There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road with your four-legged co-pilot! Whether you're heading to a campground, the beach or going on a cross-country trek, knowing how to take a road trip with a dog helps to improve safety and reduce stress for everyone—especially your pup. From careful planning to packing the right gear, we can help with making your road trip unforgettable.
While spontaneous day drives are a blast, tackling longer dog-friendly road trips calls for a bit of advance planning. Use these tips as your roadmap:
Plan your route well in advance and seek out pet-friendly hotels and campgrounds. Ideally, your dog shouldn’t be left alone in your hotel room, and many campgrounds don’t allow unattended pets in trailers or tents.
As you plan your drive, don’t forget to include frequent breaks. Stop every two to three hours so your dog can walk, go potty and shake out the zoomies while on their leash. Choose quiet, safe rest areas over busy gas stations on the highway whenever possible.
If hikes are part of your road trip fun, build up your dog’s stamina before you travel. Plan your hikes for early in the day when it’s cool, and bring paw protection for potentially rough or hot surfaces. Be sure to pack a collapsible water dish and plenty of water, stopping frequently for breaks.
Packing for your pooch is just as important as packing for yourself! Key road trip essentials include:
And let’s talk hydration. The best dog water bowl for road trips is spillproof, collapsible and easy to clean. You’ll want to bring bottled or filtered water, too—outdoor water sources can carry parasites and bacteria like Giardia or Leptospira.
When it comes to taking a road trip with a dog safely, staying on top of their health is crucial. Make sure your dog is current on core vaccines like rabies (often required for interstate travel) and ask your veterinarian if they recommend the leptospirosis or Lyme vaccine based on your travel plans.
You may be wondering what to give your dog for a long road trip to keep them calm and prevent nausea and vomiting associated with car sickness. Your veterinarian can offer suggestions or prescribe medication if needed.
Parasite preventives are a must—fleas, ticks and heartworms don’t take vacations. Even if ticks and heartworm aren’t common where you live, they might be at your destination.
If your trip crosses into another state, check whether you need a veterinary health certificate. Visit the USDA website for state-by-state travel information.
Never traveled with your pet before? Take an even more in-depth look at tips for car travel with your dog, and your journey will be full of wagging tails, happy trails and memories to last a lifetime!
