The following tips will ensure you both have a great experience:

Practice Car Rides

Bring their Vaccine Records

Having your pets proof of vaccinations is helpful, because there can be hotels, dog daycares, or other facilities that might ask for them. Even if you don’t plan on going to any facilities that might ask for them, if your pet needs to go to the veterinarian then you’ll need to show what vaccinations they have.

If you don’t have any paper copies then make sure you have pictures or digital copies of them. 

They can be really convenient to have with you in case your dog starts feeling sick during the trip and you have to visit the veterinary. Along with vaccine records, you want to bring any medicine they need to take routinely.

Bring Cleaning Supplies

Your dog can act very differently when they are in a vehicle, and sometimes they can get nervous and accidents happen. Whether they got motion sickness or an upset stomach, cleaning supplies will be your lifesaver. 

Examples of some of the cleaning supplies that you should bring are:

• Paper Towels
• Disinfectant Spray
• Febreze
• Cleaning Wet Wipes

Having cleaning supplies with you will make it so much easier to deal with any accidents that may occur.

To avoid motion sickness make sure they’re not eating while you’re driving. The practice car rides will help you better predict if your dog is prone to motion sickness, and if so, then having medicine to prevent it is critical.

Gas stops = Potty Breaks

The same way that you get tired from sitting in a car for multiple hours, your pet will too. For that reason, any time you stop to get gas, take advantage of the stop and take your dog out for a walk. This doesn’t you have to go on a long walk but more just letting them stretch, and giving them a chance to use the restroom. 

There are some gas stations with dog areas, and these are definitely a preference when traveling with pets. If possible, plan ahead and see if any gas stations on the way to your destination have a dog park.

Another really important item to bring with you are dog poop bags. You want to make sure that you clean after themselves wherever they go.

Sometimes it can feel like a chore to walk them around every time you get gas, but remember that they can get impatient too and they don’t want to be in the car the entire day.

Plan Activities you can all do Together

Spending a lot of time on the road can be tiring and it can be tiring for your dog too which is why it’s important for you to plan activities that you can all do together. 

Activities like hiking, swimming, or simply going to pet friendly locations can really help. 

National Parks are a popular stop on road trips but be aware that they don’t allow pets on trails. Now that doesn’t mean that they can’t be in the park but they just can’t walk on trails. They can still be in the parking lots and other picnic areas. If you do want to participate in a really long hike in a National park then I recommend not taking your pet with you because they would have to stay in the car for a long period of time. 

Aside from National Parks, there are so many hikes in the surrounding areas and in State Parks that your dog can participate in.

Many restaurants now have outdoor seating where you can dine with your pet or take out options where you can all have a picnic.

Have a Seat Cover

Having a seat cover or dog carrier inside of the car will make the experience more comfortable for your pet, and it will keep your car seats clean. If you know your dog is prone to having accidents then bringing an extra car seat cover would be very convenient. 

If you have a smaller dog, then a car seat dog carrier is perfect to keep them safe and contained. There are also dog crates that offer great protection for them in case of a car accident. The car dog crates can be more uncomfortable for them, but it will ensure that they don’t get hurt.

Do your Research on what Hotels allow Pets

Many hotels now allow pets, but make sure you check what rules they have in place. There are certain hotels that have specific weight limits for dogs, and some even breed regulations. Each hotel is different so just make sure to check the pet policy they have in place.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most of the time the hotels will have an added pet fee. Also, when you get a pet friendly room, it is a special room that has no carpet (sometimes).

Not all pet friendly rooms have no carpet, so if your dog is prone to using the carpet as a restroom area, then I recommend calling ahead and asking what kind of flooring they use in their pet friendly rooms.

AirBnB’s are a great option when traveling with pets because they usually have more space, and sometimes a backyard. Ensure that the BnB allows pets and that they know a dog will be staying with you.

Bring a Dog Transport Water Bottle and Food

Make sure to carry a water bottle that is specifically for your pet. A dog water bottle will be great to carry their water in with a built in container for them to drink water out of all in one.

You also want to make sure you pack enough of their food for the entire trip and bring some of their favorite treats. You want to keep their feeding schedule consistent as to what they have at home so you want to make sure you bring enough food for them and don’t have to substitute their meal with alternatives. 

Having their favorite treats with you can come in handy if they somehow get away from you and you need for them to come back to you. Some dogs act like running away is game, but it can be really dangerous, so having treats that you know they’ll love can help in your favor.

Make sure the weather will be fitting for your Pet

The weather plays a huge role in planning a road trip because it can be a deciding factor if you can bring your pet along. Their safety is priority and if the conditions are too warm or too cold then bringing them might not be an option. 

For that reason, make sure to do your research and check what the weather will be like in all the locations of your roadtrip.

Bring Multiple Types of Leashes and have a Pet ID on their Collar

When you’re on the road with your pet sometimes you run into situations where maybe a certain type of leash, collar, or harness will make the experience better for them. For example, if you stop somewhere to eat outside you might want a longer leash that they can use to be tied off to a tree and can explore the small area. 

If your pet doesn’t already have a pet ID tag or chip on them, then make sure to get them one. Just in case they get away from you and get lost, someone can get a hold of you. 

Five important takeaways:

1.   Check the weather of all stops, and make sure they are appropriate for your dog.
2.  Plan hikes and any other activities that your dog can participate in.
3. Bring cleaning supplies! Even if you think you might not need them, better be safe than sorry. 
4. Take your dog on small walks every time you stop to fill up gas. 
5.  Check ahead any hotels you plan to stay in to make sure they accommodate for dogs.

Taking your dog on a roadtrip with you takes extra work, but the experience is well worth it, and just know that they’re happy to come along for the adventure. Lastly, just remember to have fun with them and enjoy every moment.

Happy Travels!