How to Travel to Wales with Your Dog – Our Tips & Experience

K-Girl + Benzino
May 19
3 min read

Wales wasn’t exactly at the top of our bucket list—but when we realized we could bring our dog Pepe along for the ride, it quickly jumped up the ranks! If you’re planning a road trip to Wales with your furry friend, here’s everything you need to know to make the journey smooth, safe, and tail-waggingly fun.

Getting to Wales with Your Dog – Tunnel or Ferry?

Since flying with dogs to the UK isn't allowed (unless it's an assistance animal), your two main options are the Eurotunnel or taking a ferry. We opted for the ferry—a bit slower, but definitely the more budget-friendly choice. Plus, it gave us beautiful views and a surprisingly dog-friendly experience.

Pepe traveled with us from France to the UK, and while pets must usually stay in the car during the ferry crossing, many ferry operators now offer dedicated pet-friendly areas for an extra fee—and they’re totally worth it! These areas allow you to bring your dog out of the car and up on deck. There’s a small walking area outdoors where your dog can stretch and sniff around, and even an indoor lounge with comfy couches where both humans and pups can relax together.

Pro tip: Book an early morning or evening ferry when temperatures are cooler, especially in summer. We also discovered that many ports—like the one we used in France—have small pet relief areas, so your dog can take one last toilet break before boarding. Fabulous!

On our way there, everything went smoothly. On the return trip, it turned out to be one of the hottest days of the year. We kindly asked a member of the ferry crew if Pepe could come upstairs with us—and to our surprise, they said yes! That led to what might’ve been Pepe’s best travel moment ever.

What Documents & Vaccines Does Your Dog Need to Enter the UK?

Before traveling to the UK with your dog, make sure you have all the required documents. Here’s what you’ll need:

A microchip (ISO 11784/11785 compliant and registered)
A valid rabies vaccination – administered at least 21 days before travel
An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) – issued by an official vet no more than 10 days before travel (replaces the old EU pet passport)
Tapeworm treatment is not required for entry into Great Britain from the EU, but double-check this if you're heading to Ireland or Northern Ireland

Always consult your vet a few weeks before your trip to ensure everything is in order.

Final Thoughts – Is Wales Dog Friendly?

Wales turned out to be a dream destination for us and our dog. With its wide-open spaces, stunning national parks, and even beaches where dogs are welcome (outside of summer restrictions), we couldn’t have picked a better spot. From mountain bike trails to long hikes and cozy pubs, dogs are not just accepted—they’re genuinely welcomed.

And let’s talk about the restaurants—they are more than dog friendly. Almost every place we visited welcomed Pepe like a regular. Many had little snacks ready at the door, some brought out tiny dog beds so he could chill in style under the table, and more than once, he got served before we were even asked what we’d like to drink. It was pure dog-parent joy and made the whole trip feel extra special.

If you’re thinking about traveling to Wales with your dog—go for it. Just plan ahead, pack the paperwork, and get ready for a road trip filled with adventures, muddy paws, and memories.