Adventure Awaits: Dog-Friendly Travel Tips for Every Adventure
Are you planning a getaway but can’t bear the thought of leaving your furry friend behind? You’re not alone. More and more pet parents are choosing to hit the road (or skies) with their dogs in tow—and for good reason. Traveling with your dog can make your adventures more memorable, but it does come with unique challenges. Whether you're heading out for a weekend road trip or a cross-country flight, a little preparation goes a long way. In this guide, we’ll be sharing our top tips for dog-friendly travel to help you plan a smooth, safe, and tail-wagging adventure for both you and your four-legged companion.
Know Before You Go
The first step to any successful trip starts with the planning process. Researching dog-friendly accommodations, restaurants, parks, and activities ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress. Apps like BringFido or AllTrails can help you find places that welcome pups. I always try to plan a basic outline of our daily activities, ensuring that Leia gets plenty of exercise.
Plan for the Unexpected
When traveling with dogs, planning for the unexpected is essential to ensure a safe and stress-free journey for both you and your pet. Unforeseen situations like sudden weather changes, pet illnesses, vehicle breakdowns, or lost supplies can quickly turn a trip chaotic without proper preparation. Always pack a pet-specific emergency kit with extra food, water, medications, a first-aid kit, vaccination records, and a recent photo of your dog in case they get lost. Research veterinary clinics along your route, and have a backup plan for pet-friendly accommodations. Flexibility and readiness can make all the difference when the unexpected arises, keeping your dog comfortable and your travel plans on track.
Packing the Essentials
Bring all the essentials—leash, collar with ID tags, collapsible water bowl, food, treats, waste bags, and a comfy bed or blanket that smells like home. These familiar items can help ease your dog’s anxiety and make them feel more secure in a new setting. Don’t forget a favorite toy or chew to keep them entertained and comforted during downtime. Taking the time to pack thoughtfully ensures your dog is set up for a smooth and successful transition into an unfamiliar environment.
Prioritize Comfort & Safety
Keep your dog secure in the car by using a crash-tested harness or a well-ventilated crate to ensure their safety while traveling. It’s also important to build in regular breaks for potty time, stretching, and a bit of exercise to help your dog stay comfortable and relaxed during the journey. We always bring a collapsible travel crate, which gives us peace of mind knowing Leia is safe and secure if we need to leave her alone for a short period. In addition to travel safety, we make it a priority to plan for long walks, outdoor adventures, and plenty of physical activity each day to keep her happy, healthy, and well-adjusted throughout the trip.
Bonus Tips!
Start small and build up to longer trips. When Leia was a puppy, I would take her for short rides in the neighborhood, usually ending at the park or a hike. That way she associated the car with something fun! Crate training was essential, Leia is fully crate trained and prefers her den when she's tire or overwhelmed. I know she's safe and sound if we need to leave her for a bit.
Most importantly, you know your dog best! If they're overwhelmed by crowds or noisy hotels, maybe look into camping or a private residence. Not all dogs are the same and we'll do our best to share a mix of social and reactive friendly trips!
