road trip with big dog

Traveling with Dogs Made Easy: 5 Tips for Road Trip Success [Large Dogs]

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. For more information, read my full affiliate disclosure here .

Whether you are moving cross country or planning a dog-friendly vacation, traveling with dogs can be daunting. Here are my top 5 tips for an easier road trip with your large dog.

Whether you are looking for a dog-friendly vacation or are moving with a dog cross-country, the prospect of traveling with dogs can feel both daunting and crazy. 

The hair flying. Slobber flinging. Panting hot breath on your children as they try desperately to keep their books from getting saturated with your dogs’ jowl juice. 

Driving over 2000 miles under these conditions can bring even the most tenured big dog mom to her knees if she isn’t prepared.  

The following are 5 simple tips, from my recent personal experience, that will help you maintain your sanity should you be considering a road trip with dogs . As an added bonus, I’ve included a VIDEO summary of these 5 tips linked below. Check that out when you finish reading…

In this post you will learn: 

• How to transport your dog safely in the car,
• The 5 most important keys to successful travel with your big dog,
• What you need to have on hand in the event of an emergency,
• A sample project plan (checklist) to prepare for your trip with ease, 
• How to relieve stress and anxiety for dogs that fear car rides,
• The best pet-friendly hotels for large dogs, 
• And some helpful advice for fellow raw feeders! 

Let’s get going… 

Did you know?

Click here for my FREE Pre-Travel Checklist for Big Dog Owners that you may find helpful as you plan for your road trip.  It contains 24 suggested dog-related action items to assist in your planning and preparation with a notes section for you to jot down phone numbers or other key information for your trip.

Travel Safety for Dogs

Did you know in an accident that occurs at 25 mph, a dog can be thrown forward with a force 40 times greater than its weight, hitting objects and passengers with thousands of pounds of force? ( 1 )

Consider the impact of a 200-pound mastiff.  That would be a force of 8,000 pounds flying through the cabin, and worse, crashing through the front windshield!!

Whether you are in the car for 5 minutes or 10 hours or more with your dog, it is critically important that you factor into the cost of big dog ownership , money for a seat belt , harness , gate , crate , or some way to safely transport your dog in a car. 

The make and model of your vehicle and the size of your dog(s) will determine what safety gear makes the most sense for you.  

Here are a few options for your consideration.

Note:  I’ve compiled all of the products I mention in this post into a convenient one-stop-shop on Amazo n to save you time shopping, so check there when you finish reading.

Best Products for Car Safety for Large Dogs

Seat belt or seat belt tether.

These will usually attach directly to the seatbelt in the car.  An example is the Kurgo Seatbelt Swivel Tether which hooks onto your dog’s harness. 

Read The Best Dog Harness for Large Dogs [Definitive Buyers Guide] for more on how to select the best harness for your large dog.  If you prefer a video, check out How to Choose a Dog Harness for Large Dogs [“NO PULL” Truth REVEALED!] .

Car Harness

These are harnesses made exclusively for car travel for dogs. They are different than regular dog harnesses.

Examples include the Impact Dog Car Harness by Kurgo (crash test rated up to 108 pounds) and the PetSafe Deluxe Car Harness (up to 120 pounds).  

A gate is simply a barrier between you (the driver) and your big dog.

Examples include the Kurgo Backseat Barrier or the WeatherTech Pet Barrier , which is the one I have. 

Unfortunately, I have yet to find the perfect barrier for our Navigator. I’m sure I did something wrong with the installation of our WeatherTech one, but, for some reason, the second the dogs lean on it, it slips out of place. I do think this product would work well for smaller vehicles, vehicles without a liner, and families with just one dog, however. For our vehicle, the Kurgo Backseat Barrier would work much better!

If you have just one large dog, a crate may be an option for you.

A good example of a quality crate you could fit in the cargo space of a large SUV is the Pet Gear 3 Door Portable Soft Crate which would be big enough for a Labrador retriever, Boxer, or Collie size big dog. 

For families, like us, with giant breed dogs or multiple dogs, a crate may not work for you given the substantial space limitations in most vehicles.

How to Get a Large Dog Into and Out of a Car

Secondly, you will want to think about how you are going to effectively get your dog into and out of the car safely.  

We use a Twistep and LOVE it! This product attaches directly to the hitch on the back of our Navigator. To use it you simply lift the lock and swivel it out from under the car and it locks in place. When your dogs step out, you lift the lock again and swivel it back under for storage. Easy peasy and oh, so convenient! The Twistep has been a Godsend for me! Check out the video below to see it in action!

Other big dog owners love using a dog ramp for their dogs.  For dogs with mobility issues like Wobblers, hip dysplasia, CCL injuries, or senior dogs, a ramp will likely work better for you than the Twistep . For healthy adult dogs and puppies, however, either one can work for most vans, SUVs, or trucks. 

Check out my video, Hitch Step or Dog Ramp: Which is BEST For You? A Mastiff Owner’s Journey With Both | PROS & CONS , for a more in-depth comparison.

That said, if your car is small enough, you may not need either one.

Now that you have the means to travel safely, let’s move on to HOW to successfully survive a long-distance road trip with your big dog. 

5 Tips for Long-Distance Travel with a Large Dog 

1. preparation.

Preparation can mean many different things depending on what type of travel you are doing with your large dog. 

Let’s discuss some possible scenarios and I will give you a few tips for each.

Traveling For a Few Days to a Week

While the most simple of the three scenarios, traveling long distance, even for just a couple of days, with a big dog involves some planning and preparation. 

Consider your destination, the routine needs of your dog such as food, medication, and behavior, weather, and how many hours you will be traveling each day. 

You will need to prepare food and medication, make hotel arrangements, and pack your Essentials Bag (see point #2 below).  

If your dog will be riding in the car for more than a few hours at a time on this road trip, consider conditioning them to long car rides ahead of time.  More on that in a minute…

Long Distance Road Trip for 7+ Days

In addition to the points made above, longer road trips require a little more pre-planning. 

Depending on how long you will be gone, you may want to arrange for a routine vet visit beforehand to discuss any needed immunizations or medications your dog will need.  

Inform your veterinarian about where you are traveling as there may be geographical health considerations you need to be aware of like Lyme disease, valley fever, or canine influenza. 

You will also want to plan to have more food on hand or the possibility of buying dog food at your destination. 

Don’t be surprised if your dog’s appetite is thrown off or if he chooses to skip a meal here or there.  In my experience, this is normal. 

Moving Cross-Country

The prospect of moving to a new state can be daunting, to say the least, especially if you have children and/or big dogs.  

Don’t expect to get much sleep in the weeks leading up to your move.  With so many competing priorities and action items, it’s easy to get lost or overwhelmed.

In addition to everything I’ve already mentioned above, you will want to provide a forwarding address to your vet, as well as contact your state or county where your dog is licensed to let them know you are moving. 

I also recommend getting all of your pet medications refilled a few days before your departure to give you time to get established with a new vet and pharmacy. 

I’ve created a Pre-Travel Checklist for Big Dog Owners that you may find helpful as you plan for your road trip.  It contains 24 suggested dog-related action items to assist in your planning and preparation with a notes section for you to jot down phone numbers or other key information for your trip.  

Click here to simplify your travel prep with this FREE comprehensive project plan checklist. 

2. Easy Access to Travel Essentials

There is nothing worse than 5 minutes after leaving a rest stop being forced to pull over yet again to retrieve something stored overhead in the car carrier . 

My best advice is to try and consider anything and everything you might possibly need access to and keep it in a bag or safely stored nearby.  

Call it a Go Bag, an Essentials Bag, or Mom’s Bottomless Pit Bag.  This is the bag that contains your most essential items you need to have on hand at all times whether for convenience or emergency.  

💡BIG DOG MOM TIP: If you have children, consider empowering them to pack their own Go Bag as well so they can begin to be responsible for their own stuff.  

My car travel bag contains only dog-related items as my (Bottomless Pit) purse stores my personal belongings. 

Here are just a few of the items I don’t leave home without when I am traveling with big dogs:

• ✅ Leash
• ✅ Collar / Harness (see my buyers guide to harnesses for big dogs here)
• ✅ Vet Records including immunizations
• ✅ Dog bowls (one for each dog)
• ✅ Drool cloths, waste bags (you can never have too many!)
• ✅ Treats ( dehydrated liver , Real Dog Box , and Raw Paws treats work best)
• ✅ Clicker , squeaker
• ✅ Dremel and styptic powder or Kwik Stop (Yes, I am a nail fanatic!)
• ✅ A few toys or balls (here is a great toy guide for big dogs )
• ✅ Gas-X , Probiotic
• ✅ Bloat Kit (read more about bloat here )
• ✅ Prescription Medications (including allergy meds and Melatonin ) 
• ✅ Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, betadine

3. Maintain Routine… and Patience

Consider that the longer your road trip, the more your dog will be out of his or her normal routine.  

This can cause disruptions in appetite, gut and bowel issues, anxiety, and stress in some dogs. 

To minimize potential behavior or health issues, I recommend starting a probiotic in advance, bringing water from home, and bringing some of the dog’s bedding or soft toys for comfort and familiarity. 

Feed your dog as close to your normal schedule as possible while on the road.

If you have been wanting to “feed this new dog food” or “try this new treat,” right before or during your road trip is not the time for the switch.  

Anything new that you buy for your trip or your move should be introduced BEFORE you leave – that includes any items that require conditioning such as a crate, harness, or seat belt, as well as anything edible. 

And finally, be patient with your dog while you travel.  

Every trip with my dogs is an imperfect adventure.  When you react to this simple fact of life with a sense of humor and ease, your dog will as well. 

4. Stop Frequently for Exercise

Plan your stops so that you are able to provide ample exercise and potty time at each one. 

And, better yet, map your route to schedule in extended times when your dog can burn off energy through play, running, hiking, etc.  

Find a local park, hiking trail, or open field where you can safely let your dog off-leash or on an extended (not-retractable) leash . 

After all, a tired dog is a happy dog!! 

The added advantage of doing this is that most dogs enjoy meeting and interacting with new people and new smells. 

Allowing your dog this freedom to do what they do best as a social scent hound will ensure your dog is comfortable and content to sit or sleep quietly until your next stop.

5. Relieve Dog Stress & Dog Anxiety

My guess is some of you have read up to this point and are asking, “What do I do if my dog is afraid of riding in the car?”

If you have a dog that is fearful of getting into the car or riding in the car, and you are wondering, “What can I give my dog to calm her down,” this is the section for you. 

Here are a few resources I found particularly helpful on the topic of how to cure car anxiety in dogs.  

I’ve broken them down into three categories:

• ✅ Behavioral Supplements
• ✅ Behavioral Modification
• ✅ Behavioral Management

1. Nutritional Supplements for Dog Anxiety

According to Bravo et. al. in their study published in 2011 titled, “Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in a mouse via the vagus nerve.” ( 2 )

In this study, the authors conclude that what they call the gut-brain-HPA axis pathway, in part mediated by the neurotransmitter GABA, is significantly affected by the bacteria in the gut, which can be altered by the addition of a particular strain of Lactobacillus.

More simply, what’s in the gut affects behavior, and modifying what’s in the gut can modify the behavior as well.

In a more recent literature review in 2017, researchers at NIH found that gut health in a variety of species, including humans, are affected by the microorganisms living in the gut, and that the administration of probiotics could significantly increase gut health , and accordingly decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. ( 3 )

While it may not be a silver bullet for your dog’s fear, anxiety, or stress, the potential health benefits are proven.  How the probiotic affects your dog’s behavior is something I would love to hear about in the comments below! 

One great probiotic option for calming a reluctant traveler is Calming Care Canine by Purina . 

This product contains a proprietary probiotic strain of Bifidobacterium longum BL999 to “help dogs maintain calm behavior, cope with external stressors like separation, unfamiliar visitors, novel sounds, or changes in routine and location.” 

Keep in mind, you will want to start your dog on Calming Care 4-6 weeks before traveling. 

For a more in-depth analysis of probiotics for dogs, read Probiotics for Dogs: The Facts and Strains that Matter Most .

In addition to Calming Care , you may consider keeping some Melatonin on hand as well.  Melatonin for dogs is both safe and effective.  While there aren’t many studies done on animals, there is anecdotal evidence that melatonin works to treat behavioral and sleep issues, as well as specific types of hair loss.

I started giving Junior Melatonin for his patchy hair loss (non-allergic alopecia) and noticed that when he took it, he became calmer and more sleepy than normal. 

Melatonin is not going to drastically alter your dog’s behavior, but it may help take the edge off in a dog that suffers from stress or anxiety in the car. 

Melatonin takes about 1-2 hours to take full effect so you will want to dose it accordingly.  

*NOTE: Consult your veterinarian for specific dosing and health considerations for your dog before you give Melatonin .  While it’s a safe, natural supplement, there are some dogs who should not take it. 

2. Behavioral Modification – Conditioning

As I mentioned above, conditioning your dog to ride in the car safely is a core responsibility for any dog owner. 

Ideally, this will start when your dog is a puppy.  

Socialization both in and out of the car is vital for the health and wellbeing of your dog, so start early if you can. 

Make every trip an amazing one with tons of treats, praise, and fun.  Never force your puppy into situations or places he or she is fearful of. 

[Read: Puppy Socialization: 5 Common Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make  

[Watch: How to Socialize Your Puppy at Home While Social Distancing – 15 Creative Ways (THAT WORK!)]

For now, let’s assume you have an adult dog who just needs to get used to riding in the car for long hours at a time.  

Conditioning in this situation is nothing more than increasing the duration of time in the car in the weeks leading up to your trip.

For example, start with a 45-60 minute drive to a dog-friendly place near you where your dog is rewarded with adventure, exercise, and lots of treats.  Increase the drive time over a few months to 2-3 hour-long trips, where again, your dog is rewarded with fun and love at each stop.  

After a few short day trips, your dog should be well familiar with what it means to be a good canine companion on the road and the joy of the adventure that awaits. 

3. Behavioral Management for Car Anxiety – Avoidance of Stressors

For dogs with fear or anxiety, sometimes the best choice is to avoid the stressor altogether.  

If riding in the car is not the problem, but interacting with other dogs is, select stops on your route that are less likely to involve other dogs. 

In my experience with an aggressive mastiff , management is absolutely critical.  My dream of traveling and camping with my handsome Linus was not to be.  For us, riding in the car was limited to essential trips to the vet only.  

Patricia McConnell has a terrific blog post about how to determine whether your dog is a good fit for a long distance road trip or not.  

In this article she says, “Some dogs are neophobic (afraid of new things). Some dogs would love a week in a cabin in the woods but hate the city. Or vice versa. Some dogs can’t wait to play with your grandchildren; others, not so much.” ( 5 )  

Best Hotels That Allow Large Dogs!

While this is not an all-inclusive list, here are a few of our favorite dog-friendly hotels for when we are road tripping with our mastiffs:

I like to use Bringfido.com  to identify and filter for hotels at my destination that both allow 2+ large dogs and that has NO PET FEE.  From there I filter on price to find just the right pet-friendly hotel for my needs and budget.  

If you haven’t tried BringFido , definitely check it out.  

Below is my list of top pet-friendly hotels for big dog owners.  I have listed them in order from the BEST to the least wonderful, but still acceptable. 

Keep in mind, the quality of an individual hotel depends on the property owner, age of property, and its location, so please take this list as a guide to start from as you plan for a road trip with your large dog.

• ✳️ TOP CHOICE:   La Quinta Inn & Suites  
• ✳️ RUNNER UP:  Hampton Inn & Suites
• ✳️ 2ND RUNNER UP: Homewood Suites
• ✳️ Extended Stay
• ✳️ Country Inn & Suites
• ✳️ Motel 6  
• ✳️ Super 8

Tips for Raw Feeding on the Road  

This is a really tough one, unfortunately, but I feel compelled to offer a bit of advice and insight as a fellow raw feeder. 

First and foremost, do not beat yourself up if you need to switch to kibble for a short time during your travel or move.  

We moved from Arizona to Michigan during the fall of the 2020-pocalypse and the supply of raw food for my dogs became more difficult both financially and logistically to obtain. This forced me to switch my mastiffs to kibble for a few months until we arrived at our destination and I could locate a new raw food co-op in our area. 

Despite their icky coats and shedding, they survived. 

It’s not ideal, but sometimes preserving your sanity is more important when faced with the insanity that was 2020. 

That said, I have traveled long distances with my mastiffs while continuing to raw feed.  It absolutely CAN be done, but it definitely takes planning and preparation. 

Depending on how long you will be on the road, you will need one or more coolers and separate containers for each meal.  I have traveled and tried to portion out large quantities of raw meat, but doing this out of your car or in a hotel is VERY difficult (and MESSY)!

I highly recommend scheduling a raw dog food prep day before you travel when you portion out whole meals into separate containers so that the only cleaning you need to do when raw feeding on the road is of that one container after your dog eats.  

Be sure to pack plenty of Clorox or Lysol wipes or a bottle of vinegar (1:1 vinegar: water)  to sanitize your dishes, sink, car, etc. 

Lastly, if your budget allows, consider investing in pre-prepared raw dog food like Darwin’s , Raw Paws Pet Food , or Dr. Harvey’s . 

I have reviews for all three linked below for you to see what will work best for you and your big dog.  All have their pluses and minuses, but would be a headache-free way to continue to raw feed your big dog while you travel. 

• Feeding the Way Nature Intended: A Review of Raw Paws Pet Food
• Top 5 Reasons Why Darwin’s Raw Dog Food is Great for Big Dogs  
• My Honest Review of Dr. Harvey’s Raw Dog Food [for Big Dogs]

[VIDEO] Traveling With Large Dogs | Top 5 Tips for a Long-Distance Road Trip

The latest on Youtube:

Ditch the insanity and bring on the adventure.

I started this post with the title, Road Trip with Large Dogs – Are You Insane?!  

Meeting new people on the road is one of the great highlights of any trip for me because they inevitably ask this question.

I will usually laugh and reply, “Traveling with big dogs is no crazier than living with them! All it takes is a sense of humor, patience, and a whole lot of preparation.” 

Are you planning a road trip with your large dog?  What concerns you most about traveling with them?  Tell me all about it in the comments below.

And don’t forget to grab your FREE Pre-Travel Checklist before you go! I’ve compiled all of the products mentioned into a convenient one-stop-shop on Amazon for you. Check it out here …

Safe travels!

• Keeping Pets Safe In the Car
• Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in a mouse via the vagus nerve
• Gut microbiota’s effect on mental health: The gut-brain axis  
• Teach Your Dog to Ride in the Car: Prevent Anxiety and Motion Sickness
• Traveling with Dogs–Should You?  

Stephanie Seger is the owner and writer of the award-winning blog and purpose-driven brand Big Dog Mom™ and founder of the Dog Nailpro™ Method. She has decades of experience as a big dog owner, over 30 years of which has been devoted to health, nutrition, and behavior of large and giant breed dogs. With a BS in Microbiology, an MBA, and a passion for writing and big, slobbery dogs, Stephanie is committed to serving large and giant breed dogs by empowering, educating, and inspiring the people who love them. She shares her life with her husband, two children, and the inspiration for Big Dog Mom™, her two Mastiffs, Junior and Sulley.

Similar Posts

Selecting A Dog Breeder Made Easy With These 10 Questions

The Fallacy of Dog Rescue: Reputable Breeders Are NOT the Problem

My Sofa is NOT Your Bed! How To Keep Dogs Off Couch [5 TIPS]

7 Questions To Ask a Dog Breeder To Avoid Being Scammed

For The Betterment Of The Breed: An Interview With Jadem Mastiffs

Do You Own A Big Dog Or Want To? Big Dog Mom Can Help!

We have done 2 long car trips with our 2 Spanish Mastiffs. San Diego to Seattle, Washington (and back home) and San Diego to Ft Collins, Colorado, then Ft Collins to New Mexico to San Diego. We chose to Air BnB on both of our trips, mainly because our Mastiffs are LGD (Livestock Guardian Dogs) and that comes with a LOT of barking. Since we are country dwellers to begin with, staying in a hotel was just out of the question. Ours dogs are used to quiet and we thought we would be disturbing to the other guests. (They bark at every car they hear drive by our home.)

My recommendation to anyone who chooses to Air BnB with a giant breed is to bring a lot of king sizes sheets. Go to your local thrift store and buy too sheets, if possible. We tossed them over all the furniture in the places we stayed to keep the items free from drool and hair. We made sure to inform our hosts that we were traveling with 2 large dogs. We kept our drive time to 6-8 hours a day, which enabled us to take our time in the morning and during the day, Reading the descriptions more than once of the places we wanted to stay at, taking a look at as many reviews as possible, studying the photos for breakables and going out of our way to clean up after ourselves made a pleasant stay for everyone. I hope in the future we will be able to try hotel stay with our dogs. But in the mean time I highly recommend Air BnB.

I love this article and it had so much good info. We’ve had newfs for years, but after the last one I said that I couldn’t deal with the hair anymore, so we’re on our first mastiff. And we LOVE him. He gets in the car and goes to sleep immediately, tho we haven’t traveled more that an 1 1/2 hour from home, yet.

But I just wanted to comment about the hotels you suggested. Our experience is that very few Hamptons allow pets but almost every Super 8 does. I prefer to stay at Hamptons–just a nicer, all around experience. Also, Super 8s really vary on quality (older or newer, mostly), every Super 8 we’ve stopped at took our dogs.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

HOME / BLOG / Travel Destinations 49 Places To See On A Pet Friendly American Road Trip

49 Places To See On A Pet Friendly American Road Trip

• By Amy at GoPetFriendly.com
• May 8, 2023

The American road trip … it’s iconic! And there’s no better way to see some of the most special places across the country. But what if you want to include your pet in the fun? Here are 49 breathtaking sights you’ll love exploring together on a pet friendly American road trip!

Road trip vacations are as American as apple pie. And yet, planning to see the “best” the United States has to offer can be overwhelming. Your trip could focus on cultural sites, national parks, state capitols, scenic landmarks, or sports venues.

But if you’re looking for a truly special experience, why not plan the best pet friendly American road trip? Visit the top pet friendly attraction in each state, and collect precious memories with your best friend along the way!

A Pet Friendly American Road Trip

The most difficult part of planning an epic road trip is choosing the stops. From beaches to mountain tops, bustling cities to secluded retreats, you want to see the very best places across the country.

We traveled full-time with our dogs for twelve years, spending time in all of the lower 48 states. And we’re happy to share what we’ve learned!

Whether you’re planning to see the whole country in one trip, or checking out one region at a time, the itinerary we’ve laid out for your pet friendly American road trip will give you a good feel for what each state is about. And very stop is guaranteed to be fun for you and your pet! Click on the name of each location for more details and photos.

READ MORE ⇒ How To Plan A Pet Friendly Road Trip

The Ultimate Pet Friendly American Road Trip

This itinerary covers nearly 15,000 miles and would take at least a couple of months to complete. If you can do it all at once, it’s absolutely the trip of a lifetime!

If you’re looking for shorter trips, choose one or two regions and do a deeper dive in each area. Any combination will make a fantastic pet friendly vacation.

The Northwest

We start this pet friendly American road trip in the northwestern United States. From Washington’s green isles to the heights of Beartooth Highway, this region has something for everyone!

READ MORE ⇒ Tips for Traveling Alone with a Pet

Washington – The San Juan Islands

In the far northwest corner of the contiguous United States, off the coast of Washington, lies a confetti of emerald jewels in the Salish Sea. Known as the San Juan Islands, the landscape is a patchwork of pine forests, stoney beaches, verdant pastures and fields, and sparkling lakes.

Each of the islands has its own charm, and no matter which you visit, you won’t be disappointed.

Oregon –  Portland’s Parks and Gardens

With eclectic neighborhoods, great eateries, and one of the most extensive urban park systems in the country, Portland, Oregon is a pet friendly playground!

Boasting 10,000 acres of natural areas and parks scattered around the city, there’s a treasure around every corner. And if your pup enjoys being social, don’t miss some of the 20+ off-leash areas!

Idaho –  Lake Coeur d’Alene

Among the rugged peaks of northern Idaho, where pine trees far outnumber people, lies one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Unfolding over 26 miles with more than 135 miles of shoreline, Lake Coeur d’Alene is a sparkling blue jewel.

From scenic boat tours to miles of pet friendly trails, there are as many ways to enjoy Lake Coeur d’Alene as your imagination allows.

Wyoming –  Bighorn National Forest – Medicine Wheel

You’ll find some of Wyoming’s most diverse terrain in the Bighorn Mountains. It would be easy to spend weeks hiking the 1,500 miles of pet friendly trails and enjoying the three scenic drives. But for us, nothing speaks to the timelessness and beauty of the Bighorns like a visit to Medicine Wheel.

Montana –  Beartooth Highway

For 68 miles, between Cooke City and Red Lodge, Montana, the Beartooth Highway winds through some of the most awe inspiring terrain in the United States. This road, one of the highest in the lower 48 states, passes 20 peaks that rise over 12,000 feet.

You’ll experience pristine mountain landscapes, lush forests, and alpine tundra – all within a few miles. And there are numerous places to park the car and hit a pet friendly trail with your furry travel buddy!

The Southwest

The southwest section of this pet friendly American road trip starts with a romp on Carmel’s spectacular dog beach. The next two stops at Red Rock Canyon and the Grand Canyon offer fantastic pet friendly hiking. And we top it off with a trip up Telluride’s gondola. You and your active pets are going to love this adventure!

California –  Carmel’s Dog Beach

Carmel’s crowning glory is its magnificent beach. This mile-long stretch of sand begins just steps from downtown and runs to just below the 9th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Course. And it’s all pet friendly!

Dogs are welcome to romp off-leash on the beach. Or visit Carmel River State Beach, just down the road, where leashed pets will find plenty to explore.

Nevada –  Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

It’s only 17 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, but Red Rock Canyon feels like a completely different world! From the 13-mile scenic loop road to the 30+ miles of pet friendly trails and picnic areas with great views, you’ll have a fantastic day here with your pet!

Arizona –  Grand Canyon National Park

Traveling to any national park is a wonderful experience, but seeing the Grand Canyon with your pet will make your vacation unforgettable!

The pet friendly South Rim Trail runs for 14 miles and is paved for easy walking. Make sure to allow plenty of time to take in the panoramic views!

Colorado –  Telluride Gondola to Mountain Village

Tucked high in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, the village of Telluride is ideal for a Rocky Mountain adventure with your pet. Offering spectacular scenery, miles of hiking trails, a pet friendly gondola, and a nice selection of eateries and lodging that welcome pets, it might be the highlight of your pet friendly American road trip!

Utah –  Dixie National Forest’s Red Canyon

Covering almost 2 million acres, every inch of Dixie National Forest is pet friendly! And with 1,600 miles of hiking, horseback riding, and bike trails, and hundreds of miles of scenic byways, backways, and drives, you and your pet could spend a lifetime exploring here.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Bryce Canyon and Zion National parks. And don’t miss the chance to visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah !

READ MORE ⇒ Tips For RVing With Pets

The South Central

Bustling San Antonio is balanced by serene natural wonders on the South Central section of our pet friendly American road trip.

If you’re considering skipping the pet friendly paddle on the Buffalo National River … DON’T! We did it with Ty and Buster, and loved every minute. Though it was our dogs’ first time in a canoe, they did great. And now it’s one of our favorite memories with them.

New Mexico –  White Sands National Park

The name “White Sands” might be a little misleading, but that doesn’t make this pet friendly national park any less impressive! The shimmering dunes here are actually made of gypsum – not sand. And thanks to an ancient sea and some very fortunate geography,  it’s now the world’s largest dunefield!

You’ll find pet friendly trails and plenty to keep you busy at White Sands. And be sure to stay for sunset. It’s unlike any other you’ll see!

Texas –  San Antonio River Walk

Providing access to some of the city’s most precious historical and cultural sites, the 13-mile, pet friendly San Antonio River Walk is one of the most unique parks in the country!

It would be easy to spend several days exploring different sections of the River Walk, hopping on and off to visit all the connected neighborhoods.

Oklahoma –  Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

As if watching the grazing bison, elk, and white-tailed deer weren’t enough reason to visit Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, you and your pet will also find 18 pet friendly hiking trails and lakes for boating and paddling!

Arkansas –  Canoe the Buffalo National River

Canoeing the Buffalo National River with your pets is easier than you might think! Pet friendly canoe rentals are a cinch to find, and the calm water will put every paddler at ease.

When you’re back on solid ground, there are also miles of pet friendly trails to hike along the river’s course and in the nearby Ozark National Forest.

READ MORE ⇒ Tips for Canoeing or Kayaking with Dogs

Kansas –  Monument Rocks

Monument Rocks is what’s left of a sea floor that formed millions of years ago when water covered the continent from Montana and the Dakotas to Texas and Louisiana. The chalk spires, buttes, and arches that remain now stand 70 feet tall on the Kansas plains. And your pets are more than welcome to explore them with you!

The Plains – North

The Northern Plains section of this trip takes you through the heartland and reveals what America was like before Europeans arrived.

You’ll spend time appreciating the vastness of Lake Superior and the powerful Mississippi River. Then walk in the footsteps of the Native Americans who lived in Iowa and North Dakota.

Minnesota –  Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park sits on Lake Superior’s northern shore. Providing breathtaking views of one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country and 14.5 miles of pet friendly trails, it’s a great place to stretch your legs or camp on the beach.

READ MORE ⇒ Camping With Dogs – A Beginner’s Guide

Wisconsin –  Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge is located in the Mississippi River flyway, the migration route of about 40% of all waterfowl and shorebirds. The refuge serves as a “bed and breakfast” for the birds as they travel through and is home to the magnificent bald eagle.

In addition to some spectacular bird spotting, there are miles of pet friendly trails to explore.

Iowa –  Effigy Mounds National Monument

Standing atop the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, it’s easy to see why American Indians chose to make this breathtaking place their home. Covering 2,500 acres along the western bank of the Mississippi River, Effigy Mounds National Monument now protects 206 prehistoric earthen mounds built by Indigenous People, 31 of which are in the shape of animals.

You and your dogs are welcome to explore all the trails. But remember to be respectful and never walk on (or allow your pet on) the mounds.

North Dakota –  Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

Interpretive plaques help you imagine what life was like at the Knife River Indian Villages. This is where Captains Lewis and Clark first met Sacagewea and her husband, Toussaint Charbonneau. Once a bustling community of nearly 400 people, this is now a quiet place to reflect and enjoy the scenery.

South Dakota –  Custer State Park

Custer State Park protects 71,000 acres of South Dakota’s most magnificent landscapes. It also provides habitats for a dazzling array of wildlife. Whether you prefer picturesque drives or multi-day hikes, wildlife viewing or kayaking, elegant dining or campfires under the stars, Custer has something to please traveler.

Nebraska –  Fort Robinson State Park

Fort Robinson State Park is a rare combination of stunning landscapes, fascinating history, a variety of recreational opportunities, and pet friendly accommodations. 

Spread over 22,000 acres, with rugged buttes as the backdrop, it’s a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy the expansive wild prairies during the day and the star-filled skies at night.

The Great Lakes

Three of the five stops on this section of our pet friendly American road trip are on the Great Lakes! Absorb the energy of downtown Chicago at Navy Pier. Then contrast it with the leisurely atmosphere of Mackinac Island. You’ll enjoy both ends of the spectrum!

West Virginia –  Monongahela National Forest

The Monongahela National Forest covers more than 900,000 acres, preserving a rugged and wild paradise unlike any other. With an extensive backwoods road system, oodles of campgrounds, and 825 miles of pet friendly trails, you and your pet will find plenty to explore!

Ohio – Holden Arboretum

Holden Arboretum is evidence of the beauty that results when humans and Mother Nature work together. Encompassing 3,600 acres, it’s one of the largest arboreta and botanical gardens in the country and a fabulous place to explore with your pet.

Wander the garden paths or hit the miles of trails through native forests with your furry travel buddy!

Illinois –  Chicago Lakefront Trail & Navy Pier

Chicago’s pet friendly Lakefront Trail runs for 18 miles along the spectacular shore of Lake Michigan. Connecting vibrant neighborhoods, expansive parks, popular beaches, and famous attractions like Navy Pier, Buckingham Fountain, and Soldier Field, it’s fun to choose a section and spend a day exploring it with your pet!

READ MORE ⇒ Tips for a Cross-Country Road Trip with Pets

Indiana –  Indiana Dunes National Park

Caribbean blue waters and miles of pet friendly beaches await you at Indiana Dunes National Park. But the beaches are just the beginning!

This dynamic landscape also features dunes, ponds, marshes, creeks, prairie, and forests for your exploration. Whether you decided to hang out on the shore or hike the trails, you’re sure to have a great time.

Michigan –  Mackinac Island

Hop aboard the pet friendly ferry for a trip to Mackinac Island. Automobiles aren’t allowed, but you and your pet won’t have any trouble getting around!

Main Street is just steps from the ferry docks, pets are welcome on the horse-drawn carriages rides, and bikes with pet trailers are available for rent. So all of Mackinac’s most popular attractions are within easy reach!

The Plains – South

Road tripping pets are going to adore this route through the southern plains. Romp at the incredible off-leash dog park at Shelby Farms, then stiff along the 444-mile Natchez Trace! Finally, spend an afternoon relaxing in the shadow of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

Louisiana –  State Capitol Gardens in Baton Rouge

Standing 34 stories tall, Louisiana’s capitol in Baton Rouge is the tallest state capitol building in the United States. It’s surrounded by 27 acres of pet friendly grounds and gardens that offer picturesque views from every angle.

Stroll the paved paths under massive live oaks and palm trees or plan a picnic with your pet!

Mississippi –  The Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway stretches 444 miles, from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. It’s a blissfully quiet, billboard-free retreat from our fast-paced highways.

But a slower pace doesn’t mean you’ll be bored! There’s something to sniff around every bend with countless exhibits and 28 pet friendly trailheads along the route.

Tennessee –  Shelby Farms Park Off-Leash Area

Shelby Farms Park in Memphis is one of the country’s largest urban parks. With a massive off-leash dog area, 40 miles of pet friendly trails winding through 4,500 acres, a disc golf course, canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals, and a lovely visitor center, you could easily spend an entire day here!

Kentucky –  Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park

President Abraham Lincoln’s life is an inspiration, and visiting his simple birthplace fosters an even deeper appreciation of his accomplishments.

Pets are welcome to join you on the grounds of the historic park. And together you can explore the trails there and at the Lincoln Boyhood Home at Knob Creek, just ten miles away.

Missouri –  Gateway Arch National Park

Leashed pets are welcome to explore the extensive grounds at St. Louis’ Gateway Arch National Park. Enjoy the Riverfront Trail, embark on a one-hour scenic riverboat cruise, and be sure to ask now your pet can become a BARK Ranger during your visit.

READ MORE ⇒ 60 National Parks Where Your Dog Can Be A BARK Ranger

New England

You can see a lot without traveling far in New England! Enjoy Central Park in the heart of Manhattan, then explore the trails in Acadia National Park. Finally, take a splash in the pond at Dog Mountain. From beginning to end, this section of our pet friendly American road trip is a pet’s dream come true.

New York –  Central Park

There’s no place like New York! Central Park is the third most visited attraction IN THE WORLD – and it’s even better with your pet. Whether you choose to lounge on a bench, enjoy the conservatory gardens, or explore the wooded trails in the Ramble, it will be a day to remember.

Connecticut –  Mystic Seaport

Spread over 19 spectacular acres on the banks of the Mystic River, Mystic Seaport is the largest maritime museum in the United States. You and your pet can view magnificent old boats and learn what life was like for seaport dwellers in this part of New England in the 1800s.

Rhode Island –  Newport Cliff Walk

Newport is known as the City by the Sea. And a stroll along the pet friendly Cliff Walk proves that she more than lives up to her nickname!

Winding for 3.5 miles with the rocky shoreline on one side and the lush gardens of historic mansions on the other, the Cliff Walk Trail provides you and your pet with unforgettable views.

Massachusetts –  The Freedom Trail

Boston’s Freedom Trail connects 16 of our country’s most significant historic landmarks – locations that played a pivotal role in America’s rebellious beginning.

The pet friendly 2.5-mile path starts in Boston Common where you can pick up a map. Here pups will also find two off-leash areas for sniffing and socializing in America’s oldest public park. Then follow the red brick path through the city at your own pace, taking in each site as you go.

Maine –  Acadia National Park

As one of the countries most pet friendly national parks, you and your pet will find plenty to love in Acadia. There are more than 100 miles of trails to sniff, carriage roads to explore, and pets are even welcome on the free shuttles that run throughout the park and around the island!

READ MORE ⇒ America’s Best Dog Friendly National Parks

New Hampshire –  Mount Washington

Visiting Mount Washington can be tricky. More than 100 days a year the wind at the summit exceeds hurricane force, the peak is enveloped in clouds 60% of the time, and snow can fall year round. But if you’re lucky enough to be there on a pleasant day, you and your pet will never forget the pet friendly trails and stunning views.

Vermont –  Dog Mountain

At Dog Mountain, pets aren’t just welcome – they’re cherished! This 150-acre former dairy farm is always open to the public and dogs are welcome to shed their leashes while they run, play, and swim in the pond.

There are also hiking trails, peaceful retreats, and a pet friendly chapel and art gallery.

The Mid-Atlantic

The theme of this section of the trip is early American history with a lot fun thrown in! Learn about the first Europeans to arrive in the New World in Colonial Williamsburg. Then stroll through Washington, DC, where history is made every day. Next enjoy a day on the Jersey shore before heading to the Pocono Mountains for a scenic train ride!

Virginia –  Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg welcomes you and your pets to step back in time. View historic homes, watch demonstrations at the trades shops, enjoy the fife and drum corps, and get a bite to eat at one of the taverns or restaurants.

Washington, DC –  The National Mall

There are few places in the America more inspiring than our National Mall & Memorial Gardens. And because this national park sits in the middle of a living city, it’s more pet friendly than you might expect!

From the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, you and your pet can view dozens of iconic sights all within walking distance.

Maryland –  Cruise on Chesapeake Bay

Explore the Chesapeake Bay with your travel buddy aboard a pet friendly cruise! Arrange a tour from Annapolis, Baltimore, or St. Michaels. Or contact one of the countless privately-operated charter boats available in harbors up and down the bay, most of whom are happy to welcome your pets.

READ MORE ⇒ 5 Questions To Ask BEFORE Taking A Dog On A Boat

Delaware –  Walking Tour of Historic New Castle

Do you love strolling with your pet along tree-lined streets? Would you like to admire beautiful examples of colonial Dutch and Federal architecture? And what if you could learning a bit about the early history of our country at the same time?

It sounds like a walking tour of New Castle will be right up your alley! Be sure to check the local calendar for pet friendly events when planning your trip.

New Jersey –  The Jersey Shore at Wildwood Dog Beach

New Jersey has many popular beaches, but Wildwood’s beach stands out. It’s lovely, spacious, family-friendly, and free to use. And the best part is that your pets can come along!

Dogs on leashes are welcome from dawn to dusk, every day on the Wildwood dog beach between Glenwood and Maple Avenues. Just look for the gigantic fire hydrant and enjoy a day of sand and surf together.

Pennsylvania –  Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

All aboard! The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway welcomes pets on their vintage coaches. Powered by diesel engines and departing from the old railroad station in historic downtown Jim Thorpe, the narrated trips lasts about 70 minutes and follow 16-mile route along the Lehigh River as it winds through the gorge.

The Southeast

Beautiful gardens await your arrival on this pet friendly road trip through the Southeast. Wander the paths through Rock City, where on a clear day you can view seven states! Then admire the last large-scale romantic-style garden at Magnolia Plantation. Finally, spend a day exploring the formal gardens and wooded trails of the 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate.

Alabama –  Little River Canyon National Preserve

On a flat-top mountain in northeastern Alabama, Little River Canyon National Preserve protects 15,000+ rugged acres along the Little River.

Be prepared for stunning scenery and a taste of southern hospitality, because the preserve is incredibly pet friendly. Not only can your furry travel buddy join you on all the trails — he’s also welcome inside the visitor center, and the staff has dog treats!

Georgia –  Rock City Gardens

Visitors from around the world come to admire Rock City’s botanical and geological features. And your pet is welcome to join you on the trails. You can even have lunch together on the patio at Café 7, a seasonal restaurant with amazing views!

Florida –  Fort De Soto Dog Beach

Fort De Soto’s beaches are acclaimed for their white sand and clear blue waters. But the best part of this quarter-mile stretch of beach is that it’s dedicated to the dogs!

Pups can romp leash-free here and in the adjacent enclosed dog park. Then rent a kayak and paddle the 2.25-mile water trail, peddle the 7-mile bike trail, or hit the hiking trails to see more of the island.

South Carolina –  Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is America’s last large-scale Romantic-style garden. You and your pup are welcome to enjoy the trails, grounds, gardens. Plan accordingly to see your favorite flowers in bloom!

North Carolina –  Biltmore Estate Gardens and Grounds

At the Biltmore Estate, pets cannot tour the historic home. However, you and your pet can stroll the lush garden paths, or hit the 23 miles of hiking trails that criss-cross the 8,000-acre estate.

When you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to Antler Hill Village and choose a table on the patio at one of the pet friendly restaurants!

READ MORE ⇒ Training Your Dog To Be A Great Traveler

How long will it take and what will it cost?

In total, our entire pet friendly American road trip is 15,000 miles and will take at least two months. That’s assuming you have great luck with the weather and don’t mind driving about 8 hours a day.

The cost of the trip depends on how you travel. And where you are comfortable staying is a factor that has a big impact. Car camping or tenting will be least expensive. And staying at pet friendly hotels will cost more. Luckily, pets aren’t picky about where you sleep – as long as you’re together.

READ MORE ⇒ Car Camping With Pets: Prep The Car, What to Pack, and More

Most of the attractions we’ve recommended are fairly inexpensive (free – $20), with a few exceptions. So figure around $500 per person for all the admission fees.

Gas will cost another $1,500 to $2,000.

Then there’s food, which can also vary a lot. To save money, plan to spend time shopping and preparing your own meals rather than eating out. If you can eat for $15 per day, that adds about $900 per person for a two-month trip.

In total, this trip could be done by one person for around $4,500. Bring a buddy to split the lodging and gas costs and the cost is even less for you both.

So, there you have it – our Ultimate Pet Friendly American Road trip! Now all that’s left to do is pack the car, crank up the tunes, and hit the road. Waggin’ trails to you!

Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know our latest news and pet friendly activities.

Travel Inspiration

National parks, hit the beach, mountain getaways, cities to explore, iconic road trips, unique attractions, related posts.

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

We know you’re excited to travel!

In order to save your trips and favorite destinations, you need to set up an account or login .

By creating an account you agree to our Terms & Conditions

Thanks for joining GoPetFriendly!

Please check your email to confirm your registration

Don't have an account? Join Now!

Sorry we can't find any pet friendly listings in our database. Please make sure your search is spelled correctly or try typing fewer characters. nearby ! -->

Do you know of a pet friendly place here? Let us know.

The ultimate dog-friendly summer road trip guide

Not every dog mom or dad has an easy time leaving their pup behind (hi!). When it comes to summer road trips , why not bring Buddy along for the ride?

For pups that do well in the car (my Frenchie Jaxson loves soothing jams and good vibrations), road trips are a great way to include your canine companion in your adventures.

Unlike air travel, most vehicles provide plenty of room for your pooch. It also provides freedom and flexibility to plan and pivot as you see fit, along with increasingly appealing options when it comes to dog-friendly accommodations .

Still on the fence? We've broken down everything you need to know, prepare and pack so you can bring your favorite tail-wagger along on your next exciting road trip.

Buckle up Fido

The term "precious cargo" applies to more than just the little ones. Ensure your four-legged friend is safe and secure before you leave your driveway. Lucky for you, there's a plethora of options that cater to your dog's security while on the road.

Secure a seat belt

My personal preference is a dog-friendly seat belt, including an actual harness seat belt or seat belt restraints like the EZYDOG. If your dog does well cozied up on the actual seat of your car, this is a great choice. Make sure the seat belt is tightly fastened to the dog and that it properly clicks into the seat belt jack before you get moving.

Use a car seat or booster

Yes, doggy car seats are a thing. These typically also buckle into the seat belt and can be tethered to the dog's harness or collar for a second level of security. Or you can opt for a booster seat like the Kurgo , which also buckles in and offers a bit more space while keeping your doggo in place.

Fasten a hammock

Looking for a cool lounge vibe for your pup by creating a padded cradle to keep your dog contained? Strap up a hammock — also great for keeping dog hair and treat crumbs contained. However, this option is best paired with a dog seat belt because the hammock alone won't secure your pup.

Set up a crate

If you have a larger vehicle with plenty of breathing room and your dog does well crated, this may work for you. Keep in mind you will need to find a way to secure the soft crate so it stays in place. Consider a travel crate that is impact-safe. Note that crating may not be the best option for anxious pups.

Build a barrier

If you have a large dog and an even larger cargo area, you can secure a barrier made of netting or metal bars. This also works if you have more than one dog and a designated section of the vehicle reserved just for them. The cargo bars may keep the dogs from traveling within the vehicle, but they won't secure your dog, so use a seat belt.

Create a comfort zone

Dogs sleep an average of 14 hours per day, which means once safely fastened, your pooch needs a comfortable place to rest and relax while you're taking in the scenery. Make sure your dog has enough space to stand up, turn around and adjust as needed.

A good rule of thumb is to provide a space as large as their standard dog bed. In fact, taking your dog's actual bed is one easy solution. Don't want to take the regular dog bed on the road? Buy one for the trip and let your pup cuddle up in prep so they know exactly what to expect on departure day. Bonus: they'll have infused the bed with not only their scent but familiar ones from inside your home.

Help your dog feel cozy by adding a blanket or a few soft toys.

Breaking down the basics

With so much packing and planning, don't forget the bare necessities, as well as toys and chews that will keep your dog happy throughout your journey.

Necessary accessories

Typically, these include a collar/harness (with current ID tag) and leash, pet waste bags and food and water bowls. Collapsible silicone bowls are also handy and great for excursions.

Soft, plush toys are the safest for road travel. Consider soft toys your dog cannot tear into easily. Perhaps leave the squeaker toys at home, as well as rope toys – both are choking hazards, and no incessant squeaking may preserve your zen mode.

Bones and chews

Stock up on bones, chews, bully sticks and rawhides. However, make sure you stow them for long stops or once you are at your lodging accommodations – these are choking hazards, too. Fillable cones like rubber Kong toys also fall into this category.

Outdoor toys

If your pup loves playing fetch, make sure to pack tennis balls, frisbees and ball launchers for fenced stops and dog parks.

Related: A comprehensive guide to traveling with pets

Food, glorious dog food

Everybody's got to eat, including Bowser. Dogs consume two kinds of foods: dry and wet. The most convenient food is dry kibble. Many brands sell 5-pound bags, which makes it easy to grab one (don't forget the measuring cup) and keep it with you for a long haul. If you're taking a shorter trip, you can portion the food ahead of time into meals in reusable silicone bags.

In terms of wet food, it should be as easy to purchase the cans or packets you need. However, be cautious of temperature advisories. For example, if your pup takes wet food (or freeze-dried food) that should be stored at or below a certain temperature, you will need to make this accommodation. Pack a small cooler dedicated solely to your dog's food.

If you forget your dog's food, run out or thought you'd be able to purchase it when you arrived at your destination but can't find it, buy a food with a similar ingredient list and arm yourself with one secret ingredient: organic, canned pumpkin.

"The fiber in the pumpkin may help avoid any digestive disturbances the new food may cause," offers Johnna Devereaux, clinical pet nutritionist and director of nutrition and wellness for Bow Wow Labs.

Don't forget about dog treats. You should include these in your food inventory. Also, consider packing some extra to reward your pup for being a good boy or girl throughout the journey.

Additionally, make sure to pack your pup's vitamins and supplements. It's important to keep up with your dog's regular nutritional routine – the road is no exception. If your dog tends to have a nervous belly when traveling, consider ginger root as a solution. "Ginger root may help calm and unsettle stomach and is best given just before departure," Devereaux suggests.

TPG tip : Store the dog food and treats out of range from where your pup will be seated in your vehicle so they aren't tempted by the familiar scent.

Pack an emergency stash

Just like you packed yourself an emergency sustenance stash of protein bars and trail mix, you should the same for your loyal companion. There are a lot of unknowns associated with the open road. You could be delayed by weather or a car issue, and you will need to prepare extra dog food just in case. (I like to pack two additional days of food, at minimum.)

Splurge a little

Obviously, stopping for special treats and indulgent meals is one of the best parts of a road trip. When your pup accompanies you, they should be no exception to the rule. Once you've carved out your route and itinerary, do your due diligence to find some pitstops for Spot. (While the occasional Starbucks puppuccino can be fun, it's best not to make that a daily treat.)

Pet bakeries

For fresh gourmet treats, bookmark these bark-worthy bakeries with outlets nationwide:

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming: Not only will you find gourmet mix-and-match treats, but if your companion could use a refresh, jump into the grooming schedule. Founded in Florida, this barkery now has 200 locations in 18 states, from North Carolina to New Jersey and Colorado to Las Vegas.

Three Dog Bakery : Find fresh-baked treats from "collieflower pupcakes" to eggs-and-bacon-shaped cookies in Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Texas, Minnesota and other states.

The Dog Bakery : Want to celebrate your pup's birthday on the road? Order a celebration cake. Or, settle for delicious biscuits, jerky and assortment treat packs with locations across California.

Hotel pampering and doggy socials

Want to spoil your pup? Plan a hotel stay where you can treat your pup to a gourmet meal or just stop for a relaxing dinner at a doggy social club.

Loews Hotels : In addition to a check-in care package featuring treats, bowls, placemats and waste bags, there's a full gourmet room service menu for dogs developed by the hotels' executive chefs. Serve up bow wow tenderloin of beef, a mix of filet, eggs and rice, or chicken puppy bites, tender shredded chicken with carrots.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World : Once you're done devouring Mickey Mouse pops and jumbo turkey legs, order K-9 crudite, the hot diggity dog (scrambled eggs, rice and veal stock), and frozen peanut butter and banana bites for the doggy.

Lazy Dog Restaurants : In Florida, Virginia, Texas and Colorado, this casual dining chain services pup-friendly brown rice bowls with grilled hamburger or grilled chicken.

Boozehounds in Palm Springs , California : This restaurant features dog-friendly outdoor spaces, as well as a dedicated dog menu that includes teriyaki salmon bowls, gazpacho, loaded sweet potatoes and doggie TV dinners.

Pacific Hideaway in Huntington Beach, California : Inside the Kimpton Shorebreak Resort, Pacific Hideaway welcomes dogs on the outdoor patio where they can enjoy three savory menu items: chicken and white rice, fish and sweet potato, and beef and vegetable.

Bark Social in Bethesda and Baltimore, Maryland : This social club for dogs serves craft brews, nachos and pizza for you, and pupcakes, pupsicles and chicken strips for your doggo.

Don't forget the H2O

It goes without saying that water is a necessity for summer road-tripping dogs and humans alike. Even though you may have done your research about your trip ahead, it's likely you won't know much about the water quality at each stop.

According to Illinois-based veterinarian Dr. Allison Pepich, your dog needs a rough estimate of at least 1 ounce of water per 0.5-1 pound of body weight. For example, a 30-pound dog would need between 15-30 ounces of water per day at a minimum, but it could be more depending on their fluid losses throughout the day.

"If they will not drink water while in the car, giving them water at rest stops throughout the journey is recommended," Dr. Pepich said. "The more panting, activity, or just general fluid loss that your pet has, the more water they will need."

Always store a few extra gallons of water in your car — in a cooler is even better.

Avoiding the dehydration danger zone

As the weather warms up through the summer months, Dr. Pepich says dehydration and overheating could be a concern during extended car travel.

"If you feel that your pet is experiencing either, the safest option is to get them to the nearest veterinary clinic for evaluation," she said. "Pets can often mask signs that they are not feeling well, especially if they are already anxious from travel. Watch for signs of reduced energy, poor appetite, not drinking well, tacky mucus membranes (gums), or heavy panting."

A normal temperature for a dog is between 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit, and the most accurate way to check this is with a rectal thermometer – add this to your first-aid kit (more on that below), according to Dr. Pepich.

In order to avoid dehydration and overheating, Dr. Pepich says never to leave your pet alone in the car during travel. Also, keep the car at a comfortable temperature while traveling. If you spend time outdoors, make sure your pet has a cool, shady area to go to for rest. Dr. Pepich also recommends paying extra attention to breeds that may be at significant risk for heat stress. These are typically brachycephalic dogs like French bulldogs, pugs, shih tzus, boxers, Boston terriers and others.

Meds and first aid

Before you head out, make sure you have medication and first-aid options for your pup, too. The Red Cross offers a comprehensive list of what to pack , which includes many household items that will come in handy. Some include latex gloves, gauze, tweezers, a muzzle, rubbing alcohol, antibiotic ointment, a baby-dose syringe, 3% hydrogen peroxide, an emergency blanket, sterile saline wash, petroleum jelly, cotton swabs and needle-nose pliers. As mentioned above, make sure to pack a rectal thermometer for temperature checks.

De-stressing your doggo

Additionally, take extra precautions if your dog tends to get easily stressed.

"There are a few over-the-counter products that can be used for stress reduction during car trips," Dr. Pepich said. "My favorite products are Rescue Remedy and Adaptil pheromone products. You can also use CBD products, but I've found success varies considerably across different products."

If your dog gets carsick, Dr. Pepich recommends using an anti-nausea medication or one aimed at treating motion sickness may help calm their car-related anxiety. Before your trip, discuss prescription anxiety medications for car travel with your vet, "though the specific product prescribed may vary greatly depending on your dog's needs," according to Dr. Pepich.

For the record

Whether digitized or hard copies, keep your dog's latest vaccination records on hand. If your dog is microchipped, make sure you have the ID number and registration information before you leave. Confirm you also have a collar with an ID tag that displays your most up-to-date contact information for peace of mind.

TPG tip : Work in advance to help your dog get comfortable in the car. If there are signs of car-related anxiety, employ a trainer to help desensitize your pup to car trips.

Keep 'em clean

Grooming on the go can be a pain, so make sure your car is stocked with the essentials. You can very easily craft a handy DIY travel grooming kit with these necessities:

Shampoo : Whether your furry friend enjoys regular puppy spa appointments or bath time at home, it's important to pack a bottle of your pup's shampoo – just in case. If your hotel or lodging doesn't happen to have a bathtub or sink to refresh Sparky, opt for a dry shampoo. Test out any new products in advance so you aren't dealing with any unpleasant surprises like allergies or skin reactions.

Wipes : Pet wipes can be a lifesaver when traveling. They're great for muddy paws at a rest stop to avoid caking dirt onto your leather seats and a full wipe-down from outdoor dander, pollen and the elements. Try these out at home before the road trip and opt for scented or unscented based on what works best for the doggy.

Nail clippers : Either a manual tool or an electronic device, a set of dog-friendly nail clippers are handy. Just like human nails, dog nails and dewclaws (essentially the thumbs and big toes) can split while adventuring and be painful for your pup.

Toothbrush : It's important to stay up on your doggy's dental hygiene. Grab a small travel-size toothbrush for longer trips.

Scissors : While you may pack these for your own emergency kit, you can also use them to remove fur tangles on long-haired dogs.

Dog waste bags : Do the math on the length of your trip and how many times your dog does his or her business per day to determine how many poop bag rolls you need. Pack a couple of extra rolls for any surprise messes along the way.

Related: The 15 best dog-friendly hotels in the US you need to know about

Bottom line

Don't let hitting the road with your favorite furry friend intimidate you. There may be plenty of prep work, but once you're en route, it will be worth it.

Dogs make amazing summer road-trip companions, whether heading out solo, as a couple or even with the kids. With so many dog-friendly lodging, activity and dining accommodations, there's no reason to board your bestie or spend hundreds on a dog sitter this summer.

The best part about dog-friendly road trip travel is that you never need to "ruff" it because everything is accessible along the way. So, what are you waiting for? Rev up, hit the cruise and lift that sun "woof."

Related reading:

Top pet-friendly Marriott hotels for animal lovers World's top pet-friendly Hilton hotels for animal lovers 8 things to consider before flying with your pet Your pet travel primer: Answering questions about vaccination records, EU pet passports and how to find dog-friendly restaurants

• Pet Travel Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Taking a Road Trip With Your Dog

by Lavanya Sunkara

Published on July 20, 2020

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

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

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. 

Related articles

Nostalgic bark snack pack treats for dogs: an honest review, is fresh cat food worth the splurge my take on smalls cat food, litter boxes, best natural cat litter: 6 picks you can feel good about, how to soothe a scared cat: 9 cat calming solutions, naturally fresh cat litter: can harmony lavender litter calm my cat, dog supplements, best flea and tick medicine for dogs: 10 top picks.

How to Road Trip with a Dog: Tips for Safety & Success!

WRITTEN BY:

November 4, 2019

K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Here’s how it works .

Whether you’re taking a day trip to the beach, visiting the in-laws during the holidays, or heading out on a full-fledged vacation, you simply must bring the family dog with you!

Unless, that is, your soul can withstand some seriously sad puppy dog eyes when you return.

But traveling with your pooch is a bit more complicated than traveling sans four-footer .

We’ll help you dog-loving families prep for those long road-trip with our collection of tips and tricks below. Whether you’re embarking on a full-on van life adventure with your dog or just doing a cross-country trip to visit family, these tips will be sure to help you keep your furry family member safe!

Temperature Safety

It is important to “triage” your dog’s needs when heading out on the open road. You have to think about her safety first, before moving on to her comfort and enjoyment.

Accordingly, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is the car’s climate.

Winter Travel with Dogs

Unless your road trip involves rolling across a frozen tundra with the top down, most dogs will stay warm enough during the ride.

As long as the interior car temperatures are in the mid-40s , most dogs should remain comfortable . Big, furry pooches will remain comfortable in temperatures 10 degrees or so lower than this.

You’ll obviously want to fit your little sweetie with a canine sweater if she needs one for crisp fall mornings, but just use common sense and read your pup’s body language.

If she’s shivering or remains in a heat-conserving curly-cue for long periods of time, you may want to bump up the heat.   

However, you will want to use extra caution whenever you need to turn the car off and leave your pupper inside, such as while taking a dinner break. But even during these times, a warm blanket or two will usually suffice to keep your canine cozy for a short period of time.

Summer Travel with Dogs

It is incredibly important to keep the temperature in mind when traveling with your pooch during the summer .

This is not the time to take chances.

For the most part, your pooch will be fine when riding alongside you. As long as you’re comfortable and have the AC on, your canine will be chillin. The problems typically occur when you have to leave your pup alone in the car.

But there are even ways to keep your dog safe on those rare occasions in which you need to (briefly) leave your dog in the car.

Just check out our guide to safe summertime car travel with your dog , written by trainer, behavior consultant, and regular K9 of Mine contributor Kayla Fratt.

This article should be considered mandatory reading by all pet parents with an upcoming road trip , but here are a few of the most important points:

• Be sure to take extra precautions anytime the temperatures flirt with the 80-degree mark.
• High humidity levels can cause your pooch to overheat more quickly than she would during similar, but drier, conditions.
• Take your car’s color (including the interior) into consideration during summer travel. Small, dark-colored cars are the quickest to heat up (especially if they have dark interiors).
• Be sure that it is even legal to leave your car alone in a car in your state before doing so.

There are also a few products that may help keep your canine safe and comfortable in the car.

For example, a car windshield shade will help reflect the sun’s rays blasting your car. You can also get shades that will cover your car’s door windows . These are even helpful while you’re driving!

In fact, these types of shades are great whether you leave your dog in the car or not, as they’ll keep your car cooler whenever you leave it parked in the sun. Some especially dog-friendly cars have shades like these already built-in.

You can also use window gates to keep the car temperatures from climbing sky high. These gates allow you to roll down the window (partially), which will allow air to flow through the car.

However, our favorite must-have gadget for any road trip would have to be the Waggle Pet RV Temperature Monitor .

Waggle features a temperature monitoring device along with a companion app. The device is installed in your vehicle and tracks the temperature. If the temps get outside of the safety zone you set (whether due to heat or cold), you’ll get an alert notification on your phone via text or email! While it’s designed specifically with owners who are traveling via RV with a dog or cat, it works great for standard cars too!

This is a sponsored placement , in which an advertiser pays a fee to be featured in this article. Learn more

Waggle Pet TV Temperature Monitor

Temperature monitoring device that’ll alert you when vehicle temperatures reach unsafe levels.

Of course, you can just skip all this hoopla and avoid leaving your dog alone in the car during the summer . That’s usually the safest, most cost-effective option when doable.

Crash Safety

It isn’t pleasant to think about, but you must ensure your family is as protected as possible in the event of an accident during your road trip – and that includes your four-footer.

For the two-legged members of your family, this is pretty simple: Just make sure that everyone wears a seatbelt or rides in an age-appropriate car seat. But it can be a little trickier to keep our dogs safe while riding in the car .

Essentially, you have three options:

• Use a dog crate designed for car use . This is the best option, as it’ll keep your pup the safest. However, car crates can take up quite a bit of space and some are pretty pricey.
• Fit your dog with a harness intended for use in the car . A car harness won’t provide the same level of protection that a crate will, but it will help keep your dog from being flung around the interior of the car in the event of an accident (apologies for the horrific imagery).
• Clip your dog in with a canine seatbelt . Canine seatbelts are another option that work in a similar fashion to car harnesses, except that you can use them with your dog’s existing harness.

Note that the vast majority of dog car harnesses, crates, and seatbelts are not crash tested. While they may keep your dog secure for minor fender benders, most common canine car-securing equipment won’t protect your dog in a true collision.

In our research, we were able to find car crates and harnesses that were successful crash-tested (and we detail them in the articles linked to above). However, there are no dog seatbelts that have been crash-tested.

All three of these options provide another benefit too: They’ll prevent your dog from wandering around the cabin and distracting you while you’re driving. This, in truth, is probably one of the most important reasons to secure your dog, as doggie distractions can easily cause a crash.

Keep the Family Together

Aside from health problems of car accidents, becoming separated from your pooch on a road trip is likely the worst thing that can happen.

Trying to relocate a runaway Rover at home is difficult enough – doing so in an unfamiliar place is unthinkably daunting ( but not impossible ).

This means you’ll want to do everything you can to prevent your dog from running off and be sure that you’ve taken steps to maximize the chances of finding your pup if she does manage to escape. Among other things, this means you’ll want to:

• Keep your dog leashed at all times . The only exceptions to this rule are when you are indoors or in an enclosed area, such as a fenced dog park. If your dog is a Houdini-like hound, you should also invest in an escape-proof dog harness.
• Make sure your dog is wearing ID tags with your current contact information . ID tags are an incredibly inexpensive and low-tech strategy that may drastically improve your chances of a happy reunion.
• Have your vet install a microchip implant on your dog . Microchip implants are tiny electronic devices that contain encoded data about your dog, which can help vets, shelters, or anyone else with a code reader to find you following a separation.
• Fit your dog with a GPS tracking collar . Microchip implants are very helpful, but they’re passive devices. You’ll simply have to wait by the phone and hope that your dog turns up at a vet or shelter. On the other hand, a GPS collar will allow you to hit the streets and track down your pup via a smartphone app.

Medical Issues

You’ll need to consider any health issues your dog has when getting ready to travel – you don’t want to end up dealing with a sick sidekick during the middle of your trip.

In fact, even if your dog is healthy as a horse, it’s a good idea to visit your vet right before your trip . This will help reduce the chances of a surprise illness popping up at an extremely inopportune time. For that matter, be sure that you have your vet’s phone number saved in your phone .

It’s also important to make sure you bring along a pet first-aid kit , loaded with your pet’s regular medications.

This includes not only the things she needs to deal with specific ailments (such as corticosteroids prescribed for itchy skin), but also routine medications, such as flea or heartworm medications.

You can put together a first-aid kit for your pet or you can just pick up a premade version . We explain the things you’ll need to include in your first aid kit and run down a few of the best premade versions on the market in our dog first-aid kit article .

There’s one more thing you may want to do before hitting the road with your pooch: Go ahead and locate a pet emergency room or two on your planned route .

I know this may seem like overkill, but in the minutes following some type of emergency, you’ll be glad you’ve already identified a few places you can get your pet emergency medical attention (and saved them on your phone).

Bathroom Breaks

For the most part, it should be pretty easy to take care of your dog’s bathroom needs during a road trip. Puppies will need to poop and pee every couple of hours, but most adult dogs can easily go 6 to 8 hours between bathroom breaks (and many can “hold it” even longer).

So, you don’t have to worry about stopping very often.

In fact, if you’re traveling with kids, they’ll certainly have to “go” more often than your pooch will, so walk your pupper when you stop at rest stops or fast food places to let the kids use the facilities.

Just be sure to exercise courtesy and common sense . This means keeping your pooch leashed and cleaning up behind her when she poops.

Food and Water on the Open Road

Keeping your dog fed and hydrated on the road won’t cause any serious problems, but there are a few things you’ll want to think about before you pack the pooch in the car.

• You can bring your pup’s normal food and water dishes on the road if you like, but there are some great travel-friendly options available . Many portable dog dishes are made from silicone or other lightweight materials, and some collapse to make them easier to store.
• Make sure you give your dog a chance to drink water every two or three hours . Use water fountains to fill his bowl when they’re available, but always carry a water bottle specifically for your pooch so you don’t ever have to worry about water availability.
• Try to feed your dog around the same time as you normally would . It’s a good idea to pamper your pet’s digestive tract a bit while traveling, to help prevent stomach upset. Feeding her at normal times is a good first step.
• Purchase smaller-than-normal cans of food, if your pup can’t polish off a whole can . Canned foods must be refrigerated once opened. This isn’t a problem for dogs who eat entire cans, but you’ll have to throw out any unfinished portion when traveling on the road (unless you bring along a cooler). So, if you normally buy 13-ounce cans, consider picking up a bunch of 6-ounce versions for your road trip.
• Split your dog’s kibble into pre-measured containers . You can bring your dog’s bag of dog food and a measuring cup on the road, but it’ll be much easier to simply portion out your dog’s meals beforehand. Try to use re-usable containers instead of single-use plastic bags, for the planet’s sake.

When it comes to keeping all your dog’s travel goodies stored in one convenient spot, Meg Marrs and her pooch Remy are big fans of the K9 Cube from Mountainsmith !

The K9 Cube is a pretty nifty dog travel kit — the interior section offers two deep compartments for storing your dog’s food, toys, and other essentials. It comes will a waterproof lined storage bag that can safely hold your dog’s kibble and can easily be sealed to prevent mildew or bacteria from forming.

The cube also has two collapsable bowls to provide your pup with food and water during your hotel stays. The bowls can even be attached via Velcro to the bag’s outer flap to keep the bowls stationary.

With tons of bonus mesh and zippered pockets, it can contain all your dog’s road-trip necessities (even when your dog is totally spoiled and has way too many road squeaky toys).

While Mountainsmith’s K9 Travel Cube ain’t cheap, it’s pretty awesome to have — especially if you do a lot of road tripping with your pooch!

Dealing with Boredom

“Are we there yet?”

Dogs can’t talk, but they’d probably repeat this phrase more often than your 7-year-old does during road trips if they could.

The problem is, you can’t just hand your dog a digital screen to keep her busy until you reach your destination. So, you’ll have to adopt other strategies.

Ideally, your dog will sleep for as much of the trip as possible.

So, try to let her exercise a bunch before heading out on the trip. You may even want to try to keep her awake a little longer than normal the night before .

But if your trip is longer than three or four hours, your pooch will undoubtedly be awake for part of the journey .

Some pooches will be content to stare out the window, but most will grow bored as the road trip carries on and on . Just make sure you have a few of your floof’s favorite toys on hand to help keep her occupied.

A simple chew toy may suffice for some dogs, but interactive toys will usually keep your dog’s interest for longer .

Assuming you can contain the mess (or don’t mind it), long-lasting chews and other hard-to-eat-but-edible things (such as peanut butter stuffed inside a KONG Toy ) also deserve consideration.

Personally, whenever I need a little extra help keeping my pup busy, I pick up a brand-spanking new toy for her . The new-toy scent and unblemished surfaces usually drive her wild for a few hours, and keep her little brain humming.

Also, be sure to take a break every three to four hours to allow your dog to answer nature’s call and stretch her legs a bit.

Consider flying one of the most pet-friendly airlines with your doggo if you’re worried about boredom!

Car Sickness

Dogs can get car sick just like people can.

I actually learned this firsthand when I was 4 years old, riding home in the car with my very first puppy. The poor pupper barfed all over me, which made for quite a welcome to the world of pets.

Car sickness is most commonly an issue for puppies and young dogs, as adults tend to outgrow it as they become more accustomed to riding in vehicles.

Nevertheless, some dogs continue to get queasy when riding in the car, so you’ll want to take whatever steps you can to prevent it from becoming a problem during your trip.

There are several simple things you can do, such as keeping the car a little cooler than normal or setting your dog up with a booster seat (we detail several other strategies for preventing vehicular vomiting in our canine car sickness article ).

Try some of these strategies out before going on your trip. If they don’t work, your vet may be willing to prescribe medications that’ll help easy your dog’s motion sickness.

Keep in mind that many adult dogs experience car sickness more due to stress than to actual motion sickness. If your grown-up pooch is getting ill in the car, consider working on some strategies to reduce your dog’s car anxiety .

Canine-Accessible Accommodations

Ideally, you’ll be em barking (get it?) on a relatively short trip, you’ll likely arrive at your destination without having to stop overnight at a hotel.

But if your destination is hundreds of miles away, you’ll probably want to hole up in a hotel overnight to recuperate for the next day’s travel.

This isn’t usually difficult, but four-footers make hotel stays a bit more complicated .

For starters, you’ll need to find a hotel that accepts pets (as well as one that’ll accept your specific dog – some have size and breed restrictions). You’ll also want to investigate the fee-structures in place to avoid spending an arm and a leg for the right to sleep alongside your pupper.

In practice, you’ll often find it necessary to contact the specific hotel you intend to stay at to find out their policies . But, you can narrow things down and find out some of the basics by checking out our article on the best pet-friendly hotel chains .

There are plenty of options available. Just be sure to follow the rules and avoid the temptation to sneak your pup in under the radar. That’ll just lead to you getting kicked out in the middle of the night when hotel management discovers your incognito canine.

Alternatively, you can check out Take Paws — a site that advertises dog-friendly vacation homes .

If you’re looking for spots where you and your pup can chill out together and grab a bite, check out our full list of dog-friendly restaurant chains . Chances are you’ll find something pet-friendly somewhere on the road!

Check Out Your Destination Before Hitting the Road

Hopefully, you’re heading to a fun and fantastic destination. But whether you’re heading for the Big Apple or East Bumble, take a few minutes to check out the canine attractions in the area .

Many modern cities offer incredible dog-friendly amenities, ranging from off-leash parks to pet-friendly pubs and restaurants .

Some cities have canine daycare facilities that would be helpful when you must leave your pup for a while, and others have – this is no joke – dog lockers you can use to help keep your dog comfy, safe, and out of trouble while you’re shopping.

The point is, you’ll want to make the most of your trip and ensure your dog gets to take advantage of any special opportunities available.

It won’t take you long to do so, so spend 10 minutes Googling to get the low down . You can also check out our guide to the best dog-friendly vacation destinations as well as the 12 best dog-friendly cities if you’re heading to a mainstream metropolis.

Rover’s Road Trip Checklist

We’ve put together the checklist below to help during your next vehicular adventure with the dog.

We’d recommend saving or bookmarking this article on your phone as a handy reference, or even better, print out this list and slap it on the fridge.

• ID Tags with up-to-date contact info
• Food and water dishes
• Bottled water
• Car harness or crate
• Any necessary medications (including monthly meds, such as heartworm or flea medicine)
• Two to three favorite toys
• Dog-safe wet wipes (for messes)
• An old bath towel (for big messes)
• Any training tools (clickers, heel sticks, etc.) you plan on using during the trip
• Emergency contact info and resources

Don’t Forget to Keep Things Organized!

Chances are, you’re now sitting at your kitchen table with all of your dog’s necessities spread out in front of you. Just be sure that you keep things organized so that you can find tools and supplies when you need them .

The easiest way to do so is by picking up a premade dog travel bag. We love the Hilike Pet Travel Bag , as it comes with insulated food storage containers, silicone travel bowls, and a feeding mat , while still providing plenty storage space for some of your dog’s other gear.

But if you want to save some bucks, you can just use whatever travel bag or backpack you have stuffed in your closet .

The important thing is just that you keep all of your dog’s stuff together. This will make it easy to find things when you need them and help you avoid losing your pupper’s favorite toy or your backup leash when you need it.

Traveling with a big pup? Check out our tips for car travel with large dogs !

Don’t be overwhelmed by all of the things you’ll want to address and take care of before heading on a road trip with your pooch.

There are certainly lots of things to do and think about, but once you’ve done so, you can be reasonably sure that you’ll avoid most problems and be prepared for any that do occur. And that will help ensure you and your floof have a fantastic time.

Have you ever taken a road trip with your dog? How did it go? What kinds of things do you do that we didn’t mention? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Like it? Share it!

Recommended For You

Taste of the Wild vs Blue Buffalo: A Head-to-Head Comparison

How to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Car During the Summer!

Join our pup pack!

Get tons of great dog training tutorials, canine gear guides, and the latest doggy discounts.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Great information very helpful and clear thanks

Glad you liked it!

Also Worth Your Time

19 Essential Tips to Know Before Flying With Your Dog

The 11 Best Dog Breeds for Van Life (and Some of the Worst)

Best Dog Goggles: Protecting Your Pup’s Eyes!

Dog Crates & Carriers

8 Best Motorcycle Dog Carriers: Road Cruising With Your Canine!

Collars & Harnesses

Best Dog Collars for Weddings: Giving Fido Some Fancy Flair

How To Do Dog CPR

+1 (512) 720-6136

[email protected]

Marrsipan Media LLC 5900 Balcones Drive #17677 Austin, TX 78731, USA

© Copyright 2024 by K9 Of Mine / Marrsipan Media LLC

USEFUL LINKS

About K9 of Mine

Privacy Policy

Terms of Use

K9ofMine.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Additionally, K9ofMine.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.

K9ofMine.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. While we provide information resourced and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance.

• Health & Wellness
• Super Extra Dog Parents

14 Tips For Taking A Road Trip With Your Dog

How to make road trips with dogs go smoothly..

Road trips with your dog can be a ton of fun.

It can definitely get stressful at times, though, so you’ll want to be prepared.

The Dodo interviewed veterinarians and dog trainers to learn their top tips for taking a road trip with your dog so the car ride can go as smoothly as possible.

Check in with your vet

Before going on your trip out of state, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to make sure your pup has what he needs to travel.

“Dogs may need new vaccinations or protection against different types of parasites when they travel,” Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinarian from Pet News Daily , told The Dodo. “Many states require that incoming pets travel with a current certificate of veterinary inspection, which indicates that your pet was healthy at the time of examination and is up to date on required vaccines.”

At your appointment, ask your vet for a copy of your pup’s medical records to bring along with you, just in case — “especially if your dog is being treated and/or monitored for a condition by your veterinarian,” Dr. Sarah Nold, a staff veterinarian at Trupanion , told The Dodo.

If your pup has any travel anxiety or motion sickness, now is also a good time to check in with your vet about treatment options (more on that below).

Make sure your dog has proper identification

Losing your dog in a location you’re unfamiliar with can be really scary. So before your trip, make sure your pup is microchipped and has an ID tag, which will make it easier for you to find your pup in case he gets lost.

“Have your dog microchipped to help with identification if they should get lost,” Dr. Nold said.

And if you’re looking for an ID tag, try this GoTags Stainless Steel Pet ID Tag from Amazon for $7.95 .

Take practice trips

“Traveling can be stressful for pets,” Dr. Coates said. “Expose your pet to as many of the trip’s experiences as you can prior to leaving.”

Start by taking short practice trips in the car that end at places he enjoys, like the dog park, for example. And “feed them treats while they are inside,” Dr. Coates said. That way, your dog will start to associate car rides with positive experiences.

You can also train your dog to be calm in the car by reinforcing relaxed behaviors while on the road. “Proactively reward your dog and give him loads of attention and appreciation when he's being calm and relaxed in the car,” Siddhika Bhat, a professional dog trainer and founder of Wag a Bond , told The Dodo.

Get him used to his crate (if he’s using one)

Crates are a safe and popular way to travel with dogs in the car. If you plan on securing your pup in a crate for a road trip , though, you should plan to get him familiar with it long before you leave.

“Get him used to extended, positive and well-engaged crate time starting at least two weeks in advance,” Bhat said.

If your dog’s never used the crate before, you can start exposing him to it slowly in your home. “Get pets comfortable with spending time in their crates at home,” Dr. Coates said.

Place the crate out in plain sight in an area in your home your dog likes to hang out in. Keep the door open and throw treats inside to entice him to walk in. You can even feed his meals from inside the crate. If he starts feeling more comfortable, you can shut the door little by little until you can close it completely without any fuss from your dog.

It’s important to take it really slow when introducing your pup to a new crate and make the experience really positive for him. That way, he’ll have no problem hanging out inside during your road trip.

Once your dog’s comfortable being in the crate at home, take practice drives in the car with him in the crate before leaving for the longer drive. “Make sure those trips end up in your dog's favorite places,” Bhat said.

Address car sickness or anxiety

It’s possible for dogs to feel car sickness and experience anxiety during car rides . If your pup is showing signs like restlessness, shaking or panting before or during car rides, he could have either condition.

Luckily, prescription medications can help in these cases. “Your veterinarian can prescribe medications that will help keep your pet relaxed and relieve nausea,” Dr. Coates said. “Talk to your veterinarian about whether this is an appropriate option for your dog.”

If your pup gets nervous in the car, nutritional supplements and pheromone sprays or collars can also help, Dr. Coates said.

Try the Finn Calming Aid supplement from Finn for $28 (We tested this product on our own dogs and gave it our Paw of Approval !)

Try Adaptil Calming Spray For Dogs from Amazon for $16.50

Make sure your destination is dog-friendly

Before taking your pup for a long car ride, you should make sure any place you’re staying at will welcome your pup.

So if you’re staying at a friend’s house, make sure they’re 100 percent aware and comfortable that you’re bringing your dog along with you.

And “if your final destination includes a hotel, make sure you understand and are comfortable with their pet policy before booking in advance,” Dr. Nold said. It’s a good idea to call ahead of time and speak to someone to ensure your arrival goes as smoothly as possible.

Plan ahead for messes

Pups make the best travel partners, but they can make things a little dirty. You’ll thank yourself later by bringing along products that can protect your things and clean up any messes.

Car seat covers are especially effective at making sure the interior of your car stays protected.

“There are seat protectors that drape between the front and back seat to help protect your car from fur, vomit or any accidents your pet may have,” Kayla Block, a dog trainer and owner of Understanding Dog Training , told The Dodo.

“They can help protect upholstery in case it’s raining or snowing during your breaks outside of the car,” Dr. Nold said.

Try the dog seat cover for dogs from Orvis for $149+ (We tried it with our own dogs and gave it our Paw of Approval .)

Bringing extra towels and trash bags can also help keep your car tidy when traveling with a pet. “I never travel with pets without at least a roll of paper towels and a small trash bag!” Block said.

Secure your dog in the car

“It's important for dogs to be safe in the event of a crash,” Block said. “A dog that isn't secured in some way can become a flying missile and even fly out of the car.”

According to Dr. Coates, a dog crate is the best way to travel with a dog, though a pet seat belt with a harness can also keep your pup safe.

“Dogs are safest and usually more comfortable if they travel by car in a crate,” Dr. Coates said. “Secure the crate so that it can’t move around. Line the crate with some comfortable bedding that smells like home.”

Try the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate Kennel from Amazon for $40.98

“If a crate isn’t an option, make sure your dog wears a pet seat belt,” Dr. Coates added. “Crates and seat belts help keep dogs safe in case of an accident and prevent them from escaping the car or interfering with the driver.”

Try the Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness from Amazon for $44.95

“Any of these options will also keep your dog out of the driver's lap, and that helps keep everyone safe,” Block said.

Bring enough food for the trip

“If possible, bring enough food to last the entire trip, as a change of food can cause stomach upset in some dogs,” Dr. Nold said. “It may help to separate food for each day/meal into separate containers.”

Keep your dog hydrated during the drive

Your pup should always have access to fresh water, even during road trips. “Collapsible bowls and a supply of fresh drinking water will help keep your pup hydrated on the road,” Block said.

Try the SLSON collapsible dog bowls from Amazon for $5.99

Take a long walk before leaving

Exercising your pup before the long car ride will help get rid of any pent-up energy that would cause him to feel restless.

“It's a good idea to take your dog for a good, long walk before the road trip begins so that he's in a naturally calm and relaxed state,” Bhat said.

Make frequent pit stops

“Frequent pit stops are the best way to keep dogs happy and calm during a road trip,” Dr. Coates said. “Plan out your route in advance so that every few hours you will be able to take your dog out for a walk to burn off some energy, get a drink of water and take a potty break.”

And if you’re stopping at a gas station to take your pup for a walk, don’t take your pup out near the pumps. “You may want to drive to the side before taking your dogs out for a potty break,” Block said. This is because your pup might find antifreeze on the ground near the pumps, which could make him sick.

Keep your pup occupied on the road with toys

Long car rides can get super boring for pups, but bringing a toy that can keep his attention for a while will help.

“Carry a LickiMat with some peanut butter or your dog's favorite treats in semi-liquid or paste form,” Bhat said. “Licking is an excellent self-soothing activity that calms your dog's nerves and keeps him engaged.”

Try the LickiMat Slow Feeder for Dogs from Amazon for $14.95

The Classic KONG is also a great interactive toy that will keep your pup occupied during a road trip.

“You can give him a frozen KONG toy with his favorite stuffing inside,” Bhat said. “This will keep him engaged for a longer time and will encourage chewing, licking and biting, which are all stimulating activities for a dog.”

Try the Classic KONG from Amazon for $10.99

Keep in mind that some long-lasting chews for dogs can be dangerous, so it’s probably a good idea to stay away from them — especially during a road trip when you can’t keep a close eye on him.

“Avoid giving bones or chew sticks to avoid accidental ingestion or possible injury to your dog's mouth when the car hits a bump,” Bhat said.

Take it slow

No matter where you’re going on your road trip with your pup, make sure you’re not in a hurry.

Taking your pup along with you will naturally make the trip take longer than normal. Having to speed things along can add to the stress and potentially jeopardize the safety of you and your precious cargo!

“Don’t expect to make record time on your road trip if you have your dog with you,” Dr. Coates said. “Use your dog as an excuse to take a lot of breaks and explore areas along your route that you wouldn’t have seen otherwise.”

Dog road trip essentials

“Start planning for your trip by making a list. This will help assure you don’t leave home without something important,” Dr. Nold said.

Here’s a checklist of supplies that will come in handy on a road trip with your pup:

• Dog crate or seat belt with a harness
• Dog food (enough for the entire trip)
• Dog food storage containers
• Fresh water (enough for the car ride there)
• Collapsible dog water bowl
• Interactive dog toy
• Dog car seat cover
• Paper towels
• Medical records/proof of vaccinations
• Anxiety or motion sickness medication (if using)

Going on a road trip with your dog is a great way to travel long distances with your favorite companion. It can get stressful at times, but with some preparation and the right products, you and your pup will have a smooth, fun trip that you’ll always remember.

The Best Car Accessories For Dogs

Max Bone Travel Home and Car Seat

Mobile Dog Gear Dine Away Dog Travel Bag

MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle

K&H Travel Safety Pet Barrier

Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag

Grip-Tight® Quilted Microfiber Hammock Seat Protector

Furbliss Hygienic Pet Wipes For Dogs & Cats

We independently pick all the products we recommend because we love them and think you will too. If you buy a product from a link on our site, we may earn a commission.

Traveling Cross Country with a Dog: Great Travel Hacks + Guide

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links and is a member of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, meaning when you make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use, and help keep my content free. It’s a win-win for us both! For more info, see the Privacy Policy

I can totally guess your favorite dog breeds based on how you travel

Take this quiz to see which breeds match your style!

Have you been wondering about the best ways to take a cross country road trip with your dog?

We have driven over 100,000 miles on the road with our dogs. We crossed borders, traveled top to bottom, and coast to coast within the United States. Our dogs have been along (lucky us!) for the journey. We have also done this in a car that only has space for us, our dogs, and the stuff we need for the trip. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy for you to have a great trip, but there are a few things that make a huge difference!

This guide weaves together our own experience as well as some of the professional recommendations that the AKC and the Center for Pet Safety provide for traveling with dogs. It is a huge topic, but I really wanted to focus on the things that are in your control and can make a difference between a chaotic trip and a smooth one.

My goal is for this to be useful whether this is your first cross country tip, or you just want some tips and tools to make your next trip go better than the last. Even for veterans there are some tools (see our packing list and food calculator ) that can help plan your cross country trip.

I hope this helps you on towards a great cross country road trip with your dog!

First, if in the back of your mind you are wondering “is it really so complicated you have to write a whole article?” then you are in the right place. As you will see, the actual “how to” is pretty straightforward. However, it is a lot of distance to cover, a lot of things can happen, so I want you to make the best of this trip. If you are like me, you want to know how to do this safely, comfortably, and efficiently.

A quick guide for a cross country road trip with a dog

This section is a quick review of the basic parts of a road trip. Skim through this part to make sure you didn’t miss anything, then keep reading to get to our hacks .

It helps to look at the simplest scenario: a solo cross country road trip where you are just trying to get coast to coast as quickly and as safely possible. Whether it is for fun or for necessity (like moving to a new place or an unexpected life event), a cross country road trip requires both you and precious pup to drive…and drive…and drive all the way across the map.

To achieve this you:

1) Plan your route 2) Drive 3) Make pits stops for food, water, bathroom, car fuel 4) Find and stay in accommodations that allow pets

Road trip essentials

So now with the power of the internet and some common sense, here is a quick guide to traveling cross country with a dog:

Plan and pack for your trip

• Use google maps or Wayze to plan your route
• Break the trip up into daily segments based on how long you can drive without getting tired (be conservative, this is a marathon not a sprint)
• Use the pet friendly filter on Expedia.com or Booking.com to find and book accommodations that allow dogs*
• Pack the basic dog necessities ( food , water, leash, poop bags, bedding, medicines)
• Pack your own travel necessities (clothes, toiletries, etc)
• Use a traveling harness or crate to keep your dog safe**

Hit the road

• Load up the car, get your dog comfy and secure
• Drive (so much driving!)
• Take breaks to keep you and your dog hydrated, fed, alert, relaxed and comfortable. Truck/travel are great pit stops usually with shade and good amenities
• Use shade, climate control, cooling devices/strategies, etc to keep your dog safe when you have to go inside without them (be very careful!)
• Check in to your accommodation. Sleep. Then begin again. * Accommodation is a huge topic all of its own but on trips where you spend one night in each place a hotel is usually your best bet for cost and convenience ** We will cover the benefits of safety restraints in more detail, but is also good to know that there are a growing number of states that by law require dogs to be restrained in your vehicle .

Yes. That’s it! Obviously, for your own trip this list might not be complete. If you are camping, or biking, or touring as a wandering minstrel and circus show … you’ll know best the special things and activities you require for your own adventure.

What should you pack for such a long trip with a dog?

If you have completed any kind of road trip with your dog already, I have good news! You probably have the essentials, but you might need a few extra things that are helpful on the road. If you want to double check that you have everything you need for a road trip, we put together a checklist for you. Our packing list is pretty comprehensive. Rather than exploding this post with long list, we put that at the end, and you can jump to that here if you want.

The checklist is also organized as a system, so the most frequent items are right at hand for you and your doggo, while the important but less used items are off out of the way.

Secure your dog with a Safety Harness or Crate

Both the AKC and the Center for Pet Safety are very clear that the best thing you can do to keep your pet safe is to secure them in a crash tested safety restraint such as a harness or crate. Since you will be spending a lot of time driving, it is one of the best things to minimize movement and distraction for you and your dog.

This can be a challenging topic, but we have a great Travel Hack that has worked really well for us (see Travel Hack #1 ).

TIP : Here is a surprising fact that has been true for all of our dogs. Safety restraints help our dogs settle into “driving mode “. If you help them get used to the setup, it becomes a familiar and even calming routine for them. We have terriers, folks, so if a terrier can get on board, yours can too.

What we have found most surprising is that when they are NOT in their harness or crate, they are more agitated, stressed and active. So bottom line in our car: we wear seatbelts, they wear seatbelts or go in a crate …it is just a part of safe and smooth driving.

3 Great Travel Hacks for a Road Trip With a Dog

Next let’s move next into the heart of this guide, and what I hope you’re really here for: how to maximize comfort, ease and safety.

There is no way around it, you are looking down the road at some serious amounts of travel and driving time. It can be a fun adventure. You might also find yourself wondering what if my dog gets anxious or how do I go to the bathroom if I’m solo driving and one of the biggest questions, what do I do if I need to leave my dog in the car?

So now let’s focus on how to make this trip safe and comfortable for everyone involved. Here are our 3 travel hacks that have really made a difference for us and we hope will for you too.

Travel Hack #1: Our Favorite Crash Tested Restraint

Since crates can take up more room in the back of the car, our first big tip is to use a crash tested safety harness for dogs up to 75 lbs.

We found that SleepyPod Clickit harness is the best for freedom of movement and flexibility while also being secure. We are able to use it as a harness both in the car and for walks. Sam is fine wearing it for long hikes. So it is both comfortable and very solidly constructed. This harness has sizes that fit larger dogs, so even labs can wear it.

For smaller dogs like Denver, a harness will not protect them. We found that the Sleepypod Air is also great. It is comfortable and is built to be secured by the seatbelt. Because it is made to sit in the car seat, we can move Denver in and out of it easily.

We don’t have personal experience with crates that get tied down in the back of a car. However, for larger dogs or to free up your backseat for other passengers, you may need a crate. The Center for Pet Safety tested and approved Cabela ‘s, Gunner , Lucky Duck , and Rock Creek Crates .

While none of these products are cheap, they are built with safety first. The reason why we like the safety harness is because it is one of the more affordable and flexible options.

There’s a great Facebook group for learning how to set up your crate in your vehicle.

Tip : Crates have different purposes and are not interchangeable. Wire house crates and plastic airline crates will not hold up to the impact of a crash

So to sum up here are some of the many reasons to use safety restraints. The biggest is to protect your most precious cargo. They deserve it!

• Safety : Protects your pup and passengers in case of an accident.
• Traffic Laws : Some states require safety restraints!
• Distraction Prevention : Keeps the dog from distracting the driver.
• Comfort : Ensures a more comfortable ride for your canine traveler.
• Stress Reduction : Lessens anxiety for both you and your pet.
• Emergency Preparedness : Easier to manage in unexpected situations.
• Vehicle Cleanliness : Keeps the dog hair, paw prints, etc in one consistent spot

Now do some dogs and their humans have a tough time with this equipment? YES , and yet dogs can learn to make it work. Traveling is a set of skills that almost every dog can master (more on this later).

Travel Hack #2: The Best Pit Stops for Traveling Solo with a Dog

The most efficient routes across the country are also major trucking routes. Gas stations that are built for truckers also make for great places to to take a break with your dog.

Recommended gas stations

Love’s are a pet parent favorite because they often have fenced dog parks TA Travel and Pilot are all over the United States Wawa and Sheetz are popular in many eastern states (and they have often superchargers) Buc-ees are great if you are down South

Our dogs may have seen Niagara Falls and the Golden Gate Bridge , but some of their favorite things have been grass patches at rest stops. I guess there’s a lot of “pee-mail”.

Dog-friendly retail stores are a lifesaver

There is a big problem when traveling solo, since travel stops serve food, you can’t take your dog inside . When the weather is extreme or when you are worried about the safety and security of your dog, retail stores are a great alternative!

Petco, Petsmart, Home Depot , Lowes , and TJ Maxx are just a few of the places that you can usually take your pet. They are large enough so that you can stretch your legs walking around. Home Depot and Lowes typically have big spacious bathrooms right near the entrance.

Note that many of these retailers have pet policies on a store by store basis, but we generally have not had any trouble just waltzing on in (thank you big box retailers!)

Tips for Leaving Your Dog in the Car (Travel Hack #3)

At some point, you will need to leave your dog unattended in the vehicle. It is almost unavoidable, especially if you are traveling solo. There are a few things people do that can really help when you need to leave your dog in the car to use the bathroom, grab something to eat, etc.

The method that works best for you will depend on the type of car you have.

• Remote Start : turn on climate controls while outside of the vehicle (newer cars)
• Physical Key : leave the fob in the car to keep it running, take the physical key out and lock it
• Tesla Dog Mode (This is a life saver. Never heard of it? Well, read on…)
• 3rd party vehicle cooling systems : these are especially popular with sprinter vans and RVs, but you can use them in a regular car too.
• Park in the shade: even on cool days, direct sun can make your car crazy hot

Please be very careful , even with automatic climate controls like Dog Mode, there are some risks to leaving your dog alone in the car especially in extreme heat.

Tips for what to look for in a vehicle

Most folks will just be using the vehicle that they have for their road trip. It is such a big ticket item and car rental prices can be stiff, so most of the time you just go with what you have. However, if you find yourself needing to rent a vehicle or actually are planning on getting a car that is great for traveling with a dog, then it is worth spending a little time on the topic. It is the MAIN piece of gear for your road trip.

Obviously we will only touch the surface here. Cars, trucks, vans all are such a huge topic that depend heavily on budget, style of travel and the size of your dogs. But I have been surprised at how little the “Top Vehicles for Dogs” articles focus on the things that are actually useful for traveling with a dog.

So here are our major features to pay attention to:

• Cargo Space : very important for dogs traveling in crates. You need generous space AND the seats need to lie completely flat
• Remote Start : most new cars will have this, helps keep your dog safe in a pinch
• Automatic Doors : easier to get in and out with your pup and all the stuff
• Configurable Space : seats that easily fold, seats that lie flat (for crates). Sometimes you need to have space for your dog(s), sometimes you need it for people.
• Easy to Clean : dog hair, muddy paws, you know the drill. Can the materials handle it?

Benefits of EV cars like Teslas when traveling with a dog

Dog Mode: this is amazing! It allows you to set the climate of the car to stay the same while you are away. Your dogs can stay comfy in their car while you grab a bite to eat or pop into a store. Using the Tesla App you can monitor the car to make sure the climate is staying on.

Safety Features: Tesla is also the safest vehicle on the road as independently tested by a bunch of different organizations. It has both active and passive safety features to protect you and your pups.

The main drawback – Charging . Our experience with EV Charging is mixed. Charging can be a hassle and in the middle states, the charging infrastructure is sparse. On the flip side more and more hotels are adding charging stations. So forget the gas station, if your hotel has EV charging you can be all fueled up and ready to go in the morning. So there are both pluses and minuses. Interested to learn more? Take one for a test drive ! You can both get some perks and send some thanks my way by using my referral code when you do a test drive or if you go all the way and get one for yourself! Use this link :

Traveling is a skill and your dog can learn it (Bonus Tip)

One last tip is a special combo that can really help your dog become a great traveler on the road and in life in general. A safe space helps your dog keep something familiar through all the changes. A learning mindset helps both you and your dog adjust to all these changes.

A safe space might simply be a favorite blanket and/or toy. The ideal safe space can easily be moved from the car to the room where you are staying. Your dog’s safe space can also be very useful when working on travel skills that help your pup become a happy camper.

The two main skills that will really help your pup make the journey are riding in the car and crate training . Your dog’s safe space can bring comfort and confidence to your dog as they take on these skills. It is a virtuous cycle.

Some dogs will naturally be good travelers, but many dogs have to learn how to travel. Others will have a negative experience and traveling with them can become a nightmare. In most cases this can be avoided.

Car training skills to practice

If this is your first big road trip with your dog, there is a lot you can do ahead of time to get them ready. This section is primarily for those making their first big trip with their dog. But even for folks with few trips under your belt, let’s do a quick sanity check. Here are skills that a well rounded dog will have that really help with traveling:

• Can they settle themselves down and sleep in the car when driving or stopped?
• Can they go for long stretches of driving without getting restless and crazy?
• Can you leave them to stay calm in an unfamiliar place (like a crate in a hotel room)?
• Are they fine to pee and poo on different surfaces and under a variety of conditions?
• Do they eat and drink easily in an unfamiliar place?

Why is this such a big deal? Because if your dog is miserable, than you will also probably be miserable and have fewer options when traveling. The more your dog knows, the more freedoms you both have to enjoy the experience. Since our goal is for and your dog to be comfortable and safe, teaching your dog traveling skills will really help.

Riding in the car : I know it sounds a little silly that riding in the car is a skill, but think about it. It can be bumpy, noisy, nauseating and scary to a dog. Wearing a safety harness or traveling in a crate will also be something your furry friend will need to get used to.

Crate training : this is a lifelong skill that will help your pup deal with separation, learn to calm themselves down, get used to relax in confined spaces, and to be patient. It is a true game changer.

While it is too long a subject to go through here, our post about dogs that refuse to get in the car provides more of a deep dive into some of the issues dogs face while traveling. You can also learn more about what panting in the car might mean for your dog. Most of these skills can fit naturally into your day. Like with anything useful it just takes a small adjustment but can bring a big payoff in the end.

Road trip packing list for your dog

We organize our gear into three categories. 1) things we use all the time, so it just stays right near the dog in a door cubby or footwell 2) things we use daily/nightly, we try to fit those all in one “overnight bag” 3) gear that is useful for longer stays, or used less often If you want to see a brief talk through of our stuff, here’s a video I threw together (plus Denver cameo)

What to pack: what we need all the time

• Water bottle
• Travel Harness /Crate
• Treats and Snacks
• Belly Band / Diapers (for Sam our senior dog)

What to pack: the daily/overnight bag

• Blankets (Pawtect Waterproof is great!) and/or Dog Bed
• Dog Bowls for Water Food
• Towels/Rags for spills and paws
• Stain Remover for spills and accidents
• Collapsible Dog Crate – this one pops open like a tent (fast setup/teardown)
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste

What to pack: important, but bulky or less frequent

• Collapsible Wire Dog Pen : outdoor use, for yards without fences, parks, etc
• Mr Peanuts Dog Packpack : for public transport or carrying dog on long outings
• Collapsible Soft Dog Pen : used inside as a sleeping area
• Grooming Kit
• Bulky Dog Bed
• Refills on frequent items (poop bags, snacks, wipes, etc)

How much dog food do I need for my road trip? Dog Food Calculator

Dog Food Calculator for Your Trip

Do’s and don’ts for traveling in a car with a dog.

To summarize, let’s touch on some dos and dont’s to be aware of. As a start, here is a condensed list of important things to consider for the road ahead.

• Get Records from Your Vet : Ensure vaccinations and medications are up-to-date. Keep your records with you! You can’t plan for everything and there are many dog services (doggy daycare, grooming, etc) that require the records
• Consult a Mechanic : Is your car ready and are your tires in good health?
• Create a Safe Space : A divider, favorite blanket or dog bed can help your dog relax in the car
• Use a Safety Restraint : Our recommendation is a crash test-certified harnesses.
• Have FUN! : Get some great audio books, podcasts and playlists for yourself. Bring toys and chews for the doggo. Take breaks for walks, site seeing, play games!
• Book Longer Stays in Advance : Good pet-friendly Airbnb and Vacation Rentals go fast in popular destinations. Book a few months ahead to beat the crowds
• Get Real Time data with Navigation Apps: Wayze, google maps, etc
• Prepare for Weather : Layers to manage temperatures, umbrellas/raincoats for rain
• Pack a First Aid Kit : Like with the weather, best to be prepared
• Always have a Jug of Water: Stay hydrated, keep it full especially in summer.
• Use Belly Bands or Diapers for Seniors or Puppies: the change and stress of a trip can cause a dog to lose some of the control they normally have. Disposable diapers can help keep everything clean and keep things moving.

DON’T

• Don’t Drive Drowsy, Angry or Distracted : It is as dangerous as driving under the influence. Pull over, take a break. Recharge. Take a nap if you need to.
• Don’t Ignore Signs of Stress : Be aware of your dog’s comfort and health. Take a break and check your dog out if they are showing signs of distress.
• Don’t Get Nailed by Crazy Pet Fees or Policies : Read the fine print, call to confirm, look through all of the house rules and policy sections on Airbnb, Vrbo, etc. The pet fee amount on 3rd party booking sites is often missing or incorrect. You may need to check with the hotel directly.

Wrapping Up: How to Travel Cross Country with a Dog

Planning a successful cross-country road trip with your dog can be intimidating, but with a little preparation and smart packing, you can be on your way. We hope that this guide helps you get ready for the road ahead.

We’ve learned a lot through research and planning, but most experience just came from hitting the road and learning from there. So I hope you have what you need for an enjoyable and memorable adventure across the country with your faithful companion.

Resource Guide for Travel with a Dog

🧳  What’s the best carrier for my dog when traveling?

You need different carriers for different types of travel

This is my favorite carrier for a small dog – Sleepypod Air

This is my favorite car harness for medium-large dogs – Sleepypod Clickit

This is the best for a large dog on a plane – Skymate Kennel

This is my favorite backpack for a small-medium sized dog – Mr. Penuts Tahoe

You can read more about my r eview of types of dog carriers for travel here .

🏨  What’s the best site to find cheap pet-friendly hotels?

To find cheap hotels, I recommend Expedia

Vacation Rentals are often the best option for people with pets VRBO

Stay for free or have someone watch your pet with   Trusted Housesitters!

—–We love traveling and we love our dogs

It’s not always easy to combine the two especially when that means getting on flights or crossing borders. We brought our first dog from Kenya to California, and a few years later she went with us to Ecuador before returning to California where we settled down for a while. Now we are gearing up for a new adventure as we look to bring Sam and Denver on our next global journey. This site is a gift of love to my dogs and to others who love their pets so much, they can’t imagine leaving them behind

Similar Posts

Flying With Your Pet? Guess Which U.S. Airport Is Leading the Pack in Pet-Friendly Travel

If you’re flying in or out of Nashville International Airport® (BNA®) with a pet, you’re in luck. They have really elevated their Pet Relief options. The newly redesigned Nashville airport…

Dog Friendly Rotonda West, Florida: Top Tips From a Local

Is Southwest Coastal Florida a good place to visit with my dog? It’s a fantastic spot to visit with your pup, offering tons of dog-friendly beaches, parks, and trails that…

Dog Friendly Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island [From a Local Tour Guide]

Is Acadia National Park dog friendly? Acadia National Park is considered the most pet-friendly National Park in the United States. Dogs are allowed on over 100 miles of trails and…

Are Dogs Allowed in Lowe’s? [Officially Verified]

So you need to bring in your dog to consult on your latest DIY project. Before getting turned away at the door, we need to answer the main questions. Are…

Copenhagen Dogs: Your Complete Checklist for Bringing a Pet to Denmark

Is Denmark a good place to travel or relocate to with dogs and/or cats? There are many wonderful things about Copenhagen with dogs. There are also some aspects that will…

Ferry From Port Angeles to Victoria with My Dog

Can dogs go on the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria? I took the ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria with my dogs. I needed to get from Washington State…

25 Road Trip Hacks when Traveling with Dogs in Cars

Road trips are one of the easiest and funnest ways to travel. Plus, they’re a great option for dog owners, since dogs of all shapes and sizes can ride in a car. Whether your trip is hours long or days long, there are things you can do to make life on the road a little bit easier for both you and your dog. Check out these 25 road trip hacks for when you’re riding with your dog. 

Article Contents

1. Get Astroturf

If you’re traveling with dogs, and you want to protect your car from hair and dirt, consider Astroturf. 

Astroturf is a synthetic material that looks like fake grass. It’s usually found on sports fields or walkways.

But it works great for dogs and cars too! Purchase a cheap roll of Astroturf at your local hardware store, measure your space, and cut it to fit. 

The Astroturf provides your dogs with something to grip on, so they won’t slide around in the back. It’s great for traction, and it’s easy to put on and remove. 

It’ll also catch all the debris – like dirt, fur or gravel – that your dog will inevitably track in. It’s just a matter of shaking it off to clean it, or giving it a quick spray of water. And remember, it’s a synthetic material, so it’ll dry super quick.

Get Astroturf here .

Bonus: if you’re into messy outdoor activities – hiking, camping, going to the beach, etc. – it’ll be great for you and your gear too!

2. Use a spill-proof bowl

You have to stay hydrated while on the road. 

Ideally, you’ll want to stop for water breaks, and drink al fresco. But if you’re staying in the car, either due to time constraints, bad weather, or because it’s dark out, you’ll want to serve up that fresh H2O in a spill proof bowl.

Spill proof bowls ensure your dog won’t get water everywhere or drench your car in dog drool. 

Keep one on hand for mess free feedings, so your dog stays hydrated while your car stays clean. 

Get the no spill bowl here . 

3. Keep all your dog’s important documents in a waterproof, sealable Ziploc bag

When you’re traveling with your dog, it’s important to keep vital documents, like medical records, extra copies, and ID information, on hand, especially if you’re crossing state lines. 

And when there are muddy paws, dirty shoes, and the potential for spills, you’ll want to be sure these documents stay clean and dry. 

Keep them safe in a waterproof and sealable ziplock bag. This is easy to throw it in a backpack or the glove compartment, and means you won’t have to worry about keeping them readable. 

4. Use seat covers or a blanket

Dog hair and seat scratches are easily preventable by keeping seat covers or a blanket on hand. They both protect your car and make it easy to shake off loose fur and debris. 

They’re especially useful if you’re renting a car. Who doesn’t love an easy clean up?

Bonus: get waterproof seat covers to make your ride even smoother – there’ll be no need to worry about wet dogs! 

Get seat covers here .

5. A crate, car seat, and/or seatbelt are necessary

Safety is important when you’re on the road. If you stop short, slam on the brakes, or get into an accident, your dog can get seriously hurt. 

To protect your dog, make sure to secure them while in the vehicle. 

For medium to large dogs, try a crate or dog seatbelt. For smaller dogs, check out car seats. 

Consider collapsible travel crates , no matter your dog’s size, which double as in-car restraint systems and a dog suite in your hotel room or campsite. 

6. Use a pet ramp for easy access

Some dogs, like older pets or dogs with mobility issues, might have trouble getting in and out of the car. Carrying them isn’t really an option if they’re big, or if your hands are full.

A pet ramp is a great option to help with easy load ins and outs. 

This one is adjustable, works with all sizes of vehicle, and can withstand up to 400 pounds. Its high traction surface prevents slips and falls. Plus, the ramp is easy to carry – it’s only 13 pounds – and easy to store. 

7. Use up to date dog tags

Up to date dog tags are important in your dog’s daily life, and especially while traveling. 

They signify to others that your pet has a home. They’ll protect your pet from being mistaken as a stray, and make it easy for people to contact you should anything happen. 

My dog’s tags have their name, my email address, and my phone number. Some might choose to include their home address as well.

Be sure your pet is microchipped too!

8. Use a travel pet food container

Throwing some kibble in a Ziploc bag sounds easy, but if you turn your back for a few minutes, your dog will sniff it out and rip right through it. 

This kibble carrier keeps meals fresh and can hold up to five pounds of food. I love that it rolls down and clips securely, making it malleable so it changes size depending on how much food I pack.

This travel container is also great, especially on camping trips and long car rides. It includes two detachable bowls to serve food and water, and features an easy to carry handle.

9. Pack the right clean up tools

A road trip converts your car into a make shift home; you’ll be using it to eat, sleep and hang out. With all of that extra time in your vehicle, it won’t be smelling too fresh by the end of the day. Add one or two dogs, dirt and mud from outdoor excursions, and plenty of spills, and you’ve got yourself a locker room on wheels. 

But who wants to travel in a dirty car? Not me! Especially if it’s a rental, and fees are involved. Keep your car clean and pack the right tools to help you.

This hair-removing silicone brush is great at loosening pet fur lodged in your car’s carpets and seats. It’s also small enough to keep in your glove compartment or to throw in a bag.

For a more thorough clean up, consider a vacuum. This handheld cordless vacuum will suck up all of the fur, sand and dirt tracked in from your dog, plus it comes in an easy to store bag.

It’s lightweight and portable, so perfect for road trips. 

10. Stay shady

Driving on a hot day? Sunlight will heat up the interior of your car and turn your vehicle into an oven. It’ll dehydrate you and your dog, and make car rides uncomfortable. 

Keep your car, whether on the road or parked, cool and stay shady. 

This car window sun shade blocks over 97% of harmful UV Rays. It fits most car windows. 

If your dog sits in the back (they should!), try these rear seat air fans . They plug into your cars’ cigarette lighter and help keep your pet cool on even the hottest of days. 

11. Stay hydrated

Long hours on the road, especially on a hot day, can lead to dehydration. 

While you’ll want to take frequent water breaks, sometimes, due to weather or time of day, you won’t be able to stop the car. 

This dog water bottle fits right in the car cupholder, and dispenses water with a squeeze. It’ll make grabbing a quick lick easy while on the road. 

12. Pet First Aid kits are a must

Every car needs a dog first aid kit to use in case of emergency. 

You’ll be prepared for injuries and be able to treat cuts, scrapes, sprains and strains, no matter where you are. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

This useful K9 First aid Kit is compact, sells for a reasonable price, and has all of the essentials. It includes scissors, tweezers, a pet brush, a pair of rubber gloves, antiseptic cleaning wipes, and more.

Or, save money and make your own with a few items from around the house. 

Grab a container – a ziplock, drawstring bag or Tupperware works – and throw in the following:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Antibiotic ointment
• Rubber Gloves
• Wet or Grooming Wipes

13. Be organized

Throwing things in your car feels great until you’ve created a mountain of mess and can’t find something. Avoid this problem entirely by getting organized from the get go. 

This strap in collapsible trunk organizer helps you neatly store all of your gear into sturdy, yet flexible compartments. Use it in half mode or open mode, depending on how much stuff you have. 

I’m also digging this trunk divider that attaches with velcro and fits into even the most weirdly-shaped nooks of your car. It’s an easy way to secure loose clutter in the back. 

14. Keep a packing list

Planning a road trip can be daunting, but you won’t have to worry about leaving things behind if you’ve got a good packing list to refer to.

This packing list works at the beginning of a trip, when you’re packing your bag, and throughout, to make sure you don’t leave anything behind. 

Check out our dog travel checklist , and print out a copy for yourself. 

15. Map out dog-friendly places to stop along the way

What’s a road trip without fun stops along the way? But with a dog in tow, not every location will be welcoming. 

Before heading out, map out dog-friendly stops along your route, so you’re not totally clueless when it comes to breaks. It’ll make potty breaks or activities along the way easier and better.

Plus, doing a bit of research before the trip will help you discover dog-friendly places you never even knew existed. 

Here are some helpful places where you and your dog will be welcome:

• The Best Dog-Friendly Places to Stay on a U.S. Road Trip
• Guide to the Ultimate Road Trip with your Dog

16. Soothe nervous dogs

If your dog is nervous in the car, help soothe them so that they can rest and get comfortable.

Here are some tips for road tripping with a nervous dog:

• Bring along your dog’s favorite items, so they have familiar objects around from home. A favorite toy, dog bed or blanket with your scent.
• Put your dog in a thunder jacket; they apply constant pressure on a dog’s torso, similar to a parent swaddling a child. 
• Experiment with CBD oil or CBD treats to help your dog remain calm. 
• Make sure the car is comfortable and cool – crank the air conditioning and make their crate or the backseat nice and comfy. 
• Do shorter rides with a great reward at the end before embarking on a longer trip.

17. Get rid of that wet dog smell

If you’re planning outdoor adventures like hiking or swimming, your dog is guaranteed to get wet and muddy. While that wet dog must is ok around the campfire, it’s not great once it infiltrates your car.

This bamboo  charcoal car air freshener naturally absorbs odor like a stink sponge. It’s long lasting and fragrance free, and totally safe for your pets. 

18. Keep supplies on hand for dirty paws

Just as you should wipe off or remove your dirty hiking boots after a trek, do the same for your dog. Dog paws can track in dirt, sand, mud and water that’ll get all over your car. 

Keep some supplies on hand to prevent too much mess. A quick dry towel or grooming wipes should do the trick. 

Or, make your dog wear dog boots ! They’ll keep your dog’s paws clean and you can take them off before getting in the car. 

19. Download helpful apps

There are plenty of apps that can help when on the road with your dog. It’s gotten a lot easier than when I used to travel the world sans iPhone. 

• BringFido: This app (and website!) helps you locate pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, parks and activities.
• DogTrekker: DogTrekkers lists dog-friendly places to stay, eat, hike, swim and have fun throughout the state of California. 
• USA Rest Stops: This app helps you find the nearest rest stop. It’s great for water and potty breaks. 
• Roadtrippers: Roadtrippers offers planning, maps and travel guides for road trips. It’s especially great if you’re camping – you can book campgrounds directly in the app. 
• Sniffspot: Sniffspot showcases safe and private dog parks and off leash areas hosted by locals. It was made for reactive dogs, but any dog can use it. Find locations that work for you and book for some play time. 

If you’re looking for more, check out this list of the best dog apps available for iOs and Android! We’ve also got a list of our favorite dog podcasts .

20. Plan ahead

Jumping in a car and driving wherever the wind takes you sounds romantic, but it’s not really very practical. You don’t want to be stuck with no place to stay.

Plan ahead! It’s an especially good idea if you prefer the comforts of a hotel or motel, rather than a campsite. Some places don’t allow dogs, while others have weight limits, breed restrictions or big fat pet fees. 

Here’s a list of questions to ask dog-friendly hotels, and here’s another with the best dog-friendly places to stay on a road trip . 

21. Keep fleas away

If you’re planning to hike or spend time in the woods, you’ll want to be certain your dog has flea, tick and heart worm medication. It would be terrible to pick up fleas, and get them in your car! Plus, they can be dangerous and cause health issues like lime disease.

We tend to pick up organic flea collars before going on a trip. They’re great to have in handy and safer than alternatives. Earth Animal also sells a flea and tick internal powder that comes highly recommended.

22. Reward your dog with a treat along the way!

Road trips are fun, and your dog should be in on it. The car is a happy place! It’s taking you to new places, and on new adventures. 

Remind your dog of this with positive reinforcement and treats. 

When you’re on the road, stop at chains like Dairy Queen and Starbucks; both offer dog treats that you can pick up at the drive through. Dairy Queen has pup cups, and Starbucks has puppucinos . 

23. Tired dogs are the best travelers

This is my number one piece of travel advice, whether you’re flying, road tripping or on a train.

Zoomies and a case of the wiggles are best left for wide open spaces. Confined spaces, like a car, mean your dog won’t be able to stretch their legs. 

Make sure your dog gets a lot of exercise before doing a long stretch in the car, or stop along the way so they can run around. It’ll make your dog feel better, and make for a much more comfortable trip, for both you and your pup. 

24. Use bottled water if you’re crossing state lines

This is a trick I learned from show dogs who have to travel to compete. 

Tap water is different in every place, especially when you cross state lines. The change in levels of things like chlorine can upset your dog’s digestion and cause diarrhea. 

Take your own water from home, or buy bottled water. 

If you bring your own water, gradually add some of the new water to the water from home, or just stick to bottled water the entire time to be safe. 

We bought jugs of water at Costco and Walmart and just always kept extras in our trunk. Problem solved!

25. Bring a headlamp to pick up poop in the dark

Let’s be real, picking up dog poop in the dark is a drag. 

Sure, you can use your cell phone as a flashlight, but that means you’ll have to do the one handed poop pick up, while you also hold a dog leash and bend over. What a mess!

The chances of falling, tripping or dropping your phone into some fresh poop are high. 

And if you’re in a wooded area with grass? Even worse. Camouflaged poop is extra hard to find. 

Free up your hands and be prepared with a headlamp! That way you can easily spot the fresh turds all while using both hands. Plus, you can use it for other stuff while in the dark. Stuff that hopefully doesn’t involve poo. 

Here are some rechargeable headlamps that come highly rated.

Related: 

• Rental Car Company Pet Policies
• This Is The Only Insurance Company That Will Cover Your Pet While Traveling

What other tips do you have for dog-friendly road trips? Let us know in the comments. 

Pin for later!

Similar Posts

Cleaning a Senior Dog’s Teeth: Anesthesia-Free Dog Dental

Our experience with non-anesthetic dental cleanings for our senior dogs. What worked for us, how it went, and whether it was worth it.

Traveling with Pets: Cargo vs. Carry On vs. Baggage

We break down the difference between traveling with your pet on a plane in the cabin, in cargo, and in baggage so you know which option works for you.

Six Surprising Dog-Friendly Places in New York

There are some dog-friendly places in New York City that might surprise you. Here’s 6 surprising dog-friendly places you’ll find around NYC. 

Getting A Pet Health Certificate Endorsed At The APHIS Office at JKF

See how we got our pets health certificates endorsed in person at the APHIS office at JFK and learn how to do it yourself.

Life In Rio de Janeiro So Far: An Update

We touched down in Rio just over two months ago! Here’s an update, including how we found housing, and what the pups have been up to!

Journey Through Central America With A Dog: An Interview With Nate And Sol

Nate and his Mexican dog Sol traveled over 11,500km, and passed through over 20 cities, visiting deserts, beaches, jungles and mountains.

GREAT article. thanks

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Where Have We Been

Dog-Friendly New York City Dog-Friendly Brazil Dog-Friendly Boston Dog-Friendly Philadelphia Dog-Friendly Baltimore

Check It Out

About Privacy Policy Disclosure & Disclaimer Contact

Looking For Something?

Affiliates disclosure.

boogiethepug.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, the owner of this site earns a commission from qualifying purchases.

Travel Tips

Get Inspired How To Save For A Trip How To Plan A Dog-Friendly Trip Flying With Your Pet Get The Right Dog Gear Pet Friendly Accommodations Pet Friendly Destinations Roadtrips With Your Pet

Get the Latest Woof in Pet Travel

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Please enter valid email., thanks for subscribing.

• About Peter Greenberg
• Explore Travel Topics

©2024 – All Rights Reserved

Suggested Searches

• Airbnb Tips
• Hard vs Soft Luggage
• All-Inclusive Resorts
• Hidden Gems
• Hotels & Resorts
• Accessible Travel
• Off-Season Travel
• Peter Answers Your Emails
• Pandemic Diaries
• List All Travel Topics
• Peter’s Books
• All Royal Tour Posts
• Hidden Turkey
• Hidden Poland
• Hidden Canary Islands
• Hidden Saudi Arabia
• Hidden Ireland
• Hidden Aegean
• All Travel Detective Segments
• Hotels with a Past
• Like a Local
• Eye on Travel
• Eye On Travel: Podcast

Travel News

10 tips on road tripping with your (big) dogs.

Michelle Shearer shares the tips she’s learned along the way … not all by choice.

As any dog-owner can attest, one question that always comes up when planning a trip is, “And what about the dogs?”

Traveling with an 80-pound Weimarener and 65-pound Vizsla is not considered packing light, but after years of practice, it’s become a manageable task.

1. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

The more exercise your dog gets before and during the trip, the calmer and less bored (meaning less destructive) your pooch will be. It can be hectic getting yourself and the car packed and ready before the big road trip, but taking your dog out for a walk or run before hopping in the car will most definitely make it a more relaxed car ride for everybody.

2. Plan Ahead, Save the Hassle

Having even a quasi-itinerary can be helpful when embarking on a road trip with your pet, especially if you want to include it in family activities. One of the biggest tasks is finding a hotel which will let Roscoe cuddle in bed with you.

A couple of the most helpful sites are www.bringfido.com and www.dogfriendly.com which lists pet-friendly hotels given your destination; you can also check out. In my experience, La Quinta has always been the most easily accessible budget hotel chain and hasn’t failed me yet in terms of pet-friendliness.

However, the term “pet-friendly” may not translate to 150-pound mastiff pet-friendly, so always call in advance to find out if there are any weight restrictions, additional fees and limits as to how many dogs can accompany you.

3. Doggy 101 Checklist

To ensure that your four legged friend is in good hands, prepare a canine travel kit. What is wonderful about traveling the open road is the element of the unknown, the unexpected in which case it’s advantageous to be prepared just in case your dog decides to take that mud bath.

• Copies of vaccination records
• Medicine & vitamins
• An extra collar, leash  and tags with a current cell phone number
• Lists of nearby pet hospitals, veterinarians and Poison Control contact
• Tweezers, nail clippers, dog brush, extra towels, pooper scooper, plastic bags
• Toys (Nylabone is great for chewers to work out some extra energy)
• First Aid kit

As a bonus tip, I’ve used Bach Flower Remedies as an all-natural stress reliever, both for myself and my dogs. The company produces one that’s specifically made for animals—just add a few drops into their water and it helps keep them calm.

Want more tips on traveling with animals? Check out our Pet Travel section . 

Remember, you will potentially be spending several hours at a time in your vehicle, so you want to make it as comfortable as possible. If the doggy bed or crate fits in the back of the car, bring it for safety’s sake.

If there is enough hair on the car seats to knit a quilt, invest in a couple of lint rollers.

I also try to keep hand sanitizer, spray deodorizer, and stain remover. When my dog,  Copper, used the center console as a toilet, I learned the hard way to be careful about what they eat on the road. Limit your dog’s food intake by increasing the amount of meals, but feeding them smaller portions.

5. Don’t Wake Up the Neighbors

There are going to be hundreds of new smells and sounds and they will be in doggy heaven. What I failed to anticipate were the peculiar noises my dogs heard in the wee hours of the night.

If you use reinforcement tools then bring them; I always try to reward good behavior and offer a treat for not barking.

Check that the windows are closed, and play soft music to mask outside noises. And remember that all-important exercise rule: if your pup is exhausted, he or she will be more likely to be fast asleep.

You may be taking your road trip through various climates and unfamiliar environments. Be aware of the temperature and always have water readily available to avoid dehydration.

It is quite likely you will have to leave your dog in the car at times during your trip.  Always crack the windows, and if it is warm, pump up the air conditioning for a few minutes before turning off the engine.

As the days become colder, so do my dogs. Short-haired dogs may need that extra bit of warmth in the winter months, so it’s a good time to invest in a sweater.

7. Doggy Do’s and Doggy Don’ts . Strapped with your backpack gear, family and dog in tow and ready to hike the trails, the last symbol you want to read is the No Dogs Allowed sign.

Leash laws, beach laws, driving laws: rules and restrictions abound, so make sure you’re not breaking the law. If I haven’t researched the state and/or city dog laws before heading off to the beach or state park, I usually the hotel receptionist or the locals. They’re usually a great resource to find the closest dog park, or at least can point you to a pet store for more information.

If you are not sure about leash laws, play it safe and keep your dog on a leash. It goes without saying that it’s better to clean up after your pooch.

Keep in mind that laws and enforcement vary from state to state about driving with pets. There may not be a law against sitting in the driver’s seat, but that does not mean state patrol won’t pull you over if the dog is interfering with your driving. Use your better judgment.

8.  Try to be Consistent

9. The Great Outdoors

If camping or hiking always check for ticks upon returning. If possible bathe your dog as it may help reduce allergens.

It sounds cliché, but be aware of your surroundings, as you never know what your four-legged friend might get into. Unbeknownst to me, my dogs rolled around in poison oak at a pit stop in the country and being highly allergic I was out of commission for two weeks.

Some dogs are more sensitive and may have softer paws; if hiking in rough terrain you may want to consider investing in booties (practice putting—and keeping—them on before you go).

10. Be Practical

Remember, not all dogs are meant for the open road, and not all humans will enjoy the experience of traveling with a pet.  Above all, consider if the road trip is conducive to you and your dog’s lifestyles, and if not, it may be worth leaving Fido behind. He won’t hold it against you.

Text and photos by Michelle Shearer for PeterGreenberg.com .

Related links on PeterGreenberg.com:

• Pet Travel section
• Road-Tripping With Fido: Dog Travel Tips
• Pet Hotels: Welcome To The Doghouse
• 7 Puppies Die After Flight In Cargo Hold

We Think You’ll Like

What to Consider Before Buying Soft or Hard Shell Lugga...

Can’t decide between soft and hard shell luggage? There are a lot of options out there, and making the right choice can seem tricky. Price points for both soft and hard shell luggage can vary greatly, so it’s...

Travel Tips

How to check the weather before your flight.

If you’re a regular traveler, you know that weather can have a big impact on your flight. Events such as storms and lightning can cause turbulence, but the truth is that pilots are equipped to handle any situation....

Airbnb Tips and Tricks for First-Timers

Summer is quickly approaching, which means that it’s time to start planning that epic getaway you’ve been dreaming about since last summer ended. One way to save money on your trip this year is to utilize sharing eco...

Furtropolis by Outward Hound

Furtropolis SM

Windows Down, Head Out: The Ultimate Dog Road Trip Planner

As the weather becomes nicer, pet owners are considering going on a road trip with their dog for the first time. A dog road trip planner is key to keeping things organized when preparing to hit the road.

While you’re super excited about it, at the same time, you want to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy the entire car ride and has a positive experience exploring the open road. After all, he’s never done this before, and you aren’t exactly sure how he will react.

Before you set out for the adventure of a lifetime, read these tips for taking your dog on a road trip so both of you can have a wonderful time.

Go on Short Trips for Practice

If you’re taking a long road trip that could last for days or weeks on end, then dog owners should practice by bringing your dog along for short trips. This could include a weekend getaway or a day trip to somewhere nearby just to see how he reacts.

Does he need to use the potty every hour or so? Does he have to drink from his water bowl every few hours? You’ll know how to better prepare for longer road trips if you do a quick practice round.

Get the Right Safety Gear

When you’re driving, your dog should not be loose in the car. Not only is it distracting, but if you get into an accident, he could get seriously hurt. It’s best to  restrain your dog  in a carrier in the backseat that connects to a seat belt. The carrier needs to be big enough that your dog can stand up, turn around, and lie down to get comfortable.

A car hammock seat cover, car seat, or car harness are other good safety tools that prevent your dog from sliding to the floor.

PupBoost Dog Car Seat

$39.99 $0.00.

Keep your pup safe, and your car’s seats clean, with the Outward Hound Lookout Booster Seat. This doggy seat protector keeps your dog safely in the back seat during drives. Doing double duty, this car accessory also protects your vehicle’s seats from hair and muddy paws! Explore new ground with Outward Hound Gear! Our high-quality performance gear will keep your pup safely equipped for every new…

View Details

PupShield Protective Backseat Car Hammock, Black

Keep your pup safe, and your car’s seats clean, with the Outward Hound PupShield Hammock. This doggy seat protector keeps your dog safely in the back seat during drives. Doing double duty, this car accessory also protects your vehicle’s seats from hair and muddy paws! Explore new ground with Outward Hound Gear! Our high-quality performance gear will keep your pup safely equipped for every new…

You should also bring a dog life jacket if you’re going to be taking your pooch to the water. It’ll give you some peace of mind that your canine best friend is safe when he’s taking a dip.

Bring a Pet First Aid Kit

You never know when you’re going to run into trouble. If you have a pet first aid kit on hand, you can be more prepared if disaster strikes. In your  pet first aid kit , you might include:

• adhesive tape
• saline eye solution
• absorbent gauze pads
• antibiotic ointment
• alcohol wipes
• an extra supply of his medicine, supplements, and dog food
• 3% hydrogen peroxide (in case you need to make your dog vomit)

Additionally, if your dog gets motion sick/car sickness, pack  anti-nausea drugs and antihistamines . Just make sure you ask your veterinarian which ones are best for your pooch and how much to give them each time he’s acting sick. Keeping your windows rolled down a few inches should also help with the motion sickness.

Save Space: Take Portable Food and Water Bowls

When you’re creating your road trip planner, you might not think about how much space you’re going to have in your car. If you’re going on a long trip, it’s likely packed to the gills. Save some room and bring collapsible food and water bowls that you can easily store as well as hook onto your leash for walks.

Port-A-Bowl Portable Dog Dish, Green, Large

$7.49 $6.49.

The collapsible Port-A-Bowl from Outward Hound was designed for easy hydration and snacks on-the-go. This brightly colored dog bowl fits 48 oz and folds flat to easily tuck into a backpack, pocket, or purse, providing an accessible and convenient option while travelling or exploring the outdoors! It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and even fits in our Outward Hound dog backpacks. Note: The Port-A-Bowl is…

Never Keep Him in a Hot Car

A dog-friendly road trip is not dog-friendly at all if you leave him in a hot car . If it’s warm outside, your car can quickly heat up. Even if it’s just 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the car can become intolerable for your dog.

On the flip side, temperatures lower than 35 degrees Fahrenheit are unsafe, too. If you’re going on a road trip with your loved one or friend, ask them to stay with your dog or walk them around when you have to leave your car. This is a good time for your dog to pee and poop and get a drink from his water bowl as well.

Make Frequent Potty Stops

Normally, dogs need to  pee every four to six hours . However, when you’re on the road, your dog may become dehydrated more easily and drink more water to make up for it. This means he’ll need frequent potty breaks.

It’s a good idea to pull over at a rest stop and stretch frequently, too, so you can stay alert behind the wheel. When you need to refuel at a gas station, let your dog out for a little bit. Your pooch will appreciate getting a little walk and exploring different places along the way.

Don’t forget to pack extra poop bags for those bathroom breaks!

Find Local Dog Parks, Dog-Friendly Trails, and Dog Beaches

When making the perfect road trip planner, don’t forget to find dog-friendly destinations and fun pit stops. For instance, you could log onto  BringFido  to locate nearby pet-friendly restaurants, dog parks, and dog beaches. You could also check out  GoPetFriendly , which has suggestions for things to do with your dog along the road, such as going to the Grand Canyon in Arizona or a campsite in Colorado.

If you’re going cross-country, you could visit national parks and national forests – just make sure they are dog-friendly before booking your reservation. Since there are wild animals running around state parks, you should keep your dog on a short leash at all times and not veer off the people- and dog-friendly hiking trails.

If you’re going to be hiking when it’s getting darker out, putting a reflective vest on your pup is a good idea. You could also put a  hiking backpack on your dog  to ensure he gets enough exercise and is sufficiently tired out before hopping back into the car.

If you are visiting watering holes, get a dog life jacket for safety. The best dog life vests will have adjustable straps and sufficient padding for a secure fit.

See if you can plan your gas station stops along your route where your pup can stretch his legs, too.

Have a Copy of His Medical Records on Hand

Just in case there’s an emergency, you should bring along a copy of your pup’s medical records. It’s a good idea to store them on your phone and have hard copies because you could end up in an area where you have bad cell phone service.

The medical records should include a list of vaccinations your dog has gotten, which may be necessary if you’re staying in an Airbnb or other pet-friendly accommodations that need to see them. Make sure you save your primary veterinarian’s phone number so you can get in touch with any questions.

You may also want to think about staying in areas where there is at least one pet hospital nearby so that you can get emergency treatment should something happen.

Tip: Consider getting a microchip with updated contact information put in if your dog is prone to ‘pulling a Houdini’.

Find Pet-Friendly Accommodations

There are a number of hotel chains that provide  pet-friendly accommodations  for you and your canine best friend. They include Aloft Hotels, Best Western, Comfort Inn, Clarion Inn & Suites, Courtyard Marriott, Holiday Inn Express, Red Roof Inn, and Sheraton.

When searching for a pet-friendly hotel for your cross-country road trip, you should click the “pets allowed” option on sites like Hotels.com and TripAdvisor to filter out the results. Some dog-friendly hotels may even provide a dog bed for you!

Even if a place is dog friendly, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be a pet fee. Keep an eye out for these fees in their pet policies so there are no surprises when checking in. Be sure to clean up messes that have been left behind before checking out.

Ensuring Your Doggy Road Trip Goes Smoothly

Prior to hitting the road, make sure you follow these travel tips and create a pet-friendly road trip planner prior. Take frequent breaks, hydrate, pack his favorite toys, and overall, keep your dog safe. Then you can pretty much guarantee that you and your furry friend are going to have an amazing time together out on the open road.

For a packing list of key items to take with you, check out:

14 Essential Items to Bring on Your Next Road Trip With Your Dog

10 of the Best Cat Toys for Exercise

3 Benefits of Chewing for Puppies

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Journey With Confidence

5 Tips For Happier RV Road Trips With Your Dog

• RVing With Pets

Have More Fun with these Tips for Better RV Road Trips With Your Dog

For many of us, dogs are an important part of the family. If yours loves a car ride, these tips for for better RV road trips with your dog will make it more fun to explore and enjoy new places together.

There are many things you can do to make road tripping with dogs more fun!

Start by covering the basics. Make sure their vaccines are up-to-date and that your dog wears a collar or harness with ID tags. After that, here are a few tips to make RV trips enjoyable and fun for everyone involved.

1.  If your dog gets anxious in the RV, visit your vet before you leave

Some dogs love car rides, but riding in an RV makes the anxious and nauseous.  If your dog pants, drools, whines or barks excessively in the RV, he may be experiencing anxiety or motion sickness.  Your veterinarian can prescribe anti-anxiety medication or Gravol to help him feel better.  

2  Bring plenty of chewable toys and lots of treats

Dogs can get bored sitting in a vehicle while the world passes by, unexplored.  Ease his boredom and distract from frustration with yummy road-trip snacks and some chewable toys.  Chewable toys can include bully chews , Himalayan Yak cheese, cow hooves, etc.

3.  Bring their bed from home

Having a familiar and comfortable place to rest his head after a long day of fun and exploration is important to your dog.  Bringing along his regular bed from home will help him to get a good night’s sleep

4. Take lots of travel breaks 

Taking a break from travel every 1–2 hours to walk around and explore will help your dog relax and be happy on road trips. It’s a win-win because you’ll get to stretch, exercise, and see the sights too.  Remember to always bring along waste bags to pick up after you dog too! 

5.  Keep the RV clean with these tips

• Bring along a packable doggy raincoat in case it rains.  A raincoat won’t take up much space and will keep your dog dry in the event of a deluge.  You won’t have nearly as much doggy drying to do. 
• Bring along a Ruffwear Dirtbag Dog Towel .  These wearable dog towels are made with an ultra-absorbent, quick-drying microfibre interior and a waterproof exterior.  These huge dog towels absorb mud and post-swim wetness, leaving your dog dry and your vehicle clean. 
•  Keep a spray bottle and a microfiber towel by the door.  A spray bottle containing water and a teaspoon of leave-in doggy conditioner can help to loosen mud and dirt from paws. Finish with a towel off and your RV will stay clean.
• Use a cordless stick vacuum to clean up dog hair before it gets out of hand

Bonus Tip for RV Road Trips with Dogs

These days, many towns and better RV parks have at least one dog area where your dog can work off pent-up energy. You can find most of them on your phone using a dog park app like Dog Pack.  Once you find one, you can use the RV LIFE app to get turn-by-turn RV safe directions there. Letting your dog have some off leash fun in a secure and safe environment can help take any stress of RV road trips with your dog. 

Find Dog-Friendly RV Campgrounds and Parks

Looking for great places to camp with RVing dogs like yours? Stop by RV LIFE Campgrounds. You can even filter search results to find RV parks with a pet area!

5 Tips for a Successful Road Trip With Your Dog

O ur family loves to travel. Whether you are traveling out of necessity or for pleasure you may need to take along your pet. Pets of all kinds can enjoy traveling with you, but there are some things you need to consider. Use these tips to make your next road trip with your dog safe and fun for everyone.

Tips for a Successful Road Trip With Your Dog

Acclimate pets to vehicle travel.

Not all pets are going to be eager to spend time in the car. Some dogs and other smaller animals can become very stressed and agitated while traveling in a vehicle.

Instead of surprising your pet with a long journey out of the blue, consider taking a few short trips each week with your pet. They may slowly become more comfortable and confident while traveling. If they don’t, you’ll know ahead of time.

And, if your pet does not take well to traveling, you may consider asking your vet for ways to make them more calm and comfortable when traveling is necessary!

Safety for Everyone

Articles may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).

You wouldn’t jump in the car and take off without making sure your toddler was buckled into their car seat, and when traveling with pets you need to take similar precautions. Make sure that your pet is properly confined and strapped into the vehicle .

On short trips it may be tempting to let them run free in the car, but this can be dangerous for everyone. Unsecured pets can be severely injured in an accident, and they can also cause accidents by distracting the driver.

Another concern with smaller animals is that they may become trapped or injured while trying to move around while traveling. No matter how you travel, be sure that you have a safe and secure container suited for your pets size needs!

Potty Breaks

If you’re able to stop to let your pet out frequently to go to the bathroom that’s great! If not, make other arrangements. Make sure that you line their travel container with absorbent pads or other material should they soil it while traveling.

Another concern is that they have plenty of fresh water and food during long journeys. Try to keep them on the same schedule that they have at home to avoid any disruption internally.

Book Ahead of Time

If you’re taking a road trip with your dog that includes stays in hotels, motels, etc. make sure you book beforehand . You do not want to show up with a pet and have no options.

Some hotels will not allow pets of any kind even if they’re in a kennel. Consider calling ahead or booking online to avoid any late night issues or last-minute changes which can be costly and stressful.

The same goes for airline, bus, and train travel. You will most certainly have to make arrangements ahead of time, so plan early whenever possible.

Even when the situation warrants a “freak out” moment, try hard to remain calm. Your pet will feed off of your energy in any situation. If you are upset, chances are they will be too. Keep calm, and work through whatever issue may arise. This will truly make any trip much more manageable for both you and your pet.

Do you enjoy traveling with your pets ? How do you ensure a smooth trip? Leave me a comment below.

_____________________

Also read —

Check Out These Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains Before Your Next Vacation

Free Printable Travel Games for Kids

Get Free Admission to National Parks + Check Out Educational Programs

You can find MomsWhoSave on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Pinterest , and  Twitter . Join us for updates.

Don’t miss a thing!  Subscribe to MomsWhoSave’s newsletter .

These three Smokies camping and glamping sites won big in 10Best road trip awards

With fresh air, beautiful views and countless hiking trails, the Great Smoky Mountains are perfect for any campground getaway. Several camping sites and resorts in Smokies received recognition in the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards road trip categories.

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend received two top 10 spots . Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort in Sevierville and Camp LeConte in Gatlinburg made the cut, too.

The winners were up against tough competition all over the country. Nominees are selected by a panel of editors and readers vote on who makes the top 10 list in each category.

Check out the East Tennessee road trip winners in the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards:

Best Glamping Spot

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains landed as the No. 7 best glamping destination. The Townsend community is known as the "peaceful side" of the Smokies.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The outdoor resort features RV sites, Airstreams, cabins, tiny homes and glamping tents. Luxury tents have heating and air conditioning, plush bedding, private bathrooms and a small kitchen. Resort guests also enjoy access to a coffee lounge, swimming pool, splash pad, dog park, playground, laundry facilities and a basketball court.

• Sky Ridge Yurts (Bryson City, North Carolina)
• Beaver Island Retreat (Beaver Island, Michigan)
• Piney River Ranch (Vail, Colorado)
• Treebones Resort (Big Sur, California)
• Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo (River Ranch, Florida)
• Nomad Ridge at The Wilds (Cumberland, Ohio)
• Little Arrow Outdoor Resort (Townsend, Tennessee)
• The Destination (Dadeville, Alabama)
• The Resort at Paws Up (Greenough, Montana)
• Borealis Basecamp (Fairbanks, Alaska)

Best RV Campground

Tent sites, full RV hookups, a natural lazy river and fly fishing makes Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort (No. 9) a perfect campground stop.

• Inn Town Campground (Nevada City, California)
• Jellystone Park Pelahatchie - Yogi on the Lake (Pelahatchie, Mississippi)
• Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country (New Braunfels, Texas)
• Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run (Mill Run, Pennsylvania)
• Lake Raystown Resort (Entriken, Pennsylvania)
• North Texas Jellystone Park (Burleson, Texas)
• Spacious Skies Campgrounds - Minute Man (Littleton, Massachusetts)
• Fernwood Resort (Big Sur, California)
• Pigeon Forge Landing RV Resort (Sevierville, Tennessee)
• Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph (Santa Claus, Indiana)

Best Luxury RV Resort

The spa services available a Little Arrow Outdoor Resort help the resort earn it second appearance on this year’s 10Best road trip list in the luxury RV resort category, coming in at No. 10. But guest also can enjoy the hiking trails all around and activities like bingo and trivia, all while basking in Appalachia beauty.

• Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Cabana Cabins (Auburndale, Florida)
• Motorcoach Country Club (Indio, California)
• Firefly Resort (Fredericksburg, Texas)
• Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort (Las Vegas, Nevada)
• Normandy Farms (Foxboro, Massachusetts)
• Dark Sky RV Campground (Kanab, Utah)
• The Waves RV Resort (Naples, Florida)
• Bluewater Key RV Resort (Key West, Florida)

Best Vintage Trailer Hotel

Camp LeConte in Gatlinburg has three retro themed camper sites for guests: Glamping at Tiffany’s, Miss Daisy and The Ruby Slipper. And all guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool and a picnic pavilion, regardless if you stay in a camper, safari tent, treehouse or a tent.

• The Vintages Trailer Resort (Dayton, Oregon)
• Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground (Buellton, California)
• SkyStream Resort at SkyPark Camp + RV Resort (Skyforest, California)
• Asheville River Cabins (Arden, North Carolina)
• Sou'wester Historic Lodge & Vintage Trailer Resort (Seaview, Washington)
• Hart's Camp (Pacific City, Oregon)
• AutoCamp Yosemite (Midpines, California)
• AutoCamp Cape Cod (Falmouth, Massachusetts)
• Lake Bastrop North Shore Park (Bastrop, Texas)
• Camp LeConte Luxury Outdoor Resort (Gatlinburg, Tennessee)

The USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards highlights the best in travel, food and drink, and lifestyle. A panel of industry experts nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories every week. 10Best editors then vet these nominations and select a final set of nominees to be presented to the voting public for four weeks.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email  [email protected] . On X, formerly known as Twitter  @dturner1208 .  

Support strong local journalism by subscribing at  knoxnews.com/subscribe .

• Weird But True
• Sex & Relationships
• Viral Trends
• Human Interest
• Fashion & Beauty
• Food & Drink
• Personal Care
• Health & Wellness
• Amazon Sales
• Why Trust Us
• StackCommerce

trending now in Shopping

What do NY Rangers Eastern Conference Finals tickets cost for MSG...

Get your BBQ on this Memorial Day with a Weber grill and make the...

Commemorate huge savings! The 44 best Memorial Day 2024 sales to...

Bath & body works just launched fragrance dupes for all your....

The 11 best heat protectant sprays and creams we've been testing...

Feeding time! Here are the best vet-recommend dog food brands in...

This EGO Power+ electric lawn mower is $100 off for the Amazon...

Add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to any car with this $85...

Breaking news, add apple carplay and android auto to any car with this $85 touchscreen display.

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

TL;DR:  Save $55 on this 7-inch Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible touchscreen car display through May 22.  Skip directly to checkout right now !

This might be an unpopular opinion, but owning an older car without monthly payments is far more brag-worthy than driving a new Tesla or Ford Bronco. Sure, your car might not have features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but you can easily add them with this easy-install, wireless 7-inch touchscreen display.

It’s even on sale right now for its lowest price ever, only $84.97 (reg. $139.99) through May 22!  Get yours ASAP by adding one right to your cart .

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto pair with your smartphone to offer seamless, hands-free connectivity as you drive. Take advantage of safer navigation, easier media controls, and the ability to answer texts and calls without removing your hands from the wheel, all on the 7-inch HD touchscreen.

7″ Wireless Car Display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Compatibility & Phone Mirroring

The display also supports screen mirroring, like through Apple AirPlay, which can be useful for streaming movies on road trips. However, be sure to always stay focused on the road when you’re driving — you should only use this feature for passengers or while you’re parked.  

Does all this already sound good to you?  Head directly to checkout and order yours before this sale ends !

The makers of this display designed it to work with virtually any car model, as long as yours has a 12V cigarette lighter for power, a 3.5mm aux port for sound connection, and somewhere smooth to mount the self-adhesive or suction cup brackets, like your dashboard or inner windshield.

Something unique about this display is that it also has built-in speakers. So, if your car’s stereo no longer works (or is a little subpar!), this is a package upgrade. 

Jump directly to checkout and order your own wireless car display for just $84.97  (reg. $139.99) before this lowest price ever ends on May 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon needed!

StackSocial  prices subject to change.

Share this article:

Press Herald

Account Subscription: ACTIVE

Questions about your account? Our customer service team can be reached at [email protected] during business hours at (207) 791-6000 .

9 places to nosh on bagels in southern Maine

From old-school spots to foodie favorites, there's a 'hole' lot to try.

You are able to gift 5 more articles this month.

Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more .

With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.

It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page .

Loading....

Bread and bagels at The Works Cafe in downtown Portland. Photo by Aimsel Ponti

From New York-style boiled bagels to Montreal-inspired wood-fired ones, there’s lots of great bagels in southern Maine and several shops have the accolades to back that up.

In 2023, Bon Appetit named bagels from Rose Foods and Rover Bagel among the best in the country.

Two years before that,  Food & Wine Magazine put Rover, Forage and Scratch Baking Co. on its list of best bagels in the U.S.

Whether you like yours toasted with cream cheese or as the bread for your breakfast sandwich, you can find plenty of styles and flavors from Biddeford to Brunswick.

BEACH BAGELS

The offerings at Beach Bagels include a French toast and marble bagel, and the cream cheese menu comprises spreads like strawberry, olive and honey walnut. Along with breakfast sandwiches, Beach Bagels has hearty breakfast options like omelets and pancakes. Best of all, you’re steps away from a beach stroll. Just don’t let the seagulls steal your bagel. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily WHERE: 34 Old Orchard St., Old Orchard Beach. beachbagels.yolasite.com ______________

Dutchman’s opened in 2022 as a pop-up housed at Nomad pizza in Brunswick’s Fort Andross building. It’s since become a permanent fixture there and uses the pizzeria’s wood-fired ovens to bake its bagels. The hand-shaped, honey-boiled bagels come in plain, roasted garlic, poppy and a bagel-of-the-day flavor.

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to Sunday WHERE: Fort Andross, 14 Maine St., Brunswick. dutchmans.me ______________

FORAGE MARKET

Making bagels at Forage Market involves a two-day aging process. The bagels are naturally leavened with wild yeast starter and baked next to a hardwood fire. There are usually five flavors available, including sesame and garlic. Breakfast sandwiches (including vegan options) are available. Forage also has a location in Lewiston. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 123 Washington Ave., Portland. foragemarket.com _____________

MISTER BAGEL

There are 10 or so Mister Bagel locations in Maine, including South Portland and Falmouth. It all began with the Portland location, which was the first bagel shop to open in Maine. The late Rick Hartglass started Mister Bagel in 1977, and it is still a family business. Music fans will appreciate the breakfast sandwich menu, which includes The David Bowie (bacon, egg and American cheese), the Jimmy Buffett (egg with roast beef and cheddar) and The Lady Gaga (avocado, salt and pepper, with or without egg).

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to noon Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday WHERE: 599 Forest Ave., Portland. misterbagelforestave.com ______________

At Rose Foods, the menu varies depending on the day, but there are usually six to eight flavors available. For example, should you pop in on a Friday, you’ll find a poppy and onion bialy (a cousin of the bagel that is not boiled). Rose Foods also makes a number of bagel sandwiches, including the Classic Nova with Nova lox and the Classic Whitefish. Advertisement

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily WHERE: 428 Forest Ave., Portland. rosefoods.me

______________

ROVER BAGEL

At Rover Bagel, you’ll find wood-fired plain, poppy, sea salt, sesame and everything bagels available most of the time, and the spread game here is strong with cream cheese options like lemon-thyme-honey cream and chili-garlic.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 10 West Point Lane Suite 10-204, Biddeford (Pepperell Mill). roverbagel.com

______________ Advertisement

SCRATCH BAKING CO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced the line of devoted fans waiting for Scratch Baking Co. to open, especially on weekend mornings. Along with the popular Maine sea salt, plain and other everyday flavors, Scratch has a daily special bagel. There’s honeyed rosemary on Wednesday and jalapeno cheddar on Thursday. Scratch is also famous, at least to locals, for its P-Cheese spread. It’s a pimento cheese recipe made with cheddar, mayo, roasted red peppers and seasoning and was passed down to co-owner and head baker Allison Reid by her grandmother, Mern.

WHEN: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon Sunday WHERE: 416 Preble St., South Portland. scratchbakingco.com ___________

THE MAINE BAGEL

The Maine Bagel is a drive-thru with several breakfast and other kinds of sandwiches available. With a bagel list that features egg and bialy among the standards, the family-owned spot is the perfect place to stop on your way to Pine Point Beach. The Maine Bagel really shines with a dozen kinds of cream cheese spreads, including raisin-walnut, lox, strawberry, cranberry-nut and bacon-chive.

WHEN: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. WHERE: 117 Route 1, Scarborough. themainebagel.com Advertisement

THE WORKS CAFE

The Works Cafe is an institution on the edge of the Portland’s Old Port. It opened in 1990 as Bagel Works before it changed its name in 2002. The original shop in this regional chain opened in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, and there are 11 locations around New England, though just the one in Maine. Gone are the ’90s-era banana-walnut bagels and cold pizza cream cheese, but The Works Cafe is still a reliable place to grab a salt, multigrain or cinnamon raisin bagel, among others. The menu also has bowls, sandwiches and smoothies.

WHEN: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily WHERE: 15 Temple St., Portland. workscafe.com

Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.

Enter your email and password to access comments.

Forgot Password?

Don't have a commenting profile? Create one.

Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Already have a commenting profile? Login .

Invalid username/password.

Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.

Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate.

Already registered? Log in to join the discussion.

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why .

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

Send questions/comments to the editors.

Member Log In

Please enter your username and password below. Already a subscriber but don't have one? Click here .

Not a subscriber? Click here to see your options

Your Teams. All Sources.

© 2024 BVM Sports. Best Version Media, LLC.

UC Santa Barbara Baseball Eyes Big West Title During Final Road Trip to CSUN

The UC Santa Barbara Baseball team is set for their final regular season road trip, facing CSUN in a three-game series this weekend. The Gauchos, requiring five wins from their last six matches to clinch the Big West Championship, have dominated CSUN in their previous trips to Matador Field. The series will be crucial as Santa Barbara leads the Big West standings by a game and a half, aiming for their fifth conference title.

• Bremner ranks second in Division I with a 0.81 WHIP and 10th with a 2.31 ERA.
• Gallagher has a 0.82 WHIP (3rd nationally) and a 2.34 ERA (12th nationally).
• Santa Barbara leads the Big West standings, 1.5 games ahead of UC Irvine.
• The Gauchos will face UC Riverside at home to conclude the regular season after this weekend.

Should Santa Barbara win out, they could potentially host an NCAA Regional for the first time since 2015. This would require logistical efforts to increase the seating capacity at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium.

The Gauchos' final push for the Big West Championship hinges on their performance against CSUN and UC Riverside, positioning themselves for a possible NCAA Regional host bid. Success in these upcoming games is critical for their postseason aspirations.

Read more at University of California, Santa Barbara

The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI

University of California, Santa Barbara

Gauchos Visit Matadors in Final Big West Road Trip - University of California, Santa Barbara

Top leagues, think your team or athlete is better show us, submit your story, photo or video.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.

OK Privacy policy