Hitting the road is one of the best ways to travel, you set the pace, choose the stops, and have full control of your journey. But adding your dog into the mix? That makes it even better. Road tripping with your pup means more adventures, more bonding, and fewer worries about leaving them behind. Since road trips can accommodate dogs of all shapes and sizes, it’s a great travel option.
Whether you’re cruising for a few hours or taking an epic cross-country trip, a little planning goes a long way in keeping both you and your dog happy on the road. Here are my best road trip hacks for traveling with dogs.
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Before You Leave: Prep for a Smooth Trip
Map Out Dog-Friendly Stops
Not every place you’ll want to pull over will welcome pets. Do your research ahead of time and plan pet-friendly breaks, hikes, and overnights. Websites like BringFido or PetsWelcome make it easy to spot hotels, restaurants, and activities where your dog will be welcome.
Make a Packing List
A simple packing list keeps you organized and ensures nothing gets left behind. Use it at the start and throughout your trip to double-check essentials like food, leashes, and paperwork. Don’t forget towels, you never know when your pup might get wet, whether from playing in water or from a rainstorm.
Practice Car Rides
If your dog isn’t used to long drives, start with short trips that don’t end at the vet’s office. Have them ride in the crate, booster seat, or harness you’ll use for the trip, so they get comfortable with it.
Road Trip Safety for Dogs
Secure Your Dog
Dogs should never ride loose in the car. Use a crate, booster seat, or safety harness that fits their size. Collapsible travel crates are a great option; they keep pets safe in the car and double as a cozy “room” in hotels or campsites. Place your dog’s favorite blanket in the crate or on the seat so they have something familiar with them.
Use a Pet Ramp
Older dogs, big breeds, or pups with mobility issues will appreciate a pet ramp. It saves their joints and saves you from heavy lifting.
Keep Tags & Microchips Updated
Make sure your dog has an ID tag with their name, your name and phone number and that their microchip info is current. Sewn-in collars are even better since tags can fall off. If you can’t sew it in the collar, sew it on a piece of cloth and attach it to the collar.
Carry Important Documents
Keep vaccination records, prescriptions, and emergency contacts in a waterproof bag. This will keep them all together and dry. You’ll rarely need them, but when you do, you’ll be glad they’re handy.
Pack a Dog First Aid Kit
Cuts and scrapes happen. Keep basics like gauze, antiseptic wipes, tape, and gloves in a waterproof container. You can buy ready-made dog first aid kits or DIY one with items from home.
Keeping Dogs Comfortable on the Road
Bring Familiar Items
A favorite blanket or toy helps your dog relax in new environments and makes the car ride cozier. Bonus: a blanket protects your seats from hair. My dogs loved to have their favorite toy with them. They didn’t play with it they just kept it close to them.
Hydration is Key
Dehydration happens quickly on hot days. A travel dog water bottle that fits in your cupholder is a game-changer for quick sips without spills. I love this water bottle not only for water but treats. I wish this was available years ago when I had two dogs it would have helped trying to give them water at the same time.
Stick to Their Usual Food
Changing food on the road can upset stomachs. Bring enough of their regular kibble plus extra in case of delays. Treats are perfect for rewarding calm behavior. Be sure to keep the food in a sealable container so it stays fresh. It’s best to feed them an hour or more before you leave and if possible, wait until you reach your destination for the night to feed them again. A moving car can upset their tummy if it’s full.
Use Bottled Water
Tap water varies from place to place and can cause tummy troubles. Bottled water is a safe bet for both of you. Our vet suggested this when our dog kept getting an upset stomach and it really made a difference.
Beat the Heat
Cars heat up fast. Use sunshades and rear-seat fans to keep your dog cool. Never leave them unattended in the car, even with windows cracked. I bought these sunshades a few years ago to help keep our car cooler in the Nevada heat and they work well. I like the indicator that tells you it’s too hot in the car.
Help Nervous Dogs Relax
For anxious pups, try calming options like a thunder shirt, a favorite toy, or pre-trip exercise. Talk to your vet about supplements or medications if needed. Exercising before the trip helps to tire them out and hopefully, they’ll take a nap.
Organization & Clean-Up
Smart Storage
Use air-tight, waterproof containers for food and treats. Spill-proof bowls keep feeding areas clean. Consider a mat for under the bowls in case of spills or that slobber that happens sometimes.
Protect Your Car
Seat covers, blankets, or even cut-to-fit astroturf in the cargo area will catch dirt, fur, and debris. Anything that is easy to shake off or hose down when needed is a bonus.
Cleaning Supplies
Accidents happen, carry wipes, paper towels, garbage bags, and a lint roller or handheld vacuum for quick cleanups. This not only helps in the car, but to keep where you are staying clean.
Handy Apps for Dog-Friendly Travel
BringFido – Find pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
DogTrekker – Great for finding pet-friendly hikes and activities (especially in California).
USA Rest Stops – Maps out rest areas for easy potty breaks.
Roadtrippers – Plan and book campgrounds, scenic stops, and routes. Roadtrippers.com is a great website along with the app for planning a road trip. If you use code BTR5QTP, you’ll save $5.
Sniffspot – Rent private, fenced-in spaces for off-leash play.
Final Thoughts
Road trips with your dog take a little extra planning, but the rewards are worth it. With the right gear, safe travel practices, and plenty of pit stops, you’ll both enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Your pup wants nothing more than to be with you, so why not bring them along for the ride?
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