Paw-by-paw: Being out and about with your dog

To help you head out and about with your dog, we've brought together the key information to help you enjoy the great outdoors with your four-legged friend, whether it's in the countryside, along the beach or in public parks.

Walking your dog

When you're exploring the great outdoors with your four-legged, it’s important that you play your part in protecting and preserving the natural environment and that you understand your responsibilities whilst out walking.

Dog sat smiling at camera

Puppy and dog walking tips

Understanding how to be a responsible dog owner when out walking with your dog is hugely important, so we have pulled together some useful tips and guidance to help.

Puppy and dog walking tips
Dog running in the sea

Access for owners and dogs

A number of seasonal controls restricting areas you can access with your dog may be in effect over the summer months. Find out more about PSPOs and how they might affect you.

Access for owners and dogs
Dog on beaching waiting to play with ball

Walking dangers

Wherever you walk your dog, there’s always the possibility that they could be exposed to dangers such as poisonous plants and sharp grass seeds. Every season poses some potential risks to dogs of which owners should be aware.

Walking seasonal dangers

Cattle safety

Always be aware of cattle and the danger they could pose to both you and your dog before visiting the countryside. Find out how best to keep you and your four-legged friend safe here.

Cattle Safety
Dog in field of sheep

Livestock worrying

Livestock worrying is a concerning animal welfare issue, which is why we have joined forces with the NFU to make countryside dog walks safer and more stress free for you, your dogs and farm animals.

Livestock worrying

Walking on MOD land

The Ministry of Defence’s #RespectTheRange campaign seeks to educate dog owners and other key groups on how to safely access land where our armed forces are practicing live-fire training.

Walking on MOD land

The countryside code

Find out about the Countryside Code to keep your pet safe, protect the environment and show that you are a responsible dog owner.

The Countryside Code

Stick safety

Find out about the dangers of throwing sticks for your dog, the injuries it can cause and alternative games to play.

Stick safety
Dog and horse in a field

Equine safety

Find out how to keep you and your dog safe whenever you meet horses on the road, along a beach or in the countryside.

Equine safety

Going out with your dog

You may be thinking about how to navigate dog-friendly places – such as pubs and cafes – and make future plans with your dog. To ensure your dog is comfortable and happy and that you both enjoy the experience, we encourage you to carefully consider and plan your dog-friendly trip or holiday using our advice below.

Day trips

If you want to take your dog with you to cafes and pubs, it's important to plan ahead so that you know what to expect when visiting dog-friendly places.

Day trips
Boy walking with a dog in near a cottage

Going away

When planning your holiday, make sure to research and choose a destination that is pet-friendly and near dog-friendly beaches, cafes and pubs.

Going away with your dog

Journeys

Whether travelling by car or public transport, we have compiled helpful information to ensure you are prepared for a safe journey with your dog.

Travelling with your dog
Border Collie sat in car

Dogs die in hot cars

It's important to never leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day because they can quickly become dehydrated, develop heatstroke or even die. We’ve answered some commonly asked questions here.

Dogs die in hot cars

Travel rules

Following both Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, there are important considerations for dog owners and those involved in canine activities overseas before heading to Europe and beyond with their dog.

Overseas travel

Open for Dogs

Our ‘Open for Dogs’ campaign encourages businesses, workplaces and other public places to welcome our four-legged friends. For helpful information and advice, find out more here.

Open for Dogs

Useful resources

You are now ready to explore the great outdoors and navigate trips away from home with your four-legged friend! Make sure that you are always a responsible owner when out and about and that your dog is prepared for new experiences after a few years of pandemic restrictions.

Dog in the flower field

Summer dangers

Summer is the season for spending time outside, relaxing and enjoying the sun, but, as with every season, summer poses risks to dogs that owners should be aware of.

Summer dangers
Labrador sat on vet table

Microchipping

Research has found that pets are more likely to go missing or are stolen during the summer months of June, July and August, compared to the winter.

Microchipping
Dog eating treat in garden

Summer recipes

If your dog needs a cool treat on a hot summer's day, then why not use one of our delicious summer recipes for an icy cold dog treats for them to enjoy.

Summer treats