🧳Travelling with a English Springer Spaniel: car, crate and rules
English Springer Spaniel : A rigid M-L crate secured in the boot is the safest option for its 18 to 25 kg, especially on trips to hunting or sports grounds. Near water, stay alert: its pull towards ponds and rivers is powerful, even in cold weather.
In short: A medium dog of 18 to 25 kg with a medium-length feathered coat, very high energy and a passion for water and cover. An athletic, enthusiastic flushing spaniel whose stamina surprises first-time owners. Its pull towards water is powerful even in cold weather, and its feathering collects grass seeds: a microfibre towel, a fine comb and ear checks after every outing are unavoidable.
In the car with a English Springer Spaniel
For its 18 to 25 kg, two serious options: a rigid crate of about 85 cm strapped in the boot, or a crash-tested safety harness clipped to ISOFIX. An unrestrained dog of this weight becomes a projectile under braking — and a possible fine for distracted driving.
Trains, planes, holidays
Too big for the cabin, the English Springer Spaniel flies in the pressurised hold in an IATA-approved crate — an ordeal to reserve for unavoidable trips. On trains, a muzzle and lead meet the rules. Tame the crate weeks ahead — open in the living room, seeded with treats — so that on the day, your English Springer Spaniel walks in by itself.
Identification and good habits
A English Springer Spaniel travels chipped and vaccinated — EU passport and rabies shot whenever a border or boarding kennel is involved. And in summer, the absolute rule: never alone in the car, where temperatures turn lethal within minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What crate size for a English Springer Spaniel?
About 85 cm long: able to stand without hunching and turn around freely. For flying, check the model’s IATA dimensions.
Can a English Springer Spaniel fly in the cabin?
No, it exceeds the cabin limit (8 kg including the bag): it travels in the pressurised hold in an IATA crate — avoid it when you can.
The guides that apply to you
- Dog car barriers: the guide to choosing the right one
Universal grille, vehicle-specific or boot net: how to keep your dog safely separated from the cabin and travel with peace of mind.
- Small dog carrier bag: choosing the right one for trains, the metro and city life
Approved dimensions, ventilation, comfort: how to choose a small dog carrier suited to trains, public transport and city journeys.
- Boarding your dog for the holidays: kennel, foster family or pet-sitter?
Going away without your dog: comparing boarding kennels, foster families and home pet-sitters to choose the calmest option for your dog's temperament and your budget.
- Dog safety gate: securing the stairs and rooms of the house
Pressure-mounted or screw-fitted, height, adjustable width: how to choose a dog safety gate to protect the stairs, kitchen or bedroom.