Planning a road trip with your dog? Cooper the Shiba shares 10 must-know tips for traveling with your dog stress-free, from packing essentials to finding dog-friendly stops.
Let’s be honest. Leaving me home while you go on adventures is simply not an option.
If you’re a dog parent who refuses to travel without their pup, same. My human and I have figured out the art of stress-free dog travel, and today I’m sharing everything we’ve learned so your next trip is smooth, fun, and tail-wag approved. 🐾
1. Visit Your Vet Before You Go
Before any big trip make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and has any necessary health certificates, especially if you’re crossing state lines. Some hotels and dog-friendly parks require proof of vaccines. Better safe than sorry!
2. Pack a Dog Travel Bag
Your dog needs their own bag. Yes, really. Pack enough food for the whole trip plus two extra days, their favorite treats, a collapsible water bowl, poop bags, any medications, and a familiar blanket or toy. Familiar smells equal a calmer dog.
3. Always Use a Harness or Crate in the Car
An unrestrained dog in a moving car is a safety risk for everyone. Use a crash-tested harness that clips into the seatbelt or a secured travel crate. I personally prefer the backpack throne, but my human insists on safety first. 🎒
4. Plan Your Rest Stops
Dogs need bathroom breaks every 2 to 3 hours on road trips. Before you leave, map out dog-friendly rest stops along your route. Apps like BringFido and AllTrails are great for finding pet-friendly parks along the way.
5. Research Dog-Friendly Accommodations in Advance
Don’t assume a hotel is dog-friendly, always confirm before booking. Look for places that are genuinely welcoming, not just technically allowing pets. Airbnb has great filters for pet-friendly stays and often gives you more space for your pup to relax.
6. Never Leave Your Dog Alone in the Car
Even on a mild day a parked car can heat up dangerously fast. If you need to make a stop where your dog can’t come, have someone stay with them or skip that stop altogether. No errand is worth the risk.
7. Keep Their Routine as Normal as Possible
Dogs are creatures of habit. Try to feed them at the same times you normally would and stick to a similar sleep schedule. Routine reduces anxiety especially in new environments.
8. Bring Proof of Ownership and ID
Make sure your dog has an updated ID tag with your current phone number. Bring a recent photo of them on your phone just in case. If your dog is microchipped double check that your contact info in the microchip registry is current.
9. Let Them Explore and Decompress
When you arrive somewhere new give your dog time to sniff around and get comfortable before jumping into activities. A 10 minute explore session can make the difference between an anxious dog and a happy one.
10. Find the Pup Cups Along the Way
Obviously, this is the most important tip. Research dog-friendly coffee shops and ice cream spots on your route. A pup cup mid road trip is basically required. Your dog deserves a treat for being such a good travel buddy. ☕🐾
Traveling with your dog takes a little extra planning but trust me it is worth every second. There is nothing better than exploring new places with your best friend by your side.
Wanna see where Cooper and I have been? Check out our latest adventures together. Follow us over on Instagram @lifewithcoopertheshiba!
Leave a Reply