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Although I grew up with pets of my own, our pups were small and we rarely ever traveled with them. It seems that as time has gone on and the mental health benefits of having a pet have been validated, more and more pet parents are making the effort to bring their best friends to almost every adventure possible.
Traveling with pups doesn’t have to be stressful but it will require a bit of planning to ensure a fun trip seeing new places with your pup.
Best Practices
First and foremost, keep in mind that all pups are different, so it may be best to practice a few short drives with your pup to see how they behave. Some pups may have anxiety or motion sickness.
As a rule of thumb, you’ll want to feed your pup no sooner than 3-4 hours before a drive. Have water easily accessible or allow for breaks to drink water. These test drives will allow you to see if you may need to request some motion sickness medication for your pup and allow them to relax in the vehicle.
Before heading out to your destination, it is a great idea to call your veterinarian. They will be able to determine if certain vaccinations or medication refills may be needed, assure if your pet insurance will cover any emergency trips and even recommend a couple of veterinarians at your destination should an emergency occur.
Lastly, plan for pit stops every 3-4 hours for a potty break and a quick walk (15-30 minutes) to allow your pup an opportunity to get some energy out and stretch their legs. While the vehicle is in motion, please make sure that your pup does not have their paws or head outside of the window. Safety first!
What to Pack?
One of the first things that a fellow dog-owner friend suggested I do when I became a dog-parent myself, was to create a “Brows Binder” (Brows being my own pup). The beauty of this binder would be that it could travel with us or stay home wherever our pup was and be available for our pet-sitter, walker, friends, or in case of emergencies while traveling.
There are several helpful items to keep in the binder that I’ve listed below. In addition to this information, you’ll want to also pack the following for your trip: pet first aid kit, portable water bowl, dog food/treats, medications, poop bags, updated tags, collar, and leash, grooming supplies or dog-friendly pet wipes, travel kennel, and a few of their favorites (blankets/toys).
Dog Binder Documents/Information to Include:
- Home instructions (codes), contact & emergency contact information
- A current photo of your pup, preferably in color
- Pup stats: weight, color, age, and other descriptors
- Veterinarian information, vaccination record, and microchip information
- Regular pet food/treats and feeding instructions to include what they can’t consume
- Any medical issues and medication instructions
- Sleep and exercise schedule to include what situations to avoid
Getting Settled
The first thing you’ll want to make sure you have ready for your vehicle is a a pet seat belt. We have one we found on Amazon that ties to our pup’s harness, but wherever you purchase yours, this will help keep your pet and family safe in case of an accident or from getting unruly in the vehicle. I would also suggest having either a pet seat protectors, bed, or travel kennel to keep your pet and vehicle clean. We personally love our seat protector as it is water proof, can easily be folded and put away, and has a small pocket to keep treats, food, baggies, and his leash.
You’ll want to make sure your pup has done his business and had a nice brisk walk before taking off on your adventure. We also play music or white noise quietly to make our pup comfortable or provide him with a nice long lasting chew when he starts to get a little antsy. Pay attention to your pup’s body language to make sure they are doing okay and are calm. We like to make sure we stop at gas stations near a grassy area or search for a park in the towns we pass to let him burn some energy.
Travel Tips from a Professional Dog Trainer
Other Things to Consider
If you’re going to another city to stay at a hotel, please check online for pet-friendly accommodations or a nearby dog day-care or boarding area. The last thing your pup or you will want is to be locked up all day or unable to participate in any of the fun.
Lastly, maintain your pups routine as much as possible when considering feeding, exercise, and sleep!
Have fun! Take all the pictures and travel safe!
Looking for places to travel with your dog? Continue reading below:
Dog-Friendly National Parks in Texas
Author: Jennifer Vazquez
I'm a proud Latina, first generation woman who grew up in a military family filled with traveling, adventures, and 2 crazy sisters who filled my life with so much fun! I received my degrees from the Texas Tech University system and fell in love with the higher education career path, taking me to Central Texas. My hobbies include outdoor fitness, visiting craft breweries, playing with my pup Brows, and supporting my friends and their small businesses. Most describe my personality as goofy, sweet, emotional, and fun loving.
