Traveling with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you are taking a quick drive to a nearby park or heading across the country as we have for agility competitions, it takes a bit of planning to make the trip enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Our dogs have become seasoned travelers over the years. Thunder has grown up bouncing from agility classes to long road trips. He even flew with us to Paris and Amsterdam for major World Agility competitions. He had to fly cargo for those two trips, and we were constantly worried until we saw him again after landing. This winter, he will be traveling again with my daughter, but this time he will fly in the cabin… a massive milestone for all of us.
TLDR: Traveling with your dog can be a great experience when you plan ahead. Start getting your pup used to car rides early, pack the essentials, choose safe restraints, and build in plenty of breaks. I use my On the Go: Dog Travel Pack inside the Better Together Dog Wellness Bundle to stay organized. It holds Thunder’s medical records, packing checklists, meds, and emergency info all in one place so nothing gets forgotten.
– Debi McKee, Rescue Dogs 101
Your complete guide to traveling with your dog
This is your complete guide to traveling with your dog in the car, covering everything from preparing your dog for car travel to dealing with emergencies on the road.
Table of Contents
Our dogs are master travelers at this point. They have taken thousands of short trips to agility classes and several long-distance road trips for competitions. We take the dogs with us on holidays and camping. I even used to bring them along when I picked the kids up from school, back when they were still little and not driving themselves.
We also traveled more last year than in the previous ten years combined. My daughter has become very involved in dog agility, and we have been traveling often for competitions. We started driving a couple of hours from home, then jumped to flying overseas to Europe. A couple of years ago, we traveled to Paris and then drove to London with Thunder. Last fall, we drove 2,400 miles round-trip from Wisconsin to Florida, and then a few weeks later another 1,400 miles to Pennsylvania.
I picked up a lot of great traveling tips during these road trips with our dogs, so I want to share them with you to help make your next trip run smoothly.
Dog Road Trip Tips – Key Takeaways
- Preparing your dog for car travel months before your trip can help reduce anxiety and motion sickness.
- Choosing the correct car restraint for your dog is essential for their safety.
- Making a packing list for your dog will help you avoid forgetting any essentials.
- Planning your route on long-distance trips will help reduce your stress while driving.
- Being prepared for emergencies will give you peace of mind.
- Knowing the travel requirements for your destination before leaving is important.
Preparing Your Dog for Car Rides
Get your dog comfortable with riding in the car long before your big trip. Some dogs may experience anxiety or motion sickness, so introduce the car gradually and make it a safe and positive place.
Start by taking your dog on short rides and slowly increase the duration. Use treats and praise to help your dog associate the car with calm, good experiences.
Exercise your dog BEFORE you leave.
A tired dog settles more easily in the car. Exercise your dog the day before and the day of your trip. A mentally and physically tired dog creates a peaceful ride for everyone.
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Dealing with Car Sickness
We have had a couple of dogs who struggled with car sickness, and both eventually outgrew it. Puppies are especially prone to this.
Ginger was six months old when we adopted her, and she got sick every time we drove to training class. By the time she turned one, car rides meant fun.
Up until Wizard was about 14 months old, he would drool so heavily that he would be soaking wet by the end of the car ride. He no longer gets sick, but he still does not enjoy the ride much. We are confident he will come around.
Try avoiding meals right before leaving and consider natural support like ginger. We have used CBD Oil and HomeoPet Travel Anxiety for Wizard with success. If problems continue, ask your vet about medication.
📖 READ: Solve all your dog’s fears and anxiety about car rides
Getting In and Out of the Car
Large dogs or dogs with mobility concerns can benefit from a dog ramp. We use the WeatherTech PetRamp for our big dogs. It takes up some space but prevents injuries.
Smaller dogs are easier to lift into crates or car seats.
📖 READ: The Best Dog Ramp
Car Restraints to Keep Your Dog Safe
Dogs should always be safely restrained in the car. Unrestrained dogs climbing onto your lap might look sweet, but it is extremely dangerous.
Options include crash-tested crates, dog seat belts, harnesses, barriers, and booster seats for small dogs.
Travel Crates and Carriers
We use crates for our dogs while traveling in the car. There are several brands to choose from. We love our Rufland Crates. Unfortunately, they aren’t crash-tested, but they are one of the most popular brands in the dog agility world.
When selecting a travel crate, ensure it is the correct size for your dog. Your dog should be able to stand up tall without their ears touching the top of the crate, and also be able to turn around. Look for a crate that is made of sturdy materials, well-ventilated, and crash-tested to ensure its durability.
Harnesses and Seat Belts
Harnesses and seat belts work by attaching to your car’s seat belt and securing your dog in place. When choosing a harness or seat belt, ensure you select one designed for your dog’s size and weight and that it is adjustable to provide a proper fit.
Car Barriers for Dogs
A barrier works by creating a barrier between your dog and the rest of the car, helping prevent them from moving around and potentially causing an accident. Select a barrier that is easy to install and remove, making traveling with your dog as hassle-free as possible.
A hammock for the back seat works similarly, by keeping your dog from jumping in the front seat of the car. But if you have a dog determined to get to the front, this is not the best option in my experience. Our dog big dog, Bear, would push his head through.
Dog Car Seat
Dog car seats are best suited for small dogs. They work by connecting to your car seatbelt system. If you have a large dog, a crate or barrier is a better option.
Crash Tested Restraints
Here are the car restraints that are Center for Pet Safety Certified:
Safety Harnesses:
- Sleepypod Clickit Sport (Sm, Med, Lg, XL)
- Sleepypod Clickit Terrain (Sm, Med, Lg, XL)
Pet Travel Carriers:
- Away Pet Carrier
- Diggs Passenger Carrier
- Gunner Kennel G1 Small with Strength-Rated Anchor Straps
- Paravel Cabana Carrier
- PawsInCar Vegan Leather Pet Carrier
- Sleepypod Carriers
Travel Crates:
- Cabelas Gun Dog with Locking Pin and Strength-Rated Anchor Straps
- Gunner Kennel G1 with Strength-Rated Anchor Straps
- Lucky Kennel with Lucky Strength-Rated Anchor Straps
- Rock Creek Crate’s Aluminum with Strength-Rated Anchor Straps
Packing List for Your Dog
Using a checklist is the easiest way to avoid forgetting something important. Over the years of traveling with our dogs, I got tired of digging for vet records or emergency contacts, or of realizing a supplement had been left behind.
So I created the On the Go: Dog Travel Pack, which is included inside the Better Together Dog Wellness Bundle. It includes:
- Printable packing checklist
- Vet and medication forms
- Emergency contact sheet
- Vaccination and microchip info pages
- A section for travel notes and reminders
I will include a few photos of these pages here so you can take a peek. I use this pack for every single trip.
Here is the packing list we use for our dogs when we travel:
- Leash, collar, and ID Tag
- Training collar
- GPS tracker
- Tie-out or long line
- Prescription medicines your dog may be taking
- Vaccination papers, microchip number, and your vet’s phone number
- Dog food in zip-lock bags or a plastic container
- Supplements
- Water and food bowls
- Treats
- Poop bags, lots of them
- Travel crate (see below)
- Blanket to sleep on
- Quiet toys and chew toys
- Doggy first aid kit
- Brush
- Dog shampoo
- Towels to clean or dry your dog
- Paper towels
- Accident cleaner
- An old bed sheet to cover the bed in the hotel (if you allow your dog on the bed)
- A lint roller to clean your clothes, car, and hotel
- Security camera
You can buy travel-sized bowls and supplies, but I recommend packing items the dog is accustomed to using regularly. This will help your dog feel more comfortable while away from home. If you want to purchase travel-sized items, use them at home for a week or two before you leave.
📖 READ: Creating a Dog First-Aid Kit: Essential Supplies and Tips
Planning Your Route
If you are taking a cross-country road trip with your dog, it’s important to plan your route to ensure a smooth, stress-free journey. Here are some tips to help you plan ahead:
Dog-Friendly Hotel or Airbnb
If you have a long drive ahead that requires an overnight stay, make sure to plan for pet-friendly accommodations. Many hotels and motels offer pet-friendly rooms, but it’s important to call ahead to make a reservation and ensure availability. Some hotels may also have weight or breed restrictions, so be sure to ask about their pet policies when making your reservation.
Be prepared for a pet fee. I found these charges to range from $20 per stay to $50 per night, and even higher. It could be per dog or room. And it’s usually not listed on the hotel website, so it’s best to call and ask. When you check into the hotel, you will need to sign a pet agreement form.
Depending on your dog, you may want to bring a crate for your dog to sleep in at night. Our dog, Thunder, is a great hotel guest. He doesn’t bark, and he will settle down right away at night. On the other hand, Wizard’s first road trip was less smooth. He was up and down off the bed all night. So nobody got any sleep that night.
We also packed an old bed sheet to put on top of the bed in the hotel. This helps keep the bed clean and free of dog hair.
Identifying Dog-Friendly Stops
It’s important to take regular breaks during a long car ride to allow your dog to stretch their legs and go potty. Plan and research dog-friendly rest stops along your route. We stopped every 2-3 hours.
Look for parks, rest areas, stores, and restaurants that allow dogs. You can use websites and apps like BringFido and Yelp to find dog-friendly establishments. Make sure to call ahead to confirm their pet policies and any restrictions.
We got a great tip from a friend that all Love’s Travel Stops have an enclosed dog park. On our drive from Wisconsin to Florida, we found many of these pit stops helpful for potty breaks. The dogs were able to run around, stretch their legs, and go potty without a leash. We figured out rather quickly that some of these dog parks are better than others.
We also stopped at a local dog park in a couple of towns. It’s helpful if you have your passenger use Google Maps to find these pit stops and dog parks while you are driving. When we were ready to make a stop, my daughter would start looking for dog-friendly places on our route. Dog-friendly stores are also a great option, think pet stores, Lowe’s, Bass Pro Shops, TJ Maxx, Tractor Supply Co., and more.
Never leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle. Hot cars are a death trap, so please never leave your dog unattended in the car. Even with the car windows cracked open, dogs can get heat stroke in a matter of minutes. If you need to run into a store or something, have a family member stay with the dog. This would be an ideal time to let the dog out to stretch their legs and go potty, just remember to keep them on a leash.
Keep a leash and waste bags handy and always clean up after your dog. We noticed this is a huge problem on our trips. So many rest stops with dog poop all over, even when dog poop stations were available. It’s not only disgusting but also a health risk for our dogs.
Keeping Your Dog Entertained
Some people like to keep their dog entertained during the ride with toys and treats. I find that my dogs prefer to relax when taking long car trips.
We’ve tried giving them chew bones, but they don’t touch them while driving. So we provide them with a comfortable blanket inside their crate, and they choose to rest.
If your dog enjoys looking out the window, make sure to keep them safe by keeping the window partially open or using a pet barrier.
I will never forget the day our dog JJ jumped out of the window of my car. We had just adopted him a few months prior, and I was driving my son to a football game downtown. The window was open halfway, thinking that was enough to give JJ the option to stick his head out to get fresh air. When he saw another dog, he somehow squeezed himself out of that window. Scared the living daylight out of me. Thank God I was stuck in traffic and going less than 5 miles per hour.
Dealing with Emergencies
Pack a basic first aid kit and any medications your dog needs. Bring a copy of their medical records.
One of the biggest lessons we learned from traveling overseas with Thunder is that something unexpected always pops up. Paperwork gets misplaced, flights get delayed, or a dog suddenly feels stressed. Having everything organized in the Travel Pack inside my Better Together Dog Wellness Bundle has saved us more than once.
Call your vet if you are unsure about a health concern. If you cannot reach them, contact the nearest emergency animal hospital.
What to Do if Your Dog Gets Lost
Losing your dog can be a scary experience, especially when you’re away from home. To prepare for this possibility, make sure your dog is wearing a collar with ID tags that include your name and phone number. Consider having your dog microchipped as well.
Another option I’ve considered is using a GPS tracking collar. This way you can track your dog immediately. We got an AirTag for one of our dogs to test that out, but I found the range to be too short and not beneficial.
If your dog does run away, act quickly. Contact local animal shelters, rescue organizations, and veterinary clinics to let them know your dog is missing. Use social media to spread the word and ask for help, most areas have a local lost dogs page. You can also post flyers in the area with a recent photo of your dog and your contact information.
The best way to prevent your dog from getting lost is to keep them secure while traveling. Make sure your dog is properly restrained in the car and never leave them unattended. If your dog tends to slip out of their collar, I recommend a martingale collar or slip lead.
📖 READ: My Dog Ran Away! What Should I Do?
Dogs and Car Travel Legal Requirements
When traveling with your dog in the car, it’s important to understand the local laws regarding pets. Laws may vary from state to state, so it’s a good idea to research the laws of the areas you’ll be traveling through.
Some states may require that your dog be restrained while in the car, either by a leash or a carrier. Other states may require that your dog be secured in a specific area of the car, such as the back seat or the cargo area. It’s important to follow these laws to avoid any legal issues.
I found this resource that may help you find the highway code in the state you live in or are traveling to: Does your state require dogs to be harnessed in the car?
Some areas may have breed restrictions, so check local laws if you have a bully breed or other commonly known restricted breed.
If you are traveling out of the country, you may need a health certificate. A lot of paperwork was required when we flew to Europe for the agility competition. But since this article is about car travel, I will save that story for another time.
Arriving at Your Destination – Let the Fun Begin
Yeah, you made it to your destination. Hopefully, you planned plenty of pet-friendly activities to enjoy your time with your dog. But keep in mind not to plan too much. It’s important to give your dog some downtime too.
GoPetFriendly.com is a great resource to find places to enjoy with your dog.
Leaving Your Dog Alone in the Hotel
If you decide to leave your dog alone in the hotel room or Airbnb, give them at least 24 hours to decompress from the travel and become more comfortable.
Let the front desk know you are leaving and give them your cell phone in case of an emergency. Tell them to call you if there are any problems. And put the do not disturb sign on your door.
We bring a security camera with us so we can keep an eye on the dogs if we need to leave them alone. Play calming music is another great idea to not only help your dog feel calmer, but to drown out the noises from outside your room.
If you know your dog can’t be left alone without barking and disturbing the other hotel guests, then consider room service or take-out for meals.
Another option is to find a local pet sitter. Ask local friends, the hotel concierge, and social media.
Returning Home – Post-Travel Dog Care
After a long road trip with your dog, it’s important to take some time to care for them once you return home. Here are some tips for post-travel dog care:
- Give Your Dog Rest – Traveling can be exhausting for you and your dog, so make sure to give them plenty of time to rest and recover. My dogs are usually tired for a couple of days after longer trips.
- Provide Plenty of Water and Food – If you’ve withheld water and food for the car ride, your dog will be thirsty and hungry. Don’t overfeed your dog, though; it could cause an upset stomach, and eating too much food at once can be harmful.
- Give Your Dog a Bath – After spending hours in the car and going on adventures, your dog may need a good bath. You may even be able to stop on your way home at a local pet store that has a doggy bath station. We did this after spending the day at the beach in Florida.
- Check for Fleas and Ticks – During your trip, your dog may have picked up some unwanted hitchhikers. Check your dog’s fur for any fleas or ticks and remove them immediately. I keep this tick remover on my keychain. You may want to use a flea and tick preventative, but read this warning first.
- Clean Your Car – After a long road trip, your car is likely to be a mess. Unpack and clean your car thoroughly. This will help remove any pet hair, dirt, or debris that may have accumulated during your trip. Use a vacuum to clean the seats and floor, and wipe down any surfaces with a non-toxic cleaner.
Conclusion
Traveling with your dog can create unforgettable memories. Whether you are taking short day trips or long cross-country adventures, keeping your dog safe, comfortable, and well prepared makes the journey better for both of you.
If you want a simple way to stay organized and prepared, take a look at the Better Together Dog Wellness Bundle. The On the Go: Dog Travel Pack inside it is what keeps our trips running smoothly, especially with Thunder’s many agility adventures.
Have safe travels, and please leave a comment below and share where you and your dog are headed next.
This was a great read, thank you.
Perhaps it would be good to remind people NEVER to use a car dog seal belt attached to their colar. It must be attached to a body harness. It could break their neck if used with a collar.
Also, noting the fab checklist for holiday travel, it could be helpful to suggest having a ‘dog box’ for people who travel regularly with their dogs in the car. As we use the car a lot to take ours out, we have a plastic tub with all sorts of things like spare collar, leads, foldable water bowl, wet-wipes, kitchen roll, old towel, first aid stuff etc etc. I’ve use lots of it and not always for my dogs – I’ve also needed it for some rescue animals too.
These are great tips, thank you for sharing!
Love this article, thank you.
Our two rescue dogs aren’t crate trained (and our car is too small for two crates) but do now love the car. We use dog seat belts that clip to their body harness (never clip to a neck collar) as this stops them from climbing over to the driver’s area plus it protects them should we have an accident. One dog can unbuckle her belt from a standard seat belt clip so her belt is the sort fixed to the head restraint.
For long journeys I fill the footwell in the back seat area with luggage and have a foam slab that fits across the seat and footwell space. This gives the pooches much more space to lie down as they’re medium sized dogs. We can then take the foam bed into a hotel or tent etc for their dog bed when we are staying away overnight.
I also make my own apple and ginger dog cookies for travel treats as the ginger settles any motion sickness.
Works for us! Happy dogs make happy holidays.
Thank you so much for the great tips! Love the idea of making apple and ginger cookies for the dogs!
Happy to share the recipe if anyone would like it. The cookies can be frozen and eaten straight from the freezer in hot weather as they stay slightly chewy.
I would love the recipe! You can post here or email it to me at debi@rescuedogs101.com
Your heads up about how your dog may have high anxiety really helped to read. If there's one thing I really want to avoid, it's my dog running off on its own in a crowded place and having trouble finding it. To make sure we know how to prevent this, I'll go look for a veterinarian I can consult right away.
Our recently adopted 6 year old Golden is afraid of getting in the car. We had to force her to get home from the shelter. Now what? We like to travel to see kids and grands, up to 6 hours on the road. We enjoy taking our dog on small trips around town too.
First I’d allow her a few days to get comfortable with her new home. Read the 3-3-3 Rule. Then you will slowly work on the car. Start working with the car not on, just parked in your garage or driveway. Find out what really motivates her, whether it be a favorite toy or special treats and use those to make the car a happy place. Play with her jumping in and out, give her treats, lots of praise.