in case.
• A portable food bowl – depending on how far you’re travelling and whether you’re going to be out during meal times.
• A portable water bowl – handy for forest for walks or days out.
• Treats – particularly important if you are used to a specific brand or if you’re dog is on a special diet. Treats can be a necessary extra to help them feel happy and at home in a new environment.
• Lead, collar/harness - Dogs are welcome throughout the Montagu Arms hotel except in The Terrace Restaurant, but must be kept on a lead at all times. For more details about holidaying with your dog, please download our 'Petiquette' guidelines.

• Bed or Blanket – we can supply a bed but you might like to bring theirs or at least a blanket that is familiar, especially for those dogs that can become a bit anxious when away.
• Toys – If you know your dog likes a particular toy, chew, ball or puzzle bring it along. It will help them to feel comfortable and keep them entertained so you can relax.

Extras:
• First aid kit - It can be particularly important when travelling to a new area or planning walks in unknown places to pack a canine first aid kit which might include a tick remover, bandages and antiseptic wipes, in case of any accidents.
• Portable crate – if your dog is crate-trained and is used to spending some downtime in their own safe space then bring it with to ensure they are happy and relaxed during your dog-friendly break in the New Forest.