8 Tips for Traveling With Your Dog

When you head out on a road trip, the last thing you want to do is leave your favorite travel buddy behind. Whether you're taking a family vacation across the country or just spending a few days out of town with friends, bring your dog along for the adventure!

We know firsthand that traveling with your pup also brings along a whole different set of concerns and considerations compared to flying solo or hitting up your local dog park.

That's why we put together a master list of our best tips for making your next road trip with your dog an exciting and stress-free adventure.

1. Plan Pit Stops

Just like humans, dogs need to take breaks during long car rides. Make sure to plan out a few stops where you can let your dog out to stretch, burn some energy, or just use the bathroom. Make sure you have a safe and well-fitting dog collar or harness (we recommend the Freedom No-Pull Harness, obviously!)

Be sure to pack plenty of water and treats for your dog - especially if you'll be hitting the road during the heat of summer. (Our Treat Bag comes with a small collapsible bowl, a place for food or treats, and poop bags!)

2. Plan Meals Ahead if Your Pup Gets Carsick

Imagine traveling down the highway at 70 miles per hour when your dog suddenly gets carsick. Unfortunately, this common travel ailment affects dogs just as much as humans.

To help keep your pup safe and healthy during a road trip, it's good to plan meals ahead and not feed them at least 3 to 4 hours before leaving. This way you can hopefully avoid any mess or sickness during the trip.

Additionally, ask your vet about using medication like Pepcid AC to help with stomach acid. Be sure to have an ample supply of plastic bags for cleanup too, should your pup's stomach win the road trip battle.

3. Don't Feed Your Dog in a Moving Vehicle

Dogs do much better when they're not eating in the car. As food takes up space in their stomach, it can cause nausea and sickness in even the best-traveling dogs. Eating and drinking at high speeds could even be dangerous for your pup as they could choke and you may be unable to help while driving.

4. Plan Ahead for Dog-Friendly Overnights

One of the best things about road tripping with your pup is that you can take them just about anywhere - including dog-friendly hotels. However, if you're not familiar with the area or don't know where the nearest park or grassy area is, it's a good idea to do your research ahead of time. This way, you can avoid any last-minute surprises or stressful moments when your dog needs to take a potty break.

Our friends at Go Pet Friendly have reviewed the dog-friendly national hotel chains and made a list for you. Did you know some hotels even have a Room Service list for dogs? Take

5. Plan Outdoor Activities

If you're bringing your dog along on your trip you probably are looking for fun activities to do together. Outdoor activities are always a good place to start. Most all national parks allow dogs to explore trails with their owners (be sure to bring along any required pet paperwork). If you are somewhere with warmer weather lookup dog-friendly water activities like the beach or lake. Make sure you read carefully, some beaches are only dog-friendly after 6pm or during the "off season".

6. Invest in a Dog Car Hammock (or seat protector)

Even if your dog does nothing but sleep in the car, if they shed, you will want to do everything you can to prevent your entire backseat from becoming an extension of them. Consider investing in a dog car hammock to keep them from leaving a hair-filled back seat. The hammock is also great for restless travelers. It helps prevent them from jumping around or getting stuck somewhere.

7. Get a Harness Safety Belt

In the event of an accident or sudden stop, it's always essential to ensure that your dog is safely secured in the car. To do this, consider investing in a quality harness safety belt to buckle them in. It will help keep your dog from being thrown around the vehicle in the event of an accident and prevent injuries.

8. Make Sure They Have an ID

No, we aren't talking about a driver's license, even though that would be totally adorable. We mean some way to identify your pup, like a nametag on their collar or a medically inserted microchip. No one wants to think about the horror that is losing a pup, but it is important to be prepared in the event that happens. It's always a good idea to get your pup a nametag on their collar with your contact information. Another protective measure is to have them microchipped just in case they ever get lost. This way, there's a higher chance of them getting returned to you safely.

Don't forget to bring your dog's leash, a first-aid kit, and of course, a few toys for optimum fun.

With these tips in mind, you and your pup can have a safe and comfortable road trip. Just be sure to listen to your dog's needs and don't be afraid to adjust your plan as things pop up.

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