When we go away with the dog, it sometimes feels like the car is more full of their stuff than ours. Beds, bowls, towels, toys… and then the actual dog, taking up half the boot.

But truthfully, a bit of planning makes life so much easier when you arrive—especially if your dog is a bit sensitive to change or takes time to settle in new places. The right familiar items can make all the difference, and having the basics to hand saves that last-minute dash to the shops.

Here’s a quick guide to what we recommend bringing when you’re staying at Lebanon Cottage—or anywhere else with your dog in tow:

🐾 Everyday Essentials:

• Lead, collar, harness and up-to-date ID tag (legally required)

• Poo bags (pack more than you think you’ll need)

• Treat bag and treats

• Food and water bowls

• Bed, crate or blanket

• Towels (we provide some, but it’s handy to have an extra if the beach is involved!)

🧠 Familiar Things:

• A toy or chews

• Something that smells like home (blanket, t-shirt, crate mat)

• Their usual food, particularly if they’re sensitive to changes

🧳 Useful Extras:

• Long line or training lead

• Portable water bowl

• Treat pouch

• Torch or night light for evening toilet trips

• Medications and a copy of vet records if your dog has any ongoing conditions

🚗 For the Journey:

• Car harness or crate

• Shade cover or reflective screen

• Water for the road

• Wipes or cleaning cloths (just in case)

You don’t need to bring everything, but a little forward planning goes a long way. 

Here's what we have at Lebanon Cottage:

- Bowls and mats for the bowls.

- Lids to put on open tins.

- Undercounter freezer for any frozen food.

- Large undercounter cupboard space for bags of dog food.

- A couple of throws are provided, but you can always ask for more.

- Towels and some shampoo in the cupboard under the stairs.

- Henry vacuum, mop and bucket, and a broom for clearing up if you need to.

- Travel stairgate if you want to block access to any areas.

- Details of local vets in the welcome pack.

If you forget something, don’t panic—we’ve got quite a few dog bits ourselves that you are welcome to borrow such as leads, and there are local shops in St Just that can help including our local hardware store Clemo's and local groomers Just Pet Care.

Happy packing!