Whether you are thinking of a quick trip across the country with your dog or you have decided to take life on the road with your dog, knowing what to do beforehand can make all the difference in making sure your dog is happy during travel. I am a solo female traveling to every state this year with my dog and this is the checklist that made our lives easier (TL;DR checklist is at the end of the blog!). Don't forget to download the BringFido app I recommended in my previous blog Top Apps For Your Next Road Trip.
A visit to the vet
Before you hit the road, make sure you visit your pet’s veterinarian at least a few weeks prior. You want to make sure they are healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations. Refill any flea prevention pills, heart-worm prevention pills, allergy medication, or any other prescriptions your dog requires. If you haven’t microchipped your dog, you may want to do so during this visit as some cities mandate that owners microchip their pets as part of their codes of ordinances.
Dry Run / Prepping your dog ahead of time
If your dog is not yet used to vehicles you should take them for rides in the car to check their reaction a few weeks before your trip. This will help you to make sure your dog will be comfortable spending several hours confined in the vehicle with you. If your pup seems uninterested or scared during their test trips, try feeding them treats while driving or stop at a few parks along the way. If your dog is crate trained, take their crate in your car to make them feel more comfortable. Make sure that you familiarize your dog with the routine of getting into their travel space and will be comfortable staying there for hours at a time without getting anxious.
Keep your dog comfortable
Comfort is important for your dog, and not just because you want to keep them happy. Make sure you transform your vehicle into a familiar environment for your dog such as bringing along their favorite bed, blankets, pillows, toys, etc.. The chances of them playing with their toys in the car is low but it will make them feel more comfortable on the ride. Some dogs like crates or carriers with open sides so they can see what's happening outside of the car; others prefer having a tall barrier between them and their surroundings so they feel safe enough to sleep soundly through any bumps in the road.
Check on hotel pet policies
It's also important to find out about pet policies at any hotels where you may stay overnight during your trip. While not all hotels allow dogs, most hotels show this option on their filters under “amenities = pets welcome''. Keep in mind most of these hotels charge an extra pet fee for your dog ranging from $20 - $150 per stay but I have stayed at hotels where there is no extra charge such as Red Roof Inn and some Aloft by Marriott hotels. You may want to book up those accommodations early so that they don't sell out before you arrive!
Plan your breaks to let your dog stretch
It's important to know your dog and pay attention to their needs. If you're driving across the country with your dog, it can be easy to forget that they need breaks too! There's no shame in stopping every two hours or so and letting them stretch their legs. Many dogs will need bathroom breaks every few hours while traveling long distances by car so keep this in mind when planning stops along the way (and bring paper towels and plastic bags!). Be aware that exercising on a long trip can make their muscles sore, which can lead to further problems if they aren't able to rest properly (nothing in excess!).
Pack the essentials
Water & Food: The best bowl options: Dogs also need plenty of water throughout each day as dehydration can be dangerous for them as well. The first thing you'll need is a water bottle. This is the best option because it prevents spills and is much less wasteful. It serves as an extra measure of security if you're worried about spills in your vehicle while driving through rough terrain. Make sure to fill up before getting on the road and always carry an extra gallon of water in your car for emergencies.
There are lots of great ways for your dog to eat and drink on long trips! Getting a collapsible bowl is ideal because it can fold down flat so that it takes up less space in your vehicle (and won't spill). It can be difficult for them if they have nothing to eat or drink for hours at a time so it's best to give them something familiar from home whenever possible (unsalted chicken & rice) when traveling in unfamiliar territory. Feeding them high quality food will make sure that there isn't any digestive upset along the way. Don’t forget the treats!!
Toys: Make sure you pack their favorite toys for comfort, even if they may not play with them! However some dogs will play with them and having toys around will help keep their minds occupied during long stretches of driving too; toys like Kongs filled with peanut butter can provide hours worth of entertainment while keeping paws busy.
Seat cover & Safety: Use a sheet or blanket to create a barrier between you and your dog, especially if he likes to jump up on you. You can also purchase a dog specific seat cover for your vehicle. If you have a kennel, bring this along to make them feel safe and make sure they don't run away. There are also booster seats for your dog to be on the passenger seat if that is something you want. Also, don’t forget to use a seatbelt for their booster seat, seat cover, or kennel. Safety is very important!
Harness: Dogs love to explore, but they can get lost if they wander off so keep their harness on when you're away from the car. This is especially crucial if you have an excitable or energetic dog who might bolt after anything that catches their eye. Also ensure that they have an ID tag with their contact information.
Dog Road Trip Checklist
To recap, here is the full checklist you need to take your dog on a cross country road trip.
⏹️ Visit their veterinarian and ensure they are healthy and up to date on their vaccines
⏹️ Download the Bring Fido app (to check out pet friendly places along the way)
⏹️ Buy a dog seat belt and harness for safety
⏹️ Buy a booster seat
⏹️ Pack their crate or carriers
⏹️ Pack a water and food bowl
⏹️ Pack 2-3 of their favorite toys
⏹️ Pack their meds (allergy, heart-worm, flea, etc.)
⏹️ Pack their treats!
⏹️ Check out my road trip essentials for more packing ideas
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Road trips with dogs are definitely a fun way to spend time with your favorite furry family member. But before you hit the road, be sure to plan ahead so you and your pup have an enjoyable experience together. I can’t stress enough how important it is to prepare ahead of time and make sure that your dog is comfortable before getting into the car, but these tips should get you started.
