road trip with dog ideas

• Pet Travel Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Taking a Road Trip With Your Dog

by Lavanya Sunkara

Updated on May 23, 2024

If you’ve ever wanted to take an epic road trip with your dog, there is no better time than the present. After being cooped up for months to prevent the spread of COVID-19, you are probably eager to hit the open road. 

Road trips allow the freedom to enjoy the great outdoors with all family members, without having to leave your pup behind. And your dog will be all the more happy to sniff new scents and frolic alongside you in new places. 

To help you prepare for a smooth and memorable dog-friendly road trip, here are tips to ensure that your pet stays safe, healthy, and happy on the road. 

Benefits of Road Trips : The Perfect Way to Travel With Dogs

Road trips are a wonderful way to travel with dogs and strengthen your human-canine connection. Best of all, there is no need to worry about getting on a plane during a pandemic, or researching an air carrier’s safety record or requirements. 

Traveling by car (or RV or van) means your furry friend doesn’t have to be boarded or left behind with a dogsitter. You can make the most of your vacation while practicing physical distancing and have a grand adventure with your pooch. 

One of the biggest benefits of a road trip with dogs is the flexibility it affords—stop whenever you want and select dog-friendly spots to experience. Bring along your pet’s favorite toys and treats as well as a bed or blankets in the trunk without having to worry about luggage limits.  

Dog Road Trip Basics: Essentials to Bring  

If you’re going to be hitting the road with your canine family member, there are a couple of essentials that you need to bring along. Here’s what you shouldn’t leave home without. 

Medical Records/Health Certificate

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-country trip with your dog, book an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian to get your dog up-to-date on his vaccinations. Carry both electronic and paper copies of his medical record or a recently obtained health certificate from the veterinarian, especially when you are crossing state borders. A health certificate is valid for up to 30 days. Having medical documentation will also become crucial if you run into an emergency while on the road. 

Food and Medication

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Pack your dog’s food , medication, and supplements for the duration of the trip and bring an additional week’s worth of these items to be prepared for unexpected delays. Feed your dog at least three to four hours prior to leaving to avoid any accidents in the car. 

Johnna Devereaux, clinical pet nutritionist and the director of nutrition and wellness for Bow Wow Labs , recommends pet parents bring their dog’s own food on the road. “This will help avoid the potential for an upset stomach and the possibility of loose stool, especially if stores where you are going don’t carry the food you feed.” 

If your dog has a tendency to get motion sick in the car, Devereaux says ginger can assuage his tummy. “This potent plant helps with all forms of nausea and may make your trip easier on the whole family.” You can purchase pet-friendly ginger chews online or at your local pet store. 

Microchip, GPS Collar, and Identification

It’s one thing if your dog goes missing in your neighborhood…and another thing entirely if you and your pet get separated while road tripping in unfamiliar territory. To improve your odds of reuniting with a dog who’s taken an unplanned detour, at a bare minimum, ensure your contact information is clearly legible on your dog’s ID tag. And if your road-trip buddy hasn’t been microchipped, consider having one implanted prior to your departure.

But even if your dog is properly tagged, chipped, and your registry info is up-to-date, a location tracking device or collar, like the Tractive GPS Dog Tracker , can be a literal lifesaver on the road. With Tractive, there’s no need to wait and hope that someone finds your dog if they go missing. The waterproof, clip-on GPS tracker provides real-time tracking info to help you reunite with a lost pet quickly. Plus, you can also use the powerful location and activity monitoring features to keep tabs on your pup while on the beach, during hikes, and wherever you may roam.

Updated Pictures of Your Dog

No one wants to think about losing their pet while on vacation, but accidents can happen. Don’t leave home without some current pictures of your pup. Print a few out and have some on your phone in case you need to show local shelters or get flyers made. 

Dog First Aid Kit

Pack a pet first aid kit to treat minor nicks, remove ticks and foxtails, and wrap any injuries. Make a list of clinics and hospitals located along the way and at your final destination, and add the ASPCA Pet Poison Helpline number (888-426-4435) to the list in case your dog ingests a toxin. If you are concerned about a lack of access to veterinarians, sign up for telehealth services for healthcare advice and live triage support while on the road. 

Dog Road Trip Packing List  

In addition to the essentials listed above, make sure to pack items that will keep your dog comfortable, entertained, and happy along the way. We recommend you include the following items for road tripping with your canine bestie:

• Plenty of water for the car ride and rest stops
• Food and water bowls 
• Crash-tested safety harness seat belt
• Long and short leashes 
• Travel crate or carrier
• Bed and/or blanket (to offer a sense of home in unfamiliar situations) 
• Treat and puzzle toys, treats 
• Life jacket, if you are planning water activities 
• An extra collar with ID tags
• Booties, if you are visiting a destination with hot temperatures to provide protection from hot surfaces 
• Coat, if you are bound for cooler weather 
• Poop bags 
• Old towels and grooming supplies for cleaning 
• Calming aids and supplements (if needed)

Road Trip Safety for You and Your Dog

To ensure that you and your dog experience the pure joy of life on the road, it’s essential to follow safety protocols to protect your pet. Follow the below advice to make sure your dog stays safe. 

Keep Dogs Crated or Restrained While Driving

It’s pure joy seeing your tail-wagger enjoying fresh air and new scents from the open window, but an unsecured pooch can be dangerous in an accident, or during a hard turn or sudden stop. 

Michelle Belio, head trainer and owner at Pawsitively Waggin’ Academy LLC serving New York City and Long Island, recommends the use of a crate that has been crash tested for road trips. “If conditioned correctly, a crate could be a safe space for a dog, which is awesome for the road,” she says. “It also keeps our dogs safe and away from us, to pay attention to the road.” 

Travel crates come in different sizes and materials. Select a crate that’s big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in, and make sure it’s firmly attached to the vehicle floor or the back seat. 

For your anxiety-prone dog, use a crate designed for separation anxiety , or cover it with a blanket to provide a calming, den-like environment. If crating is not an option, secure your dog with a crash-tested safety harness and seat belt. The harness goes around the dog’s chest and the attached strap plugs into the seat belt buckle. 

For dogs who have trouble relaxing when restrained, use a guard attached to the floor in the trunk/boot of the car or install a back-seat barrier to create a safe section in the back of the car. A dog sling or hammock in the back provides added security and keeps any messes off of the seat. If you are driving an RV, make sure your pet is within your eyesight to ensure he’s still safely secured. 

Leash Rules

Remove your dog’s regular leash once in the car, so that he doesn’t get tangled or get whiplash from the collar. When letting the dog out of the car, leash him back up to prevent him from taking off on his own. “Never allow your pet to jump out of the car without a leash,” says Devereaux. “If something were to startle them, you would have no control over where they go.” 

Never Leave Your Dog Unattended in the Car  

Pets left in cars are at high risk of heat-related illnesses or even death. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked open. When driving in warm weather, keep your pet comfortable by using the air conditioner or have the fan running.  

Keep Safe Distance from Wildlife

When you are visiting areas brimming with wildlife, maintain a safe distance from animals and keep your dog on a leash or in a designated closed off area (or a collapsible pen) to prevent any stressful situations or encounters that could result in injuries or bites. If an attack happens, seek medical attention immediately. 

Practice Social Distancing and Follow CDC Guidelines

Keep at least six feet of distance from others at gas stations, campsites, and on hikes to prevent COVID-19. Avoid dog parks, as they tend to be highly frequented. Wear a cloth face covering if you can’t maintain distance in public and keep a supply bag with disinfectant, gloves, and wipes. Properly dispose of PPE after use. 

Dog Road Trip Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Journey

Road trips with your dog should be a fun experience, not a stressful event. To help the whole process go smoothly, follow along with these tips: 

Take Test Drives

If the only places your pet has been in the car include the clinic, groomer, or the local dog park, Belio recommends “bringing your dog on long car rides, increasing the amount of time they’re in the car each time.” Test driving ahead of time lets you address any issues your pet may have on longer rides. 

Train Your Dog To Love New Places 

If your dog isn’t used to visiting new places, Belio suggests bringing him to at least three new locations a week prior to embarking on your journey. “When you get there, bring out your dog’s favorite treats (or toy) and reward them every single time they interact with their environment,” she says. “This way, all of these new things form associations with the things they love.” 

Address Anxiety

Pet parents have a few options if their dogs show signs of discomfort or anxiety. “Desensitization, consulting your vet, and using supplements such as CBD oil could help,” says Belio. “For desensitization, work on your dog eating their meals in the car, playing in the car, and going in and out of the car using fun car games.” 

Take Frequent Breaks

If you are doing a long road trip with your dog, incorporate frequent breaks (every three to four hours) for pet relief, a short walk, and water. Puppies and senior pets need breaks more often. “I don’t find exercise to be overly important, as the car ride is stimulating enough,” says Belio. “A short walk (under 10 minutes) is enough for your breaks.” 

You don’t have to wait until you are ready for a pit stop to allow Fido to drink. Leave a no-spill water bowl by his side so he can drink whenever he’d like. 

Provide Stimulation

While you are focused on the drive, use a stuffed toy to keep your active dog stimulated, entertained, and to keep them from gnawing on seatbelts and other items. Belio recommends packing frozen Kongs and safe dog chews. During breaks, play a game of tug or fetch to add exercise to your dog’s day. 

Give Your Dog Space

No matter what type of four-wheeler you are using, give your pooch space of his own to be comfortable and decompress. Avoid stuffing items next to him in the back seat or cramming him in the back of the car without much room. 

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Ideas for dog friendly road trips

By Roadtrippers

The open road beckons us, just like wide open spaces beckon our furry friends to roam free. That’s why we’re gearing up for dog-friendly road trips this year. 

There are many travel options for dog-friendly road trips, but they demand careful planning to ensure you sleep in pet-friendly spots, walk where Fido (or Freya) can join you, and ensure safety over the road.

Let’s dig into dog-friendly road trips — how they work, the best trips to take, and ways to keep everyone safe. Note: This article focuses on dogs because most pet travelers have canine companions, but the majority of these tips will also apply to #AdventureCats. Heck, even pet iguanas, micropigs, ferrets, and many other animal kingdom members can road trip with these planning tips. 

Things to think about for dog-friendly road trips

The key to a successful pet-friendly road trip is to properly plan for safety, stays, and stops . Let’s see how to do that:

Safety first

It’s never a good idea to let pets roam free in a moving car. Snag a crate or a pet safety harness to protect your pets from trouble along the road. 

Don’t leave pets unattended in your car, and tote lots of water to keep fur friends hydrated on your journey. 

And we know you’ve seen tons of photos of doggo hanging their head out the car window, but don’t let yours do that. It’s dangerous and dries out their eyes. 

Car time management

Your pet has more legs to stretch than you do. Plan extra stops to get them running around. Also, don’t leave furball unattended in your car. 

Pack snacks for all living creatures on your road trip to keep everyone happy and energized.

Plan out dog-friendly hotels and restaurants

Autopilot™ is our pet-friendly road trip planner that can help you map out these stops. If you tell Autopilot™ that you’re traveling with pets, it’ll use data from over 38 million real-life road trips to find pet-friendly recommendations along your route.

It’s important to gather information ahead of time about any pet fees or other pet restrictions at lodging and camping along your route. Many hotels won’t let you leave pets unattended while you’re out for the day, so be sure to check that too. 

Restaurants can also be tricky due to health codes. Search for grub spots with outdoor patios, and always double-check if pets are allowed.

Veterinary needs

Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date before the trip. Bring the vaccination card with you, as authorities may ask for it. 

Save your Vet’s number in case anything happens along the way, and scope out animal clinics anytime you stay in one spot for more than a few days.

Ideas for dog-friendly road trips

Road trips are (usually) more fun when every living creature under your roof tags along. Here are some of the best ideas we’ve found for pet-friendly road trips:

Pet-friendly national park adventures

National park pet rules vary widely from park to park. Parks like Glacier have to protect their native species and guard against bear encounters, so pets are generally prohibited there. On the other paw, Maine’s Acadia National Park is widely regarded as one of America’s most dog-friendly national parks, featuring over 100 miles of trails you can walk with your fur ranger.   

This all boils down to national park road trips being great for pets if you pick the right parks to visit. That’s why we put together this guide for enjoying dog-friendly national parks .

And here’s a road trip we built featuring all dog-friendly national parks:

Pet-friendly state park scampering

Pet-friendly state parks are excellent options for road trips that roam closer to home. Like national parks, pet rules vary from park to park on state lands. 

Here’s a road trip we put together with some of our favorite pet-friendly state parks:

Also, check out this guide on the best state parks in America to find a pet-friendly option near you.

Pet-friendly campgrounds

Where you stay can be one of the best parts of the journey, especially if you park at pet-friendly campgrounds that offer dog parks, nature trails, and more. Campgrounds and RV parks like these can enhance your road trip as you build lasting memories along the dog trails and around the campfire.

Our pals over at BringFido built this guide to campgrounds in every state that offer fur-friendly amenities . 

Autopilot™ by Roadtrippers can also help you build a circuit that features the best pet-friendly stays along the way. 

Dog-friendly hiking and backpacking

Road trips and the outdoors go hand in hand. Tackling the trail with doggo in tow enhances the experience of reconnecting with nature. That’s why road trips with pet-friendly trail excursions are a fun bet. Here’s how to safely hike with pets , and check out AllTrails’ list of the 10 best dog-friendly trails in the U.S.  

Dog-friendly car museums

For a slightly wacky (but fitting) road trip idea, check out these dog-friendly car museums along your route . We can think of no better way to celebrate road-tripping than to make a pit stop at these spots honoring the bygone days of muscle cars, the adrenaline-pumping history of drag racing, and the origins of the automobile itself. 

And here’s another trip we put together featuring the coolest car museums in the U.S. (give these ones a call to check on dog-friendliness):

Dog-friendly small towns

If you’re road-tripping from the city, small towns are a splendid escape for you and your animal pals. The right picks feature fun history, spacious parks, cool culture, and dog-friendly vibes. 

Check out these guides we put together for small-town road trips in every region of the country. 

Autopilot™ , our pet-friendly AI trip planner, can help with this too. 

Dog-friendly island hopping

America has a surprising number of inland and seaside islands. While you’ll usually have to ditch the car to head to the island itself (although some islands offer car ferries), road trips and island jumping make for a fun combination. 

Spots like Blennerhasset Island and Mackinac Island are inland lands that are nonetheless surrounded by water on all four sides. 

Blennerhasset is uber dog friendly, featuring fun trails, the dog-friendly Blennerhasset Hotel , and the pet-friendly Parkersburg Brewing Company.  

Mackinac Island is the iconic Great Lakes island where cars can’t roam, but dogs can. 

Seaside islands like Jekyll Island, GA , Block Island, RI, and the San Juan Islands in Washington are well-known dog-friendly trotting grounds. 

Dog-friendly road trips are a breeze with proper planning. Pet-friendly trip planners like Autopilot™ can help take the guesswork out of this process by using info from real-life trips taken by real-life pet owners. We hope the tips above help you take a tail-wagging journey very soon.

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HOME / BLOG / Road Trips Planning A Road Trip With Pets

Planning A Road Trip With Pets

• By Amy at GoPetFriendly.com
• July 3, 2024

You’ve been dreaming about it forever, and it’s finally happening … you’re planning a road trip with your pets! With a little preparation and some forethought, your trip will come off without a hitch.

You can almost feel the wind in your hair (or fur). And just imagining all the new sights and scents along the way is giving you goosebumps. It’s going to be fantastic! But before your next road trip with pets, there’s some work to do. We’ll walk you through the steps to planning a pet friendly road trip that you’ll never forget.

Steps To Planning A Pet Friendly Road Trip

Step 1: choose your destination.

The first thing to decide when planning your road trip is where to go! If you’re moving, visiting family or friends, or traveling for some other purpose, the end point of your trip might already be set.

If you’re planning a vacation and the options are wide open, choosing a destination can feel overwhelming. Start by imagining your perfect getaway. Do you see yourself relaxing on the beach ? Hiking a mountain trail ? Admiring the landscape at a pet friendly national park ? Picturing yourself in your ideal location will help you determine the “goal” of your trip.

READ MORE ⇒ Best Dog Friendly National Parks in America

Next, decide how many days you’ll be away and how many of them want to spend driving. Maybe you want to make a bee-line to and from your destination, maximizing the amount of time you spend there. Or perhaps the joy is in the journey, and you want your road trip to have shorter driving, lots of breaks from the car, and the opportunity to explore some sights along the route.

There is no right or wrong answer. In fact, we’ve done both types of trips! And we’ve found that it’s also important to consider your pet’s needs when determining your dog friendly road trip style.

Puppies and dogs on their first road trip might appreciate more frequent stops and shorter driving days. Whereas well-traveled pets might be comfortable with longer trips while they sleep for long stretches in the car.

The time of year you’ll be traveling might also impact your decision. Road trips in the winter, when the weather can be unpredictable, might call for longer drives while the conditions are good. Summer trips, on the other hand, might have you breaking up the day. You could spend the cooler mornings and evenings enjoying the sites, and do your driving in the afternoon when the temps are highest.

The most important thing is to plan your road trip so that you and your pets enjoy the journey. Whether you’re an early riser or prefer to sleep in and then linger over your morning coffee — everyone is different, so do what makes you happy! Once you choose your destination and decide how much time you’ll take getting there your road trip plan will start taking shape.

READ MORE ⇒ The Ultimate Pet Friendly American Road Trip

Step 2: Envision Your Route

It’s totally old-school, but I believe the best way to plan a cross country road trip is on a paper map. So pick up a road atlas or grab maps of the states you’ll be visiting and let’s get started!

READ MORE ⇒ Route 66 – Pet Friendly Sights From Chicago to Santa Monica

Planning your road trip on a real map gives you a great visual of your route. It also makes it easy to prioritize when several interesting attractions are located close together. Laying out your plans on a map also gives you perspective on the distances you’ll be traveling each day and helps you keep in mind what’s coming up down the road.

Find your beginning and ending points and start by highlighting the most direct route between where you are and where your road trip will take you. Then, using different colors, circle places along the way that you might visit — from stops you REALLY want to see, to places that could make convenient breaks.

Keep in mind that the most direct route isn’t necessarily the best way to go. Your road-tripping style and the amount of time you’re planning to spend traveling will determine whether you’ll be sticking to the highways or taking the backroads.

Step 3: Plan Your Stops

The most common mistake people make when planning a road trip is trying to do too much. It’s a problem with the way our brains work. We find the most popular 1,000 things to do, pack it all into a one-week itinerary, make the reservations, and then freak out when things go sideways. That’s no way to spend a vacation!

Flexibility is key when you’re traveling with pets. The weather might not be ideal on the day you planned to hike. Or, you could decide that you just want to lay on the beach on the day you scheduled a guided walking tour. So, tread lightly when planning your stops.

We prefer to keep a list of “ideas” and only make reservations for things that will ruin our road trip if it’s booked up when we get there. In reality, you can often call at the last minute and find availability for at most places. And with no deposits to lose, you’ll feel more free, which is what vacations are about, after all!

While we recommend underestimating how much you can do, we also encourage you to keep your trusty road trip map and “list of ideas” handy. If you’re fortunate enough to have some free time, check your map to see what’s close and allow serendipity to fill the gaps in the most spectacular ways!

Step 4: Book Where You’ll Stay

One thing you will want to book in advance is where you’ll staying during your road trip. Reserving pet friendly hotels, vacation rentals, or campgrounds can be a tricky proposition, and not having your accommodations lined up can cause a lot of stress.

As you review the map you’ve been marking up, calculate the time it will take to drive between different points along the route. Add some time for bathroom breaks, eating, and filling the car with gas. Also consider the time you’d like to spend at attractions and rest stops along the way.

Then, using all of this information, decide where you want to end each day of your road trip and circle those locations on the map.

READ MORE ⇒ Pet Policies For All U.S. Hotel Chains

With the locations where you’ll be spending the night determined, you can start searching for  pet friendly lodging . GoPetFriendly is a great place to start! Type in the name of the city you’ll be visiting, then click “Lodgings” at the top of the page. You can compare the pet friendly hotels and accommodations available, as well as their pet polices. From there, you can explore pet friendly restaurants, activities, and service providers in the area.

While more and more accommodations are welcoming pets, not all places are equally pet friendly! These questions will help you narrow down the best places to stay with your pet:

Do you accept pets?  

Hotel and vacation rental pet polices change quickly, so it’s important to verify that the property you’re considering still welcomes pets.

Are some areas off limits to pets?  

Pets are generally not allowed in breakfast areas, restaurants, pools, and fitness rooms. Ask up front and be sure you can live with the pet policies and restrictions.

Do you charge additional pet fees?  

This is where pet friendliness really shows. Some hotels welcome pets to stay for free, while others heap on additional charges that can add up to more than the nightly room rate!

Be sure you have a clear understanding of the cost before making your reservation. Determine whether the fee is per night or for the entire stay, and whether it’s per pet or fixed regardless of the number of pets. Also ask if any portion of the fee is refundable if the hotel room isn’t damaged during your stay.

READ MORE ⇒ Hotel Chains Where Pet Stay Free

Are there any weight or breed restrictions?

It’s common for accommodations to impose weight restrictions. If you’ve found an option that’s a perfect in every way – except that your pup is a little too big – ask if they’ll make an exception. Most hotels have a little wiggle room in their size limitations and will try to accommodate you when asked.

How many pets are allowed per room?  

When you travel with multiple pets, this is an important consideration. Some pet friendly hotels only allow one pet per room.

Can pets be left unattended?  

Determining whether you can leave your pet alone in the hotel room while you step out for something to eat or to run an errand helps you plan appropriately.

Hotels are primarily concerned with two things when pets are left unattended: damage to the room, and barking that disturbs other guests. To alleviate those concerns, some hotels require crates for pets when you’re away. And following our tips for a quiet stay will help ease any worries about barking.

What pet amenities does the hotel offer?  

The most important amenity is always a convenient, grassy pet relief area. But some pet friendly hotels also provide treats at check-in, pet beds and bowls in the room, doggy room service menus, spa treatments, and pet sitting services.

It’s always a nice treat when your hotel has a restaurant with a pet friendly patio. And some dog friendly hotels even host a “yappy hour” in the lobby each evening! Deciding how much to pamper your pet is entirely up to you. Another nice perk to ask about is whether there’s a dog park nearby!

Step 5: Prepare Your Vehicle

With your route planned and your accommodations booked, the next step is making sure your car is “pet ready.” Coming home together safely is the most important part of any trip, so be sure you have a way of securing your pet while you’re traveling.

A crate, carrier, or car harness will prevent your pet from making an unannounced visit to check the view from the back seat or your lap while you’re driving, and will protect you both in case of an accident.

READ MORE ⇒ Best Crash-Tested Dog Harnesses For Traveling By Car

If you’re using a crate or carrier, be sure it’s attached to the floor or the seat belt so it doesn’t become a projectile in an accident. Also remember to deactivate the airbag for any seat your pet will be occupying.

If your pet isn’t used to buckling up in the car, the sooner you get him comfortable with the idea, the better!

Start by allowing him to explore his new carrier or crate, or wear harness, in the house. As he gets more familiar with his new travel gear, take him for short drives to fun places. Take it slow, and before you know it, he’ll be road trip ready.

Step 6: Talk To Your Vet

When planning your road trip, call your veterinarian to confirm that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and discuss any possible health concerns that might exist where you’ll be traveling.

Also ask about possible remedies for car sickness, diarrhea and restlessness – just in case!

Finally, consider having your pet micro-chipped, or update your contact information if your pet’s already chipped. It would be a nightmare, but pets do become separated from their people while traveling. Shelters, animal hospitals, veterinary clinics and humane societies have scanners that read the chips, so they can quickly notify you of your pet’s recovery.

READ MORE ⇒ What To Do If Your Puppy Gets Motion Sickness

Step 7: Polish Your Pup’s P’s and Q’s

You can avoid embarrassing and potentially dangerous situations by teaching your dog reliable Come, Heel, Quiet, and Settle commands. Practice is the key!

Before setting out on your road trip, test your progress somewhere with a lot of distractions, like an outdoor café, beach, or dog park.

READ MORE ⇒ Training Your Dog To Travel

Step 8: Gather The Gear

Pets need a lot of stuff when they go on vacation! This checklist will help you gather the things you’ll want to take along for your furry friend.

• Food and Treats – For canned food, don’t forget the can opener!
• All Medications, Vitamins, and Supplements – Bring any monthly medications that your pet will need to take while you’re away.
• Drinking Water – If your pet’s stomach is easily upset, take along drinking water from home.
• Food and Water Bowls
• Your pet’s Bed and a couple of Toys
• Current Identification Tag – Include your cell phone number or other phone number where you can be reached while you are away.
• Leash – Many places require your pet be on a leash no longer than six feet. If you want to give your pet more freedom and exercise, but not risk being off-leash, pack a long-line leash as well.
• Litter Box and Litter for cats
• A roll of Paper Towels for muddy paws and other messes
• An old Towel in case of rain or after swimming
• First Aid Kit
• Proof of Vaccinations
• Medical Records – Scan all important documents to a USB drive and you’ll have them with you in case your pet gets sick or injured.
• Photos of your Pet – In case you get separated, have a current photo handy so you can create posters quickly.

READ MORE ⇒ What Should You Pack When Traveling With Your Cat?

Step 9: Stick To The Routine

Whether they show it or not, many pets feel anxious when they’re away from home. You can help relieve their stress by sticking to your pet’s normal feeding and exercise schedule.

Set an alarm to remind you when meal time is approaching. And plan time each day to let your dog stretch, run, and burn off some energy. Because it’s their vacation, too!

Setting aside time for a nice walk before you hop in the car and another stroll at the end of the day means you’ll have less time behind the wheel. But experiencing the places you stay with your pet is part of the fun of road tripping together!

Making more frequent stops is also part of traveling with your pet. Figure on taking a break from driving every two hours or so to let your pup stretch his legs, sniff what’s new, and get a drink of water.

Step 10: Roll With It

No matter how much effort you put into planning your pet friendly road trip, things sometimes go wrong. When they do, you can choose to let it ruin your day, or see it as a new adventure.

Pets are great teachers in that they’re never attached to the outcome. Where you end up, how many places you see along the way … it’s all irrelevant to your pet. He just wants to be with you and have fun.

If you can embrace that mindset, you’ll see every detour as an opportunity, and you and your pet will grow closer for the experience.

Remember To Be Considerate

When you travel with your pet, you are an ambassador for all pet travelers – so make a good impression! Abide by the rules of the places you visit, always keep your pet on-leash, and clean up after him.

The inconsiderate behavior of a few can lead to unfortunate repercussions for future pet travelers and local pet owners.

This advance preparation takes some time, but it’s the secret to planning a pet friendly road trip that’s enjoyable for everyone. And, most importantly, you’ll be making memories with your best friend that will last a lifetime.

Waggin’ trails!

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How To Road Trip With Your Dog: 15 Practical Tips

Want road trip with your dog? Here’s 15 practical tips I’ve learned traveling with two dogs.

Taking your dog on a road trip can be super enjoyable – and super stressful. When my boyfriend Ryan and I got our first dog, an Australian Shepard/Border Collie puppy named Charlie, it took a while for him to get adjusted to traveling with us. I remember one of the first nights we had him in my van, Charlie got scared and straight-up peed all over my lap.

Now, we travel with two dogs – Charlie and Gumbo – and never leave them behind. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your dog stays happy and comfortable in the car, and in this blog post, I share 15 tips for road trips with your dog.

Planning a trip with your dog? Here are 15 dog road trip tips to ensure a safe (and fun!) time.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Tips for Road Trips With Your Dog

1. have up-to-date dog tags.

Have you moved since you got your dog? Make sure your contact info on their dog tag is up-to-date in case your dog somehow gets away. The same goes for the contact information associated with their microchip.

2. Bring a copy of your dog’s vaccination record & pack a first aid kit

If you are on your road trip and your dog either gets sick or needs to be boarded for a day, you will need a copy of your dog’s vaccination records . Usually, a copy on your phone will suffice, but you can also keep a copy in your glove box for safekeeping.

I also recommend traveling with a dog first aid kit which includes an assortment of dressings, bandages, and tools like the splinter picker/tick remover to remove ticks, thorns, or those pesky fox tails from your dog’s paws and body.

3. Give them their own dedicated comfortable space in the car

Don’t pack your car to the brim to the point where you dog has to squeeze between luggage with barely enough room to lay down. Compare that to the middle seat on a 10 hour, oversold flight. No one wants that, and your dog doesn’t either. The more room and dedicated space they have, the better behaved they’ll be.

Bring a  dog bed , a yoga mat , a  blanket , or even a foam sleeping pad  that you can fold in half.

4. Use positive reinforcement & reward your dog with treats

A well-trained dog is going to be easier to road trip with than a dog that is constantly misbehaving. We’ve trained our dogs using the positive reinforcement technique . What that means is when they do what they are told, we reward them with a treat.

For example, when Charlie first jumps up in the van, he gets a treat which shows him that getting in the van without being coerced is what he’s supposed to do. Then if we stop at a gas station, and he goes to the bathroom, he gets a treat. Then when we call him back into the car, and he jumps in, he gets another treat. On the road, if we are eating lunch in the car, and he sits quietly in the back without begging, he gets a treat.

Over time, they learn to simply do that desired behavior, treat or not, but when you first begin to road trip with your dog, positive reinforcement with treats is a helpful tool.

5. Always give your dog access to water

Your dog shouldn’t have to wait until you stop for gas to get a drink of water. Get a small stable water bowl that you can put on the floor by your backseat and let them drink at their leisure.

6. Don’t ignore their bathroom needs on long drives

If you have to pee, your dog does too. Even if you are in a hurry to get to your destination, you need to take a few extra minutes whenever you stop to let your dog out to do their business. Just like humans need to get out and stretch their legs on long drives, so do dogs. Do a couple of quick laps around the parking lot with your dog to make sure they’re not just sitting in a car for hours.

7. Get toys that will last

Quality toys are an important thing to pack and this is a dog road trip tip that is often overlooked. Toys help keep your pup occupied and provides mental stimulation. Charlie destroys his toys pretty quickly. He loves ripping them apart and spreading the stuffing all over everything, leaving a mess for us to clean up. When we road trip, we try to bring toys that are more durable, so they don’t fall apart one day into our trip.

A few toys I like to keep on hand are a  frisbee ,  ball , or another toy (consider a  glow in the dark one  for nighttime stops). If your dog is into fetch, a quick way to get a lot of exercise is a chuck-it ball thrower . You’ll throw the ball much further than you can with your arm, meaning the dog runs a lot further in a shorter period of time. Plus with the chuck-it, you won’t have to touch that slobber-covered ball with your bare hands.

8. Find the local dog park

When you arrive in a new town, an easy way to blow off your dog’s steam is to stop by the local dog park . They will be bursting with energy, and it’s a good way to socialize them as well. Not sure where to go? This website has listings for nearly every town, and I’ve found them to be fairly accurate.

9. Camp rather than stay at hotels

Camping gives your pup more space to roam and can often be easier than finding pet-friendly hotels. While many campgrounds allow dogs on leashes, we prefer to dispersed camp so Gumbo and Charlie can be off-leash and have more freedom.

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10. Bring a collapsable crate for your hotel stays

For those times when you do stay at a hotel or Airbnb, a crate is a great tool to help your dog feel safe in a foreign environment. Even if you simply don’t trust your dog to not destroy your car when you are in a restaurant, then consider bringing a crate with you on the road trip. A collapsible crate is best because it won’t take up room in your car when you aren’t using it.

You’ll want to practice with the crate before your road trip (ideally when your dog is a puppy). The key is making the crate feel like their home. You can put an old sweatshirt that smells like you inside the crate, along with a few toys to make the dog feel more comfortable. Then use the positive reinforcement method mentioned above when they get into the crate, rewarding them with a treat.  Never use the crate to punish your dog or you will get the opposite result. Here’s a good resource if you are looking for more tips on how to crate train your dog.

11. Know your car is going to get dirty

Dogs are messy little creatures. Some shed, some slobber, and all of them get dirty. There’s no way around it and the best way to deal is to accept it. Don’t get mad at them for being dirty. Hopefully, the dirt means they were having a lot of fun, which is the entire point.

If you are worried about your car, seat covers and a portable car vacuum will go a long way. If your dog tends to roll around in poop or heavy mud, you can carry a short hose in your car and rinse the dog off at the nearest water hookup. Quick-dry towels are also convenient for drying dogs off when they get wet.

12. Know the regulations in your destination

Don’t show up somewhere assuming it’s dog-friendly. Most national parks, for example, have strict regulations about dogs. Pets aren’t allowed on most trails and must be kept on short leashes in campgrounds. If this doesn’t sound like the kind of vacation you want to have with your dog, go somewhere else . The bummer is when you don’t do the research ahead of time and show up after a long day of driving only to find out your dog isn’t allowed.

If you are dead set on a destination that isn’t dog-friendly, look on Yelp for highly-rated dog boarding services near the place you are visiting or find a local dog sitter on Rover. For example, during our ski vacation in Sun Valley, we dropped Charlie off at doggie daycare for the day while we skied, and it only cost us $20. We came home tired, and so did he.

13. Don’t leave your dog in the car on a hot day

The inside of your car gets hot when left in the sun on a summer day –   if it’s too hot in the car for you to be comfortable, it’s also too hot for your pet.  Be aware of this and don’t leave your dog sitting unattended for a long time in the heat . Use your common sense. Dogs can die in cars and you don’t want to lose your best friend to carelessness.

If you must leave them for a few minutes, crack the windows and you might even consider putting a portable battery-operated fan in your car to keep them cool. Reflective windshield covers also help keep the temperature down in your vehicle.

14. Pick up after your dog

Don’t be the jerk who doesn’t pick up after their dog. Not only is it gross to look at, or worse, step on, dog poop pollutes waterways. We like to keep a hearty supply of poop bags in the car so we are always prepared to pick up after our dogs.

15. Be aware of wildlife

We just got back from road tripping in Yellowstone, where it was very important to abide by leash laws at the campgrounds. Our campground host told us that bears and elk often strolled through camp, and the last thing we wanted was Charlie loose and barking at a bear. The point is you should know about the local wildlife and make smart choices so your dog doesn’t end up a bear’s next meal.

Are we missing any dog road trip tips? Or do you have questions? Share in the comments below !

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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17 Comments

I’ve been traveling with my dogs for most of my adult life, starting when my now 52 year old No. 1 Son was about 2 1/2. Your points are well taken.

On providing water, the best water bowl I’ve found is called a Water Hole Pet Dish. It’s probably available elsewhere, but I’ve bought several from Camping World, http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/water-hole-pet-dish/3496 . It can be kept full and doesn’t spill (unless it gets dumped upside down). Conveniently, it holds about the same amount of water as a Nalgene bottle.

On bathroom breaks, every dog I’ve had has been easy to train to “go piddle” on command. That’s the next step after house breaking. Whatever term one wants to use, like every other training word, it’s necessary to be consistent. It really helps to shorten the rest stops, by telling the dog what needs to be done, rather than just relying on the smells of the dog walk area.

We like to think that our dogs should just do what we want because they love us, and to an extent, that’s true, but I agree with you that most training is more successful if there’s a reward. My current best friend, Molly (13+ year old Golden Retriever), is so conditioned that as soon as she comes in from outside, she expects a biscuit and will stand by the biscuit jar for a long time if nobody reacts. Same in the car–as soon as she comes back in from doing anything we’ve asked, she expects a biscuit. It works. Although I’ve always had bigger dogs, I buy small biscuits, so that there aren’t too many calories coming just from biscuits.

I enjoy your emails and blogs.

Thanks for this, it’s very useful! Were currently planning a 2-week road trip with our one-year-old dog and a puppy. We’re used to doing 6-8hr trips with dogs but spending that long in a van with two pups will be interesting. I need all the tips I can get!

What an informative list of great suggestions for traveling with your dog! I train and take care of dogs every day and you came up with some suggestions that I wouldn’t have thought of. I will be sharing this information with one of my clients that’s planning a road trip with their dog. As a trainer, if you don’t mind me adding to your tip about using positive reinforcement, when you reward a dog with a treat you should always give verbal praise a second before delivering the treat. The praise will eventually elicit a conditioned response that will feel as good as getting the treat.

Thank You, Neville Mistri http://www.doglifepro.com

Thanks for the advice that it’s best to keep my dog’s vaccination record in hand in case he gets sick during a road trip. Since I just got him, I think I’ll take him to a professional to have his vaccines taken care of. I got him from a shelter last week, and since the people in the shelter are giving vaccinations for a fee, and I had no money that time for one, I had to postpone his injection in the meantime, so now I’m looking for a place where I can get some since I have the budget for it now.

• Pingback: 14 Fun Things To Do With Your Dog - The Dog Care Guide
• Pingback: Tips For Roadtripping With Your Dog - MrMax Online

Thoughts on battery powered air conditioners when leaving dogs in the car?

Unfortunately, we don’t have any experience with battery-powered air conditioners.

Really great tips to keep mind to have a good time with the family now that summer is here! Thanks very much.

Excellent tips, especially about being aware of wildlife. We recently camped at Caprock Canyons State Park, where they have free roaming bison, and it was quite a shock to open the RV door and to take our dog out in the middle of the night, only to find that a herd of bison had bedded down just outside our trailer.

Troy and Melissa http://www.Woofthebeatenpath.com

That would make for an interesting middle-of-the-night experience!

I’m taking my Jack Russell with me on a 1200 drive to my parent’s house next week. Two things I would add here is: secure your dog in the car. I have a harness and short attachment lead so I can clip him to the seat. I don’t want him suddenly flying around the car if I have to hit the brakes. Also it will keep him safe when I stop, so he can’t rush out the door when I open it. He’s trained not to, but there are some moments where he can’t resist. Regarding leaving him the car while I hit a restroom or run in for food, I took my Subaru to the dealership the other day, and they set the car so it will keep running while I’m away from it with the fob. I will manually lock the door, flipping the door lock with my finger inside, and then get out. When I come back to the car, I’ll use the small key inside the fob to unlock the door. He can wait a few minutes in locked, air conditioned comfort while I take care of things.

i use a 50′ leash and i don’t pick up crap. Don’t like it, then lump it…

Great list but I would suggest the dogs ride in a well made crate for their safety. No , it might not be quite as much fun for them but it could save their life.

Hi Carolyn, thanks for the tip!

The only thing that I would add is to have a pet first aid kit easily available. You never know what you might need it.

Hi Gretchen, great suggestion. I just added that to our post – thank you!

Car Travel with Dogs: Plan the Perfect Road Trip!

By Author Tara Schatz

Posted on Published: March 28, 2024

Categories Traveling with Dogs , Gear and Clothing , Planning , Travel Tips

You’re planning a monumental road trip, and you’d love nothing more than to bring along your favorite canine companion to share in your adventures.

Should you do it? Will your dog cause problems, make your life miserable, and suffer from incredible boredom sitting in the car day after day?

Whether or not you should road trip with dogs depends totally on you, your dogs, and your lifestyle, but I promise that fabulous, inspiring road trips have been achieved with adventurous dogs since the invention of the automobile.

While I won’t be the one to tell you that car travel with dogs is easy, I will absolutely advocate for traveling with dogs in the right circumstances.

We have taken numerous road trips with our dogs over the years and currently travel with our two amazing black labs, Flynn and Malinda. They love riding in the car, exploring new places, and checking out the best restaurant patios.

Kind of like us!

For the most part, dogs love traveling, and there’s no doubt that your pup cherishes time with you above everything else, so let’s try to make it work.

First, let’s decide if car travel with dogs is right for you and your favorite companion.

You Should Absolutely Take a Road Trip With Your Dog if…

• You have room in your car, RV, or camper .
• Your dog enjoys traveling and doesn’t get car sick.
• Your pup is up-to-date on vaccinations.
• Your dog responds to basic commands and is socialized to people and other dogs.
• You are passionate about an active lifestyle.
• You are willing to do some research to find lodging and restaurants that will accommodate your dog.
• You are willing to skip over attractions and destinations that aren’t dog-friendly.
• You are able to make arrangements so that your dog does not have to sit in a hot car while you shop, eat, or explore.
• You’re planning on staying at campgrounds and doing a lot of hiking, swimming, and other activities that are just more fun with dogs.  

You Should Think Very Carefully About Car Travel with Dogs if…

• Your dog won’t have much room in your car, RV, or camper.
• You don’t think you’ll have time to give your dog the exercise and attention he needs.
• Your dog doesn’t respond to or follow basic commands.
• You plan to spend a lot of time in big cities, national parks, or other destinations that aren’t dog-friendly.
• Your dog gets car sick.
• Your dog loves being at home and you have someone who is willing to care for him.

You Should Definitely Not Travel with Your Dog if…

• Your dog is aggressive with people or other dogs.
• Your dog is not trained and hasn’t been socialized.
• Your dog suffers from anxiety or another illness that would make traveling painful for both of you.

Every dog is different, and it’s important to think carefully about logistics before planning a road trip with dogs. If your dog is up for the adventure, and you’re willing to plan your trip around your dog’s needs, I say go for it!

If the thought of adjusting every aspect of your trip around your dog makes you cringe, you may want to reconsider, but as far as I’m concerned, most road trips are simply better with dogs!

To plan a successful road trip with dogs, it’s important to consider your pup’s needs from the very beginning. We have had the best luck road-tripping with dogs on vacations that focus on outdoor activities, at least in part.

Outdoor vacations work for us because our whole family prefers being outside. That’s not to say that you can’t plan for other indoor-based activities while road-tripping with your dog, it will just take a little more work.

Here are some planning tips that will help you plan for a fabulous dog-friendly road trip. 

Where to Stay with Your Dog on Your Road Trip

The biggest piece to the road-tripping puzzle, whether you travel with dogs or not, is deciding where to stay.

If you’re road-tripping in the USA, you will be happy to know that hotels and other accommodations are becoming more and more dog-friendly. There are even hotel chains where pets always stay free.

Where you choose to spend the night with your dog on your road trip will depend a lot on the level of comfort you want and the price you’re willing to pay, but here are some great ideas for lodging with pets while traveling. 

Camp with Your Dog Inside Your RV or Camper at a Campground

If this is your situation, you’re in good shape. Your dog can have free run of the camper, can be left alone, provided that it’s not too hot, and will be able to frolic in the great outdoors with you by his side.

Taking an RV or camper on a road trip with your dog is a win-win for everyone involved, and will probably create the least hassle too.

Camp with Your dog Inside a Tent at a Campground

 Tent camping while on a road trip is an inexpensive way to see the country, and it’s probably our favorite way to road trip with dogs. We prefer car travel to RVs, and we often travel on a budget.

When tent camping, both dogs and people get plenty of exercise, which makes long days on the road much more tolerable. There are, however, a few downsides to tent camping with dogs.

Have you ever slept in a tent with a wet dog? I promise you, this won’t be high on your list of favorite activities !

The other thing to know is that most campgrounds don’t allow you to leave your dog unattended, which means, for better or worse, your furry friend will be by your side on every excursion you take.

Still, tent camping is our favorite way to stretch a dollar while road-tripping , whether we’re traveling with dogs or not. 

Camping may not come naturally to your dog, so I recommend doing some trial runs close to home before setting out on a camping road trip with your dog.

Also Read: The Complete Guide to Camping with Dogs

Stay with Your Dog in a Cabin at a Campground  

Cabin camping with dogs is an option well worth exploring, especially if tent camping seems a bit overwhelming. Many park cabins don’t permit dogs, but over the past few years, it’s been easier to find dog-friendly spots.

Be sure to do your research ahead of time, and you may find some great options for you and your pooch. 

Stay with Your Dog in a Dog-Friendly Hotel

 If you’re just passing through, any hotel or motel that allows dogs will serve its purpose, but some places go above and beyond, making your dog feel like the family member that he is.

Bringfido.com helps you search for dog-friendly lodging, and it’s available as a mobile app so you can find hotels on the fly.  

Our favorite dog-friendly hotel chain is Kimpton, where dogs always stay free, and there are no size or breed restrictions. Kimpton Hotels go above and beyond to make you and your dogs feel welcome. 100% worth paying a little extra!

When staying with dogs in a hotel, we always bring a crate and we always ask for a room on the ground floor so we can get in and out easily. 

Stay with Your Dog in a Vacation Rental

There are some real benefits to staying in vacation rentals (like Airbnb or VRBO ) when traveling with dogs, especially if you plan to spend more than a single night in the places you visit.

We love having a kitchen to cook our meals, and being able to occasionally leave our dogs behind so that we can go to museums, shopping, etc.

Dog-friendly vacation rentals make traveling a little bit easier, but the cost is often higher than staying in a hotel.

Bonus: staying in a vacation rental with your puppy is also a great learning opportunity that can help pups grow into confident, well-mannered dogs.

What to Pack for Car Travel with Dogs

Planning and packing for your dog-friendly road trip is part of the fun (at least for me it is). Here’s everything you need to keep your dog happy and healthy on the road.

• Dog food – Ask your dog, and he’ll tell you that his food is the most important thing for you to pack. If you’re taking your dog on a long trip, you may also want to buy a special dog kibble carrier, which will keep odors down and help you save room on your road trip. 
• Vaccination information – Many hotels and campgrounds require that you provide them with your dog’s most up-to-date vaccination records. Don’t leave home without them. You don’t need a hard copy, just take a photo of the records and keep them on your phone.

• Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention – No matter where you travel, there’s a good chance you’ll run into biting insects, and ticks that carry Lyme disease are now found in 49 states. Whatever method you use for prevention, be sure to pack it when you road trip with your dog. 
• A travel bed – If you have room in your vehicle, your dog’s regular bed from home will be just fine. If you’re short on space, check out this awesome dog travel bed from ChuckIt! , which comes with its own stuff sack. This bed is one of our best purchases. It’s cheap, water-resistant, and washable, and your dog will feel more comfortable knowing he has is own space when you stop for the night.

• Bones and toys – Bones are great for chewing in the car, and balls and toys can be useful when you reach your destination. What you buy will depend on what your dog enjoys, but our labs never outgrow their Nylabones and Benebones. 
• Food and water bowls – They don’t take up much space, but if every square inch counts, check out the Kurgo collapsible travel bowl . It’s totally packable and perfect for hiking and canoe trips too.
• Poop bags. For obvious reasons.

Tips for Car Travel with Dogs

Take some of the stress out of your road trip by planning for what to do if your dog gets sick or lost while traveling. Here are a few tips for car travel with dogs.

• Make sure your dog wears his tags . The tag should include your name, address, and phone number. Don’t forget to include your cell phone number in case your dog is lost on the road.
• Keep your dog leashed or under your voice command at all times. Traveling can be a stressful experience for your dog, and even dogs that stay close to you at home may wander when traveling. That’s why it’s extremely important to keep your dog leashed at all times. Well-trained dogs that respond immediately to your voice command will earn more freedom, just use your best judgment.
• Get your pooch microchipped. According to Petfinder , only 22% of lost dogs that entered animal shelters found their way home to their families, while 58% of microchipped dogs were reunited with their loved ones. A microchip is no bigger than a grain of rice, but it could save you and your dog a lot of heartache at home and on the road.
• Prevent car sickness. Did you know that mild cases of nausea and car sickness can be prevented with ginger snaps? This was news to me, but our shepherd puppy just couldn’t deal with the long, winding roads that we love. Someone recommended ginger snaps before long car rides, and our pup has been fine ever since. I recommend one a half hour before travel, and another when you get in the car.
• Keep your dog safe while driving. According to the Whole Dog Journal , the safest way to travel with a dog in the car is by securing them in a dog travel crate.  in the car for your dog is within a secure crate or a harness restraint in the back seat. If you have room for a crate in your car, this is definitely what we’d recommend. Here are some dog travel crates to choose from for your next road trip.
• Don’t have room for a crate? Use a seat belt harness – We travel in a small car, so we have never had room for a large travel crate. Instead, we use a seatbelt harness with our dogs, which keeps them restrained while we’re driving. 
• Get plenty of exercise. This will make long trips bearable for you and your dog. Start each morning with a brisk walk, jog, swim, or hike together. Take shorter walks throughout the day, and another vigorous romp before bed.
• Chew toys make car rides a lot more fun. Dogs are like toddlers sometimes — they can get bored and antsy in the back seat. Protect your sanity, and perhaps your seat cushions, by investing in a stash of chew toys for the trip. Whether your dog loves real bones, Nylabones, or Kongs stuffed with peanut butter, you can keep a stash of his favorites hidden away. When things start to get dicey, break out the goods. Everyone will be happier for it .

For Those Times When You Need a Break from Your Dog

Depending on the nature of your road trip, there’s a good chance you’re going to encounter places that just aren’t dog-friendly.

National parks come to mind, although we’ve visited several of them successfully with dogs. Dogs aren’t welcome in most amusement parks, zoos, shopping centers, museums, and many other places.

Big cities can be hard to navigate with dogs too. Does this mean you have to forgo all these potentially exciting destinations or leave your dog at home? Of course not.

You can easily make use of pet sitters along the way. Rover is the Airbnb of the canine world. Their network includes more than 15,000 sitters across the United States. To make use of this incredible resource, simply create an account before you hit the road, and search by zip code when you need a sitter.

Whether you’re heading to Disneyland for a weekend or just a day in the big city, Rover will match you with the perfect dog sitter at prices that are often cheaper than traditional kennels.

Final Thoughts on Car Travel with Dogs

Embarking on a road trip with your dog is a truly rewarding experience, provided you’ve planned ahead. The important thing is to make accommodations that reflect your pup’s needs.

A trip that focuses on outdoor adventure will probably garner the most tail-wagging, but when it comes down to it, your dog just wants to be by your side.

Read more tips for adventuring with dogs:

• The Complete Guide to Canoeing and Kayaking with Dogs
• Everything You Need to Know About Camping with Dogs
• Our Best Tips for Snowshoeing and Skiing with Dogs
• Summer Adventures are Better with Dogs

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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and travel blogger with a passion for outdoor adventures. She is the co-author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont and currently blogs at Back Road Ramblers and Vermont Explored , where she shares travel tips, adventure destinations, and vacation ideas for the wanderer in everyone.

Michelle Luck

Friday 12th of July 2024

Great article. Surprised no mention of shoes for pups, especially in warmer climates where ground (sand, asphalt, etc) can get extremely hot. This is a definite issue in the summer time going just about anywhere. Protect your pups paws!

Monday 30th of May 2022

I'm glad you mentioned to think about of where you're going will be good for your dog. I love to take my dogs everywhere but last year went on a trip to see wild horses in Northern Colorado and left my dog at home. Having a dog while approaching wild horses wouldn't have been smart. The ground had a lot of small cacti which would have been horrible in her feet. I had no regrets leaving her home. I spent a year trying to figure out how I wanted to roadtrip with my dog.

How to Road Trip With Your Dog: 10 Tips + 10 Essentials

December 2, 2021 December 4, 2021 by Kristin Quinn

We love our dogs so, naturally, we want to take them everywhere with us!

But taking your dog on a long-haul road trip is sometimes easier said than done. In theory, it sounds pretty idyllic. Just you and your furry friend, cruisin’ the highway – windows down, wind in your hair/fur, tunes blaring and nothing but scenic views and unlimited adventures to look forward to.

But alas… the reality of it looks quite different.

Ain’t that always the way?

In a lot of ways, traveling with a dog is almost like traveling with a kid [don’t come for me, parents]. More stuff to pack, more frequent pee breaks, and sometimes, more whining. The good news is, there’s plenty of things you can do to make your road trip more enjoyable – for both you and your dog.

Check out my top essentials [for humans] on long-haul road trips!

As I was writing and researching for this post, I realized there are A TON of frequently asked questions about road trips with dogs. So, in addition to my 2 core sections – road trip gear / essentials and tips – I’ve also included a section at the beginning for FAQs.

Let’s get to it!

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PUPPY ROAD TRIP FAQs:

How often should you stop on long road trips with dogs.

Experts recommend you stop every 2 hours to let your dog stretch his legs and take a potty break. I know this seems way too frequent, but sitting still for that long is tough on your dog’s joints! It doesn’t need to be a particularly long stop, but this is kind of an unavoidable inconvenience when you’re on a road trip with your dog.

My advice? Take your dog for a quick walk every time you stop for gas or food and make good use of rest stops, too! Rest stops are right off the highway, easy to drive in and out of quickly, and usually have large grassy areas where you can walk and play with your pup.

CAN YOU USE BENADRYL AS A WAY TO CALM YOUR DOG IN THE CAR?

The short answer is no. Any medication that is not prescribed by your veterinarian is a no-go, but even if your vet has ok’d Benadryl to treat your pup’s allergies [which is common] you should not dose your dog with Benadryl for any other purposes unless you’ve consulted with a professional first. Dogs can die from overdoses of Benadryl and it is just not worth the risk.

MY PUP GETS ANXIETY IN THE CAR – WHAT CAN I GIVE MY DOG FOR STRESSFUL, LONG ROAD TRIPS?

If your dog has mild anxiety in the car, that’s completely normal, and there are a few different ways you can lessen the stress for your pup.

• Exercise! This is a big one. There is no better, more natural, or more safe method of de-stressing your dog than through exercise. Prior to your road trip, set aside 20 minutes to play fetch or some sort of higher-intensity exercise. This is our tried-and-true calming method with Tuna!
• Incentivize. Whatever your dog loves most [treats, toys, scratches] do those things, in excess, on your road trip! You want your dog to associate car rides with positivity.
• Work Up To It. Start your dog out on shorter trips or, depending on how severe the anxiety is, maybe even start out just sitting in the car for a minute or two. Easing into it is key for pups with travel anxiety!
• CBD Oil. Disclaimer – consult with your vet before giving CBD oil to your dog, always make sure you are dosing correctly and use CBD oil specific to pets [not humans! It’s not exactly interchangeable]. That being said, CBD oil has been pretty effective in treating Tuna’s anxiety but I did notice that the oil works better than the “CBD-infused” dog treats. I would recommend King Canine CBD since it is affordable, well reviewed and I have had nothing but good experiences using it.
• Thundershirt. This method isn’t for everyone – some dogs hate ’em, some dogs love ’em. But if your dog doesn’t mind wearing things like life jackets and costumes, a Thundershirt could be worth a try!
• A Piece of Your Clothing or Something From Home. As long as your dog doesn’t chew things he shouldn’t, something that smells like you [and your home] can be a super helpful calming tool on your road trip. If you have space for it in your car, bringing your dogs bed with you is another good option!

CAN MY DOG RIDE IN THE FRONT [PASSENGER] SEAT?

Short answer on this one: It is unfortunately not safe for your dog to ride in the front seat, even with a seatbelt . This is mostly because of airbags. If airbags were to deploy while your dog is sitting in the front seat, it would likely be a fatal impact.

MUST-HAVE GEAR + ESSENTIALS:

1. first aid kit [for dogs].

I use the Trail Dog First Aid Kit from Adventure Medical Kits . It’s small, lightweight and includes e verything you need for your adventure pup:

• Tweezer / Tick remover
• Gauze, bandages and wraps
• Antiseptic wipes
• Alcohol swabs
• Triple antibiotic ointment
• Saline wound + eye wash
• Antihistamine
• Hydrogen Peroxide [used to induce vomiting if your dog eats something poisonous]

Note: You might be wondering why there is no snake bite kit included [or at least, I was] in this first aid kit. Well, apparently snake bite kits are almost completely useless for both humans and dogs. Who knew!? Snake bite kits usually contain a suction device [to extract venom], a scalpel [to cut around the bite wound] and a constriction band [to slow the spread of venom]. None of these methods are effective and veterinarians advise strongly against all of them, as they can ultimately end up causing more damage to your dog. Your best bet is to keep the wound below heart level, keep your dog as calm as possible, call the nearest emergency vet to let them know you are coming in and will need anti-venom, and move as quickly and safely as possible.

2. collapsible bowl [and plenty of food + water].

I really like this collapsible bowl from Ruffwear ! It’s large, folds flat, and it’s also deep enough and stable enough [due to the square base] that I can actually give Tuna water while we’re driving. Super handy!

Which brings us to water: your dog will likely be drinking more than usual on your road trip [so pack more than you think you’ll need!]. Most dogs have at least slight car anxiety, or at the very least they get excited in the car. An excited dog means more panting, and more panting means more water is needed. Yet another reason that you’ll need to make more frequent pee stops.

As far as food goes, packing enough of it may not seem like a huge deal – after all, you can always find a grocery store if you run out. However you may not be able to find your usual brand of dog food, and the combination of travel stress and introducing new food could be a recipe for disaster! You want to keep things as consistent as possible for your dog, since there’s enough change happening already on your road trip.

You want to make the road trip experience as enjoyable as possible for your dog. What better way to do that than with treats!?

As I’ve discussed before, treats are a great way to incentivize being in the car and help your dog associate car rides with yummy goodness.

Maybe your dog won’t play with toys in the car [or maybe you don’t want him/her to] but you’ll need some toys for your road trip pit-stops and for when you [finally] arrive at your destination.

Tuna is a heaaavy chewer [I can’t leave him alone with regular dog toys for more than 30 seconds without them being destroyed]. Only 2 brands have withstood the wrath of Tuna’s scissorteeth – Kong and Ruffwear . And even with those brands, only the rubber toys will do. My recommendations for tough chewers are as follows:

• The Original Kong
• The Kong Squeezz Ball With Squeaker [Tuna loves this one!]
• The Ruffwear Huck-a-Cone [just don’t let them chew the rope!]
• The Ruffwear Gnawt-a-Rock Treat Dispenser Toy

5. SEAT COVER

This isn’t absolutely essential, but it can make your road trip WAY less stressful. A seat cover will allow you to go on real adventures with your dog without the worry of damaging your upholstery [and trust me, towels just don’t cut it].

If you’re looking for a recommendation, we absolutely LOVE our Ruffwear Dirtbag Seat Cover [ found here on their website , with free shipping!] . It’s definitely worth the extra money for a quality seat cover, especially if you have a big dog like I do. I’ve had a couple friends who opted for a cheaper cover and it couldn’t hold their dogs weight. The straps ended up breaking and it needed to be replaced. The Ruffwear cover is super durable. I have a 70 lb dog who uses this cover as a hammock [meaning he lays in down on the portion that’s hanging over the floor, unsupported] and it has held up great! It’s also waterproof, has a large zip pocket to store goodies in, and covers the ENTIRE seat [there are flaps that hang down over the sides, so every inch of your backseat is protected].

NOTE: It is also compatible with doggy seatbelts! [See #9]

6. FLEA + TICK SPRAY

This is a must-have for adventure dogs! I spray Tuna with it before every hike and every camping trip. I’m convinced that it works! The one time I forgot to reapply it [after Tuna took a swim in a nearby river] I found a nasty little tick in his fur. Yuck!

7. WET WIPES

Wet wipes are a must when traveling with dogs! Whether you’re cleaning up slobber, mud, or some strange unknown substance – you’re gonna be cleaning and you’re gonna want wet wipes!

8. POOP BAGS!

I get it – nobody wants to pick up poop. But it’s so important for more reasons than one! Dog poop can pollute our waterways, introduce foreign bacteria to new areas, and it’s just stinky/unsightly for other visitors. Make sure you bring a big stash of poop bags on your trip and always, always pick up after your pet!

9. DOGGY SEATBELT

I know it’s not the most comfortable thing for your pup to wear, but accidents do happen, and a loose dog during an accident is extremely dangerous. A doggy seatbelt is a hassle, but it can prevent a tragic loss. If you’re anything like me your dog is your baby and, while I feel bad putting something restrictive on him, I know I’d feel worse if something bad were ever to happen.

PRO TIP: Make sure that there’s enough slack in the leash that your dog can move around a little bit, but not so much that he’ll get tangled up.

10. DOG HARNESS + LEASH

A harness is a great alternative to dog collars – especially for road trips! Collars are not only more dangerous than harnesses, they’re also much less comfortable [especially if you’re hooking your dog up to a seatbelt]. Another bonus to using harnesses rather than collars: They are easier to grab + hook up to a leash in a hurry when you’re on-trail. I use the Flagline Harness from Ruffwear , but there are so many great harnesses to choose from!

If you’re looking for a recommendation on leashes, I can’t say enough good things about the Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash [and no, I am not sponsored by Ruffwear – just mildly obsessed with their products]. This leash has been a lifesaver for us. Tuna pulls harder than, I’m convinced, any other dog in existence and he has snapped multiple leashes. The Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash is made of thick, climbing-inspired rope and has a locking carabiner that attaches to your pup’s collar or harness – it’s probably the most durable leash on the market!

NOTE: If you’re planning on camping on your road trip, check out my camping essentials for dogs!

TIPS FOR A COMFY, SAFE + STRESS-FREE ROAD TRIP WITH YOUR DOG:

1. research your destination(s) before you leave.

Is your hotel pet friendly?

How about that hike you’re planning on going on?

Are you visiting a National Park? NOTE: Most of them don’t allow dogs on trails or near lakes/rivers 🙁

When you’re traveling with a dog, you have to do a little extra planning. We’ve come a long way as far as dog-friendliness, but many places still have rules against them – or at the very least, restrictions. Make sure all of your planned activities are dog friendly and that you’re aware of any relevant leash laws!

2. PREP YOUR DOCUMENTS + TAGS

Make sure your tags and chip information are up-to-date in case your dog somehow gets loose! You want your information readily available to whoever finds your dog so he/she can be safely returned to you.

Also, be sure to pack your dog’s medical documents in case there’s an emergency and you need to either board your dog or take him to a veterinarian while you’re away from home.

3. CREATE A COMFORTABLE SPACE FOR YOUR DOG [WITH SOME FAMILIAR BELONGINGS]

Create a designated space for your dog and keep his needs in mind. Some things to consider when choosing a space for your dog:

• Window access. Most dogs enjoy being able to look out the window, and it makes car-sickness less likely.
• Adequate space. Make sure there’s enough space that your dog can change positions and stretch his legs. I usually clear the entire backseat and most of the floor in front of the back seat.
• Familiar items/toys. As long as your dog doesn’t chew on clothes/blankets, it can be helpful to include some familiar things from home for him to snuggle-up with. That can be a shirt [that smells like you], a dog bed or blankets/toys that your dog uses at home. Things that smell like home can be soothing to your pup and reduce stress on long road trips.

4. DOUBLE DOWN ON WATER

Make sure you have more than enough water for both you and your dog. Hydrating is super important, especially on road trips. It’ll help prevent headaches and the dreaded “post-vacation sickness”, and it’ll also keep your pup comfortable and content. Keep in mind, dogs are just as at risk as we are for dehydration! Make sure your dog has access to water whenever he wants or needs it.

5. GIVE YOUR PUP PLENTY OF TREATS + REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOR

You want to make car rides a “happy place” for your dog, so make sure you incentivize road trips! Give your pup a treat every time he gets in the car on his own [or after you put him inside if he can’t, or won’t, get in by himself] and it doesn’t hurt to give him the odd treat throughout the trip, too!

6. TAKE FREQUENT POTTY BREAKS

Experts recommend every 2 hours, which sounds like a LOT, but it’s more than just for potty breaks – it’s to stretch their legs, too. Dogs aren’t used to sitting/laying down for hours on end. Even when they’re just lounging about at home, they’ll get up and move every once in a while. Even just a quick stop on the side of the road is better than nothing at all!

PRO TIP: Try taking advantage of rest stops since they are easier and faster to pull off to than gas station/restaurant stops and usually have large, grassy areas where you can walk your dog.

7. TAKE TIME TO PLAY!

If you can find a quiet place away from the road [BLM land is preferable] or, even better, a nearby dog park – take 5 minutes to play fetch or tug-of-war with your dog! Your dog needs to stretch his legs and likely has a ton of built-up energy to blow off. Sometimes, if I can’t find a place that allows for off-leash play, I’ll just go for a quick jog around the rest stop area. [Emphasis on “quick” since I’m super out-of-shape and also don’t want to be sweaty for the remainder of the car trip].

8. KEEP IT COOL + NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A HOT CAR!

What’s cool for you may not be cool for your dog [who is covered in at least one layer, if not two, of fur]. Pack a warm sweater so you can keep the car cool and comfortable for your pup without freezing yourself!

And on that note, take extra care not to leave your dog unattended in the car. If you’re traveling with a friend or family member it should be easy to keep an eye on your dog. At rest stops, have one person walk the dog while the other goes to the bathroom and then swap out! Two birds, one stone.

If you’re traveling alone, however, try to park in the shade [on hot days] and keep your bathroom breaks as short as possible. Temperatures as low as 70 degrees can become dangerously hot for dogs inside of a car. Lower temperatures can be dangerous too, as they put dogs at risk of hypothermia.

NOTE: If your car doesn’t have tinted windows, it might be worth purchasing UV shades ! They’re pretty inexpensive and they are super easy to put up and take down.

9. SCOUT OUT THE LOCAL DOG PARK

When you arrive at your destination, do a quick search and see if there’s a dog park near you! Dog parks are a great place for your dog to unwind and expel some pent-up energy after a long road trip.

10. DON’T LEAVE YOUR DOG BEHIND

Leaving your dog alone in your hotel room is not really an option while you’re on vacation. Not only do most hotels have a policy against this, it’s just not safe. Your dog is in an unfamiliar environment and a lot of things could go wrong. Even if your dog is not a chewer naturally, you don’t know how they’ll react in a stressful situation. You don’t want to risk having to pay damages or, worst case scenario, have your dog choke on something while you’re away.

But what if the hotel allows it and you leave your dog in a crate? This is a safer option, but I would still strongly advise against it. Your dog will be stressed out the entire time and, if you can’t bring your dog with you on your vacation activities, boarding is probably a better option for you. I know how expensive dog boarding can be, but it’s something that has to be factored in to your vacation budget if you want to do non-dog-friendly activities. We all love our dogs and want to bring them along for the trip, but sometimes boarding them is the best option – that way they get frequent play time, socialization with other dogs, and have someone monitoring them and making sure they stay safe, fed and hydrated.

Which brings me back to Tip #1: Research your destination ! If you’re set on taking your dog on a road trip, make sure all your activities are dog friendly. Your hotels, your hikes, your restaurants, etc. Don’t create a situation where your dog is left out and has to either sit in the car unattended or in a hotel room by himself. It’s not fair to your dog and it can be avoided with a little pre-planning.

Going on a road trip with your dog? Have any more questions/thoughts? Tuna and I are here for ya! Drop your Q’s in the comments or send me a message !

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Eternal Tomboy, Obsessive Dog Mom + Outdoor Enthusiast. She's a Canuck chick based in Idaho who's uncoordinated, addicted to tacos, and perpetually making dad jokes. She loves hot spring hunting, desert camping, night hikes, and using her paddle board as a floating daybed. She currently feels like she's writing a dating profile. She is not. She is married.

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