Taking a road trip with a dog can be a great idea, as long as you’re properly prepared. Most dogs love traveling with their humans, and their companionship can make long drives less lonely. But it’s important to prepare for a journey that’s both safe and fun for your dog before hitting the road. Here’s how to road trip with a dog.
Tips for planning a road trip with a dog
Before you start packing, there are a few important points you should consider while you’re still in the planning phase.
Consider a rental car for your road trip
If you’re going to take a long road trip with a dog, consider renting a car rather than using your own. Rental cars often have lower mileage and newer parts than many personal vehicles, leading to a lower risk of breakdowns. I always opt for full coverage rental car insurance that includes roadside assistance too, so I’ll never be stuck somewhere without support or a replacement vehicle if needed. Even without a dog, there are many benefits to renting a car for a road trip, and booking a rental car is easy.
Follow car rental guidelines
Most major car rental agencies in the US, and many abroad, allow dogs in rental cars. Many operate strict policies for safe dog travel though, so be sure to add your dog to the reservation and follow all listed requirements. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to fines, potential injury to your pup, or even cancellation of your booking.
Choose dog-friendly stops
When it comes to choosing a destination, try to pick a place that’s known for embracing pups. Look for locations with dog-friendly outdoor spaces, welcoming businesses, and pet-friendly hotels. And don’t forget about the journey too, when you’ll need to factor in multiple places to stop for breaks.
I always make a list of dog-friendly towns along my route that would make ideal pit stops for potty breaks, overnights, or a stretch.
Make a list of important pet stores and businesses in advance
Along with great places for rest stops, I’d also recommend adding some key pet businesses to your list. Find vets or pet clinics near each of your planned stops and consider adding some along your route between stops, in case of emergency. I also include pet supply stores when I make this list, even though I try to pack more than I’ll need. You never know what will happen on the road, and you may find yourself in need of more food or other supplies. This is especially important if your dog is on a special diet or has unique emotional needs.
Go for a test drive
If your dog isn’t accustomed to car rides or has only taken very brief trips to the vet and back, schedule at least one longer test drive before your trip. Create the same conditions as you’ll have on your road trip. For example, if you’ll be renting a car and will need to crate your dog, crate your dog during your test drive and include the same comfort items you’ll bring on your road trip. Aim for at least an hour-long drive, with a pit stop in the middle for your dog to take a bathroom break at an unfamiliar location. If the test drive isn’t an instant success, schedule as many additional test drives as you can to build up your pup’s tolerance and confidence ahead of your road trip.
Essential packing list for a road trip with a dog
Our four-legged friends need accessories, documentation, and other dog essentials when hitting the road. We’ve prepared a dedicated ‘road trip with a dog’ checklist to help you out.
Leash, collar and tags
Make sure your dog wears a collar with identification and rabies tags attached at all times on your road trip. Also, it’s worth packing at least two leashes in case one gets wet, dirty, or tangled. You don’t want to be without a functional or comfortable leash while away from home.
Bed
Even if your dog doesn’t use a pet bed at home, bringing one for your road trip will give your pup a sense of consistency and stability wherever you go. It can also help cozy up any crates that may be required by rental car companies or hotel policies. Favorite blankets should also come along for the journey.
Toys
Your dog needs entertainment on a long drive, so pack a range of toys. Bringing along old favorites, instead of new toys, will help make the environment feel more familiar, both in the car and at your destination(s). These can also help prevent damage to cars and furniture from doggy boredom or stress.
Treats
Treats help keep dogs happy any time but are especially useful on a road trip as a guiding tool. They can help keep your dog’s attention on you and on the commands that will keep him or her safe in unfamiliar locations.
Bowls
Whether at roadside pit stops or your destination(s), your dog will need both food and water bowls. If you’re a conscientious cleaner, one of each will work, but be honest with yourself. If you’ll be rushing to get to the next stop and won’t have time to clean thoroughly, bring spares.
Medications
Remember to pack all of your dog’s medications for the entire duration of your trip. That means not just daily meds, but monthly maintenance like flea, tick, and worm medications that may come due while you’re away.
Records
It’s also wise to pack your dog’s medical records, including proof of current vaccinations and any relevant medical history that may be useful to a vet, in case of emergency medical visits during your trip.
Crate
Even if you are taking your own car or a rental car that doesn’t require a crate, you may still need to pack one. Many hotel rooms require dogs to be crated at times, and crates can also help dogs feel a sense of personal space and safety when sleeping in new environments.
Cleaning supplies
Accidents happen, especially on the road. Outside of your normal routine, it’s easy to misplace and spill things, making messes a more common occurrence. Beyond this, dogs may be more likely to have accidents during unfamiliar routines, and car sickness is also a possibility for pups. Bring wipes, paper towels, cleaning solutions, and plastic bags for temporary disposal of used supplies. Dry shampoo and a dog comb can help clean your dog on the go if the mess spreads to fur (especially for crated dogs).
Waste bags
On the same note, pack plenty of dog waste bags for picking up after bathroom breaks. In most places, it’s the law. In the rest, it’s still expected. Be a good guest and never leave a mess behind. Attach a travel pack to each leash and store extras in your vehicle’s glove box to remain well-stocked.
How to handle food and water
If your dog has traveled before and does not get motion sickness, feed your dog as close to your regular schedule as possible, using rest stops and travel bowls. If your dog gets car sick or hasn’t traveled before, it may be wise to skip a morning meal on travel days and to feed only when driving is done for the day. In these cases, keep driving times shorter and plan for more overnights.
Don’t forget your own appetite, either. Pack plenty of road trip snacks to prevent hanger (not just hunger, but anger/moodiness that comes from being hungry) and keep you driving safely. If you’ll have other human companions in the car, plan some road trip games to keep the mood light and prevent any air of stress for your dog.
Conclusion
Now that you’re ready for a safe and fun road trip with your dog, it’s time to start planning. Read up on KAYAK’s pet travel guide for expert guidance and check out their handy road trip guide to help you find fun itineraries around your current location.
