How to Safely Travel with Your Cairn Terrier
Introduction
Travelling with the dog can be a great experience! If you have an itch to explore new places, you probably would like to take your dog with you on some of your adventures. Whether you would like to explore hidden gems in your neighbourhood, travel within the boundaries of your home country or go abroad, you can share this experience with your furry friend.
Cairn Terriers are great travel companions. They are small, active and smart dogs that will join you on any adventure. This spring, we drove over 3,000 miles from the UK to Italy round trip, balancing relaxation with 5 championship dog shows. Through these trips, I’ve learned how to keep Barry safe, happy, and show-ready.
In this guide, I’ll share my tips for safe travel, from preparation to destination, plus how joint supplements and grooming keep Barry ready for anything. Make your trip an exciting experience!
Barry is great at reserving tables on top of the volcano (Vesuvius volcano, Naples, Italy, 2025)
Note: It is best to travel with an adult dog (2+ years) and not with a puppy or a veteran, as the trip can be hard for them and not enjoyable.
Prepare for a Safe Trip
Before travelling, ensure your Cairn is ready for the journey. I usually do a vet check for Barry - his pre-Italy exam confirmed he was fit for the 15-hour drive through the Eurotunnel. Carry essential documents: vaccination records, microchip details, and a pet passport or AHC (required for UK-to-EU travel, check our previous guide “How to Take Your Dog Abroad from the UK“).
Pack smart: take enough food for the trip (see our previous guide “Best Food for Cairn Terriers: Dosage, Routine & Tips“), a water bottle, leash, collapsible crate, poop bags, and a first-aid kit (bandages, antiseptic). For long drives like UK-to-Italy, I packed Barry’s favourite toys and a sleeping mat to reduce stress. Research your route - motorway stops often have pet zones or green areas for quick breaks. Plan for emergencies: know the nearest vet at your destination (e.g., Ostuni clinics for Barry’s shows). Preparation sets the tone for a smooth, safe trip, whether you’re heading to a dog show or a relaxing getaway.
National Park Gargano, Province of Foggia, Italy
Keep Your Cairn Safe In-Transit
During travel, safety is key. For our UK-to-Italy drive, I secured Barry in a ventilated crate on a passenger seat of the car. Once in the crate, Barry realises that the journey will be a long one, so he falls asleep. Stop every 2-3 hours for potty breaks, short 10-15 minute walks, and hydration - I always carry a bottle of water for Barry. Never leave your dog in a parked car; temperatures can soar to 49°C in 30 minutes (RSPCA), risking heatstroke.
The settling in the car
Walk the dog before the journey, making sure he will do his business before getting into the car. I usually give half of his breakfast in the crate in the car before the drive. Food always helps to settle the dog down. I keep the Air Conditioning (A/C) on in the car in all seasons to make sure the temperature is low - this prevents the dog from getting sick. Our vets advise giving sick-preventative tablets to the dog before a long journey. I don’t need it for Barry, as he is not anxious and likes sitting in the car, but probably this is something you would like to consider for your dog. Try to drive in a relaxed manner, avoiding sharp turns and speeding.
Training
Get your dog used to their carrier or car setup. I practised short drives with Barry (starting as little as 10-15 mins), then longer weekend trips in the UK, before he was ready to go on a trip abroad. This wasn’t an easy experience as Barry got overly excited/anxious in the car in our early trips. But he settled with the time. Don’t forget to praise your dog whenever you see the right behaviour.
Quick summary:
Take a water bottle for the dog
Enough food for the whole trip (why is this important?)
Don’t forget the dog’s favourite blanket and beloved toys
We recommend having a travel crate for safety reasons
And grooming tools (why is this important?)
May flowers in central Italy
Ensure Comfort at Your Destination
At your destination, prioritise your dog’s comfort. In Italy, I chose dog-friendly hotels with some outdoor space (private garden, balcony, terrace, etc.). This way Barry can explore and enjoy time outdoors. For instance, when checking into a hotel, I bring Barry and his bag with me, show him the room, and set up his sleeping and eating area. I provide fresh water and a favourite chew toy to keep him occupied while I unpack, reinforcing that new spaces are safe and enjoyable.
Training
To ensure your dog enjoys travelling, prioritise training well before your trip. A well-prepared dog adapts confidently to new environments, whether it’s a bustling café in Italy or a dog-friendly hotel with a private garden or balcony. Training him to settle in unfamiliar settings has been key to his happiness on these trips.
Start training early - ideally when your dog is a puppy, but any age works with patience. Focus on building your dog’s confidence in diverse environments, such as crowded streets, beaches, or hotel rooms, and around unfamiliar people, animals, or vehicles. Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behaviour in these settings.
A critical aspect of travel training is teaching your dog to stay calm when left alone in unfamiliar places, as you may need to visit a store, museum, or restaurant where dogs aren’t allowed. Begin this training in a familiar environment, like your home. Use a cue like “stay” when leaving, and set up a camera to observe your dog’s behaviour. Start with short absences - five to ten minutes - and gradually increase the duration, ensuring you return before your dog’s usual feeding or walking time. Reward your dog with a warm greeting upon your return to build positive associations.
Once your dog is comfortable being alone at home, replicate this training in new environments, such as a hotel room or a friend’s house. For example, when I leave Barry in a hotel room, I ensure he has his familiar bed, water, and a chew toy, which helps him feel secure. Practice short absences in these settings, gradually extending the time as your dog adjusts. This training ensures your dog waits patiently without stress, making travel safer and more enjoyable for both of you.
Other usedul tips
Stick to routines: I feed and walk Barry at his usual times to reduce stress. Limit walks to 4-6 miles/day to avoid overexertion, especially for active Cairns prone to joint issues (AKC). Barry’s rest days were key to his wellbeing, letting him sleep and recover after the show excitement or long walks in San Marino. These habits kept him show-ready while we enjoyed our Italian adventure.
To beat the heat, we travelled early, visited places before midday, and passed rivers or lakes for Barry to dip in. Research dog-friendly spots around your destination - parks, waterfronts etc. If there is no waterfront, I’d carry a bottle of water with me to pour water on his back to cool him down, especially in Italy’s summer heat. We use this trick a lot during our ascent to the Vesuvius volcano. These steps kept Barry happy and energised for both exploration and show days.
Rest days: Try to balance days where you can explore together (beach/marine walks in the morning, parks, forests and other outdoors), and when you leave the dog to rest at the hotel, and explore museums, galleries and cathedrals by yourself. I also bring a portable camera with me and leave it on to check on Barry from time to time. I leave Barry at the hotel in the afternoons and every third day to rest, ensuring he is recharged for shows and adventures.
Barry has no issues with new environments, as long as there is a sofa! Italy, May 2025
Health and Grooming on the Go
Travel can strain your Cairn’s health, so take proactive steps. Barry’s daily walks and show activities put stress on his joints, so I give him joint boost, a vet-approved supplement with glucosamine and omega-3s to support mobility (consult your vet, as supplements may cause GI upset in rare cases). Monitor for stress signs like panting or pacing - rest days help Barry stay balanced.
Grooming is also crucial; after muddy walks, I brush Barry’s coat to keep it clean. For shows, hand-stripping ensures he looks smart (see article “Why Handstripping is Essential for Cairn Terriers“). You can find the tools we take with us on the trips here “Essential Grooming and Hand Stripping Tools for Cairn Terriers“. We provide Hand Stripping Masterclasses on the go - check it out.
Barry the Brave on the International dog show in Ostuni, Province of Puglia, Italy (he won BOB and a trophy, CAC and CACIB)
Conclusion
Travelling with your Cairn Terrier is a joy with the right preparation. From our UK travels and UK-to-Italy journey, Barry and I have mastered safe travel - early starts, frequent water breaks, rest days, and health support to keep him thriving. Provide support and praise your dog for sharing your adventures and being an excellent companion. See for signs of fatigue and don't push him too much. Cairn Terriers are small dogs with a big personality. They are loyal little companions and will follow you everywhere. Please keep an eye so they stay safe, balanced, healthy and happy.
Safe travels!
Julia and Barry