Travelling with an IVDD dog

Car travel

• Use a secure, level travel area that prevents jumping around the vehicle.
• Lift or use approved mobility support rather than allowing a dog to leap in or out.
• Plan toilet breaks around the dog’s current care instructions.
• Carry medication, a copy of the medical history and veterinary contact details.
• Identify an emergency veterinary hospital near the destination.

Hotels and holiday rentals

Ask about stairs before booking. A “pet-friendly” property may still have slippery floors, high beds, open staircases or no safe toilet access. A ground-floor room and portable barriers can make care simpler.

Leaving your dog with a sitter

If travel means somebody else will care for the dog, use a written handover and choose a person comfortable with restricted mobility and medication.

Flying

Air travel deserves an individual veterinary discussion. Airline rules, cabin/crate requirements, journey length, stress, lifting and the dog’s ability to toilet safely all matter. Do not assume that a recovered dog is automatically fit to fly because they can walk normally at home.

Create a travel medical pack

• Medication and dosing instructions.
• Veterinary and neurology records.
• Insurance details if applicable.
• Normal vet and destination emergency hospital contacts.
• Harness/support equipment.
• Absorbent bedding and spare clean layers if needed.

Travel advice must be adapted to the individual dog, especially after recent surgery or neurological deterioration.