How to Prepare Your Dog for a Long Car Journey (UK to Spain Road Trips)
A dog that has never been in a vehicle for more than an hour will struggle with a two-day UK to Spain road journey — but three weeks of simple preparation changes everything. These are the steps that make the biggest difference, whether your dog travels with us or any other licensed service.
Start crate and car training three weeks out
Dogs travel safest in a secure, ventilated crate — so that's where the training starts. Leave the crate open at home with bedding and treats inside until your dog voluntarily naps in it, then start short car rides that build to 60-90 minutes.
By travel day, the crate should mean rest and comfort, not confinement. This single step prevents most travel anxiety.
Get the vet check and paperwork done early
Book a vet visit 2-3 weeks before travel: confirm the rabies vaccination is in date, ask about travel sickness if your dog has struggled before, and arrange the Animal Health Certificate (UK to Spain) or pet passport (Spain to UK) with its tapeworm treatment window for the UK return.
Never sedate a dog for road travel without explicit veterinary advice — it interferes with temperature regulation and balance. A calming pheromone spray in the crate is the safer first option.
Feeding and hydration on travel days
A light-touch routine works best:
- Feed a light meal the evening before, and a small one 3-4 hours before departure.
- Offer water at every comfort break instead of leaving a bowl in the crate (spills and sloshing upset dogs).
- Stick to your dog's normal food — travel is not the day to introduce new brands.
- Bring your own water bottle; unfamiliar tap water can upset sensitive stomachs.
Motion sickness: recognise it and manage it
Drooling, lip-licking, yawning and restlessness are early signs, well before vomiting. If your dog shows them on short training rides, raise the issue at the vet appointment — there are effective non-sedating medications — and position the crate so your dog can see forward rather than sideways.
Travel-day routine: calm in, calm out
Give your dog a proper walk before handover so the journey starts with a tired, settled animal. Keep the drop-off short and matter-of-fact — long emotional goodbyes ramp dogs up, not down. During the trip, licensed transporters like ours send photo updates at every 4-5 hour comfort break, so you can track how relaxed your dog is staying.
The bottom line
Preparation is 80% of a successful long journey: crate familiarity, correct paperwork, light feeding and a calm routine. Do those four things and most dogs treat the UK-Spain trip as an extended nap. Ready to book? See live prices and monthly departures on our booking page.