Travelling with Multiple Dogs

Travelling with multiple dogs presents unique challenges and rewards. Finding accommodation that accepts your whole pack, managing logistics, and ensuring every dog's needs are met requires extra planning. But multi-dog holidays also mean more joy, more adventures, and the pleasure of watching your pack explore new places together.

This guide covers everything you need to know about travelling with multiple dogs.

The Multi-Dog Reality

The Challenges

Accommodation:

• Many places limit to 1-2 dogs
• Finding properties accepting 3+ dogs difficult
• Premium charges multiply
• Fewer options available

Transport:

• Vehicle space requirements
• Safety for multiple dogs
• Logistics of stops and breaks
• Heat management

Management:

• Controlling multiple dogs in new environments
• Different energy levels and needs
• Recall with multiple dogs
• Feeding and routine

The Rewards

Why It's Worth It:

• Whole pack together
• Dogs enjoy each other's company
• More fun watching multiple dogs play
• No guilt about leaving dogs behind
• Pack bonding experiences

Finding Accommodation

The Biggest Challenge

Many properties limit dogs to 1-2. Finding accommodation for 3+ dogs requires:

• Extensive research
• Booking far ahead
• Flexibility on location
• Direct communication with owners

Where to Look

Best Options for Multiple Dogs:

Larger Cottages: More space often means more dogs accepted.

Farm Properties: Often more relaxed about dog numbers.

Holiday Parks: Some accept multiple dogs in larger units.

Private Rentals: Direct owner contact allows negotiation.

Camping: Usually no limit on dog numbers per pitch.

Questions to Ask

Before Booking:

1. How many dogs do you accept?
2. Is there an upper limit?
3. What's the charge per dog?
4. Is the garden secure for multiple dogs?
5. Any restrictions on dog areas?
6. Are there other dogs on site?

Tips for Finding Properties

Strategies:

• Search specifically for "3 dogs" or "4 dogs"
• Phone rather than just book online
• Explain your dogs (breeds, sizes, temperaments)
• Book well ahead (these properties go fast)
• Consider less popular areas (more flexibility)
• Look for dog-specialist agencies

Cost Considerations

Expect:

• Charges multiply (per dog fees)
• Larger properties cost more
• Premium for dog-friendly features
• Budget accordingly

Transport

Vehicle Requirements

Space Needed:

• Crate space or boot space for all dogs
• Safe restraint for each dog
• Comfortable for journey length
• Adequate ventilation

Options:

• Large estate car
• SUV or 4x4
• Van or people carrier
• Multiple crates vs dog guard

Safety for Multiple Dogs

Restraint Requirements:

• Each dog must be safely restrained
• Crates for each dog ideal
• Dog guard with enough space
• Seatbelt harnesses if on seats

Avoiding Conflict:

• Some dogs travel better separated
• Crates prevent travel stress interactions
• Space between dogs reduces tension

Journey Management

Stops:

• More dogs = more stops needed
• Walk each dog properly
• Toilet breaks for all
• Water for everyone
• Safe areas for multiple dogs

One Handler Challenge:

• Walking multiple dogs at service stations
• Managing leads and dogs together
• Planning stops with space

Heat Management

Multiple Dogs = More Heat:

• More body heat in vehicle
• Ventilation critical
• Air conditioning essential in warm weather
• Never leave multiple dogs in car

On-Walk Management

Controlling Multiple Dogs

Lead Management:

• One lead per dog (safer)
• Coupler leads (two dogs together)
• Consider each dog's pull tendency
• Practice before holiday

Recall with Multiple Dogs:

• Train each dog individually first
• Practice group recall
• Strongest recall dog as anchor
• Be realistic about off-lead

Different Needs

Managing Variety:

• Different energy levels
• Different walking speeds
• Different interests
• Some may need more rest

Strategies:

• Walk to slowest dog's pace
• Separate walks sometimes
• Active dogs get extra exercise
• Respect each dog's limits

Group Dynamics

In New Environments:

• Pack may behave differently
• Watch for stress signals
• Excitement can cause tension
• Maintain normal hierarchy

Feeding Multiple Dogs

Routine Matters

Maintain Normal Routine:

• Same feeding times
• Same food (bring from home)
• Same order if relevant
• Separate if needed

Travel Feeding

Considerations:

• Multiple bowls needed
• Enough food for all dogs
• Space for separate feeding
• Avoid food competition

Accommodation Feeding

Setup:

• Feeding stations for each dog
• Supervise mealtimes
• Remove bowls after eating
• Prevent resource guarding

Sleeping Arrangements

At Accommodation

Considerations:

• Enough beds for all dogs
• Familiar bedding from home
• Space for each dog
• Respect normal sleeping arrangements

What to Bring:

• Each dog's bed (or familiar blankets)
• Enough space planned
• Separation options if needed

Managing Night Time

First Night:

• New environment may unsettle
• Dogs may need reassurance
• Maintain normal routine
• Be prepared for disruption

Activities with Multiple Dogs

What Works Well

Good Multi-Dog Activities:

• Beach walks (space for all)
• Countryside walks (room to spread)
• Forest walks (interesting for all)
• Swimming (water-loving dogs)

More Challenging:

• Busy tourist areas
• Narrow paths
• Crowded attractions
• Hot weather walks

Beach Days

Multi-Dog Beach Success:

• Early morning (fewer other dogs)
• Space for running
• Multiple swimmers manageable
• Separate if play gets rough

Hiking

Trail Management:

• Single file on narrow paths
• Lead order matters
• Pace for slowest/oldest
• Rest breaks for all

Managing Interactions

With Other Dogs

Multiple Dogs Meeting Others:

• More complex dynamics
• Pack may be overwhelming to single dogs
• Keep controlled during greetings
• Be prepared to move on

With People

Considerations:

• Multiple dogs can be intimidating
• Keep controlled around others
• Not everyone comfortable with many dogs
• Respect public spaces

Packing for Multiple Dogs

Multiply Everything

Per Dog:

• Food (full supply)
• Bowls
• Lead
• Towel
• Bed/blanket
• Medications if needed

Shared:

• First aid kit
• Poo bags (lots!)
• Toys
• Treats

Packing Tips

Organisation:

• Label supplies per dog
• Pack systematically
• Know where everything is
• Accessible items for journey

Breed Mix Considerations

Different Breeds Together

Managing Variety:

• Energy level differences
• Heat tolerance varies
• Walking distance varies
• Swimming ability differs

Example Pack Considerations:

• High energy dog needs extra exercise
• Brachycephalic dog needs heat protection
• Senior dog needs shorter walks
• Swimmer vs non-swimmer

Multiple Dog Accommodation Tips

Setting Up

On Arrival:

• Let dogs out first
• Explore garden together
• Show each dog around
• Establish sleeping spots
• Set up feeding areas

During Stay

Management:

• Maintain routines
• Ensure each dog's needs met
• Watch for stress or conflict
• Provide rest time
• Individual attention when possible

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dogs can stay in most cottages?

Typically 1-2 dogs. Properties accepting 3+ are less common but exist. Search specifically and book ahead.

Is camping easier with multiple dogs?

Often yes. Usually no limit on dog numbers. More space. Fewer restrictions.

How do I manage walks with multiple dogs?

Practice before holiday. Use appropriate leads. Consider each dog's needs. Walk at pace of slowest.

What if my dogs have different exercise needs?

Separate walks sometimes. Extra exercise for active dogs. Respect each dog's limits.

Are there extra charges for multiple dogs?

Usually yes. Charges are typically per dog. Budget accordingly.

How do I find accommodation for 4+ dogs?

Search specialist agencies. Contact owners directly. Consider larger properties. Book far ahead.

Pack Adventures Await

Travelling with multiple dogs requires extra planning but delivers extra rewards. Watching your whole pack explore new places together creates memories that single-dog travel can't match.

The effort is worth it. Your pack deserves adventures together.

Luke travels with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly - a six-dog pack. Finding accommodation takes research, walks require management, but seeing the whole pack enjoying beaches and countryside together makes every challenge worthwhile.