Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, bringing your dog along can make the trip even more memorable, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. From packing the right essentials to ensuring your pup stays calm and comfortable on the road, a little preparation goes a long way toward making travel smooth for both of you.
In this guide, we’ll share 12 expert-backed tips to help you plan ahead, keep your dog safe, and minimize stress every step of the way. With the right approach, traveling with your furry companion can be as fun and relaxing as you’ve always imagined.
12 Tips For Safe & Fun Travels With Your Dog
#1 – Do Your Research
Before just setting out, make sure you know where the dog-friendly venues are. Sites like Petstwelcome.com and BringFido.com are great resources for locating pet-friendly hotels, campgrounds, B&Bs, and even pet sitters across the United States.
Check out these dog-friendly hotels where your pup can vacation like the superstar they are!
#2 – Plan Ahead
Make sure you get clearance from your vet that your pet is healthy enough to travel. Ensure they’re up to date with their vaccinations and protected against common pests, such as fleas, ticks, and worms. If traveling to another state or by plane, you will need a health certificate from your vet 10-30 days prior to travel. Keeping a binder or notebook with all your dog’s pertinent information is a great way to stay organized and tidy during travel.
RELATED: Essential Travel Gear Checklist For Your Dog
#3 – Pack Plenty of Food and Water
Don’t forget to pack road trip snacks for your pup! Include enough food for the entire trip and collapsible bowls that take less room in the bags. Water is also essential, but can be tricky to give your dog when on the road. Check out these travel bowls to ensure your dog stays hydrated wherever you may roam.
#4 – Current ID
Make sure your dog’s ID tags are up-to-date and legible. Always include your phone number for immediate access, and if you’re dog is microchipped, choose a tag that indicates that fact. Check out the 22 Best Dog ID Tags On The Market to find your pup’s new tags.
#5 – Size Matters
Make sure your dog’s kennel is large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lay down in. If flying, try to book only non-stop flights. If traveling by car, stopping for plenty of water and bathroom breaks is a must. Prepare your pup for the trip with these 6 Steps For Teaching Your Dog To Love Their Crate.
#6 – Mind Your Manners
Basic obedience training is a must. Your dog should know basic commands and be consistent in following directions. Be mindful of excessive barking or aggressive behavior. Be courteous and tip well. The goal is to make sure that you and your pet are welcome back anytime.
Related: 7 Best Travel Dog Crates
#7 – Avoiding Anxiety
If you know that your pet is nervous by nature, traveling can be extremely overwhelming. Cannanine Soft Chews provides a way to soothe your pet’s nerves with the power of hemp and the tastiness of bacon. The key component in Cannanine Soft Chews is a high-quality, THC-free CBD, which has been shown to alleviate anxiety and stress in pets without causing drowsiness. This makes them particularly suitable for travel, as they can help keep your dog calm and comfortable without impacting their alertness or energy levels. Additionally, being soft and easy to administer, these chews can be conveniently incorporated into your dog’s travel routine, ensuring a more relaxed and stress-free journey for your furry companion.
#8 – Motion Sickness
If your pet is prone to motion sickness, try a ginger snap cookie to combat nausea on short trips. Ginger naturally soothes the stomach and reduces motion sickness. Plus, the sugar may help counter feelings of weakness or lightheadedness that sometimes accompany nausea. Just make sure you keep it to one small cookie (or bite of cookie)!
For longer trips, try desensitizing your pet to the car by taking short trips frequently to reduce the anxiety associated with being in the car. Offer treats as positive reinforcement for behaving. Also, always have your pet restrained by a doggie seat belt or harness. The security of the harness can help with traveling anxiety and motion sickness as well.
#9 – Proper Leash & Collar
This may seem like a no brainer but, make sure you have a proper harness, leash and tags. You don’t know how your pet will react in a stressful, unfamiliar situation so making sure they are properly and safely restrained is important. Legible tags are crucial in the event that your pet does get away from you.
RELATED: 14 Best Matching Collar & Leash Sets
#10 – Avoid Strange Foods
Stick to your pet’s regular feeding routine as much as possible, but avoid offering fatty foods. If indigestion does occur, the general rule of thumb is to withhold food and water for 6-8 hours to allow your pet to recover. You can also try anti-nausea remedies to soothe your pup’s upset stomach.
#11 – Let Them Relax
Once you arrive at your destination, allow your pet a quiet space to decompress. A long day of travel is just as exhausting for your pet as it is for you, probably even more so, so it’s important to offer them a safe haven to recuperate.
#12 – Better off at Home
Keep in mind that there are certain circumstances in which it is best to leave your pet at home. Pets that are very old, young, frail, pregnant, or in heat may be best left at home. If kenneling is not an option, pet owners can save money and stress by taking advantage of services like House Sitters of America or Pet Sitters International. These organizations send a qualified pet lover to your home so that your animals can be cared for in their own environment for a fraction of what it costs to board.
Safe, Healthy Travel Fun
As you embark on your travels with your dog, remember that preparation and thoughtful consideration of your pet’s needs will go a long way in ensuring a successful and memorable trip. From exploring dog-friendly parks to basking in the beauty of blooming gardens, the possibilities for shared experiences are endless. So, pack your bags, leash up your pup, and get ready to create cherished memories that will make this getaway one for the books.
Toledo, United States.