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This summer we decided to travel by car so that we can enjoy our vacation with our pups. Road trips are a great option if you have multiple dogs or don’t want to take the air travel route. Also, traveling by car can be potentially less stressful because you can stop as much as you need and do some sightseeing along the way.

What to Plan Ahead When Traveling with Your Dog

Car Seat Accessories
You’ll want to prepare your back seat for your pup and make sure they are just as comfortable on the road as you are. Some dogs need a harness seat belt to keep them in place, but luckily our dogs are pretty calm and can handle the back seat without a seat belt. Instead, we use a dog seat cover. This cover keeps your car clean and prevents your pup from falling under the seat. Some dogs travel better in a crate, which provides comfort and safety. The important thing is that you choose the best option for everyone involved. No one knows your dog as well as you do.
Acclimate Your Dog
Not all dogs are immune to car sickness, in fact, car sickness is quite common, especially for young dogs and puppies. Kuma is a pro and loves car rides; however, Zooey is the opposite and gets a little car sick sometimes (she’s also younger than Kuma). Start by taking short car trips and gradually work up to longer ones. To help with Zooey’s car sickness, I avoid feeding her prior to our ride. I typically feed her 3-4 hours before we get in the car. I also make sure to keep the car temperature cool and not too warm.
Plan Your Stops
Depending on how far you’re traveling, you’ll want to consider stopping every 2-3 hours so your dog can go potty and stretch their legs. This isn’t an issue for us since that’s how often we stop ourselves for a restroom break anyway. Unfortunately, not all rest stops have grassy areas for your pups to relieve themselves. If the grass is something your dog depends on to relieve themselves, then you may want to consider training your dog to potty on grassless surroundings.
Get Their Energy Out
If you have an active dog, it’s a good idea to get their energy out before you hit the road. Go for a long walk or let them run around so that they will tire themself out. Another way to get your pup tired is to provide them with some mental stimulation. Teaching your pup a new trick is a great way to get their minds working and tired.

Parasite Precautions
It’s something you may not even think about, but different regions are home to different parasites. As pet parents, we take year-round parasite precautions at home, but it is especially important when traveling with our pets. Heart worms and waterborne parasites are common in certain parts of the country so definitely consult with your vet and see what preventatives to take prior to travel.
Lodging
Luckily, there are plenty of hotels that welcome pets, but some have restrictions so you’ll want to double-check with the hotel before making reservations. For example, certain hotels and inns may have a size and breed restriction.
Emergencies
Before we head out, we research the area we are staying in for local veterinarians. You never know when there may be an emergency; especially if you are planning on some fun national park adventures with your pup on the road trip.
Updated ID Tags and Microchip
Always make sure your dog’s ID tags and microchips are updated with your current information. This is a must at home and on your travels.

Kuma and Zooey sharing the back seat. — Kuma and Zooey sharing the back seat

What to Pack When Traveling with Your Dog

In the excitement of getting ready for your trip, it’s easy to overlook some of your pup’s essentials. We’re guilty of forgetting Kuma’s dog bed on a couple of occasions when we made some quick weekend getaways. One of the perks of driving is that you can bring as many goodies as you want since you aren’t regulated to airline fees and excess weight.

Cozy Bed
If your pup has a favorite bed, then definitely bring it. Most of the pet-friendly hotels we have stayed at didn’t provide dog beds, so it’s a good idea to go ahead and toss one in the car. If you’re looking for a travel pet bed, Chuckit! makes a washable portable bed in a variety of sizes.
Toys
Kuma and Zooey like to play with some of their toys when we stay overnight in hotel rooms. They especially like to play with their toys when there is a lot of space in the room. This lets their energy out a little after a long day on the road.
Favorite Treats
This is an important one since your dog will most likely be sidetracked with all the surrounding new smells. To grab their attention, having their favorite treats on hand can snap them out of whatever it is they are fixated on.
Cleaning Supplies
Luckily, we’ve never had any accidents in the car or hotel, but just in case it happens, we are ready with cleaning supplies. We carry a dog designated tote bag that is equipped with a roll of paper towels, disinfecting wipes, and used plastic shopping bags.
Food and Water Bowls
When we are driving long distances, we try to stop every 2 hours for a bathroom break and to hydrate our pups. Although they aren’t doing much in the back of the car, they do get thirsty. Also, most hotels do not provide bowls. We pack a collapsible bowl that is lightweight and inexpensive.
Pet Medication
If your pup takes certain meds, don’t forget to bring them with you. The last thing you want to do is find a vet on your travels.
Portable Travel Crate
If your hotel allows dogs to be alone in the room, these portable travel crates are fantastic. They are lightweight and take up little room in your car when laid flat.
Favorite Blanket
Some dogs like to sleep with their favorite blanket and Kuma is one of those dogs. She doesn’t have a specific blanket she likes, but she does prefer to prop her head up on a soft fleece blanket.
Certificate Verifying Vaccines
Some places you visit may require proof of vaccines. We keep our pup’s documents in the cloud and/or a paper copy in our car where it’s accessible at all times.
Leash and Collar with Pet ID Tag
Bringing a leash and collar are pretty standard items. However, don’t forget to make sure their ID tag information is up to date prior to departure.
Brush or Comb
If you have a pet that sheds like crazy, welcome to Crystal’s world. Corgis are notorious for shedding, so she brings a FURminator with her while she’s on the road with Kuma.
Flea and Tick Repellent or Preventative
Just like humans, dogs need protection from insects too. If you have plans to explore the great outdoors on your road trip, definitely bring some protection for them too.
Dog Waste Bags
There will be plenty of occasions where you will need to have these handy and you don’t want to be that irresponsible pet parent leaving behind a mess. Amazon carries a ton of inexpensive dog waste bags.
Current Photo Of Your Dog
Should your dog get lost, you’ll want to have a photo on hand. If you’re that .00001% that has absolutely no photos of your pet on your phone, put one in your wallet or car.

What Luggage To Use When Traveling with Your Dog

We use a pet travel bag that organizes everything neatly with multi-function pockets, food container bags and collapsible bowls. We keep this bag right behind our seat in the car for easy access to leashes, bowls, treats, food, water, wipes, etc. We also store the extra food, toys, meds, and paperwork in this bag as well so that all of their stuff is one bag.

Whew! That seems like a pretty long list, but most likely, you already have many of these items. The tricky part is remembering to load everything in the car before you hit the road. We have forgotten Kuma’s dog bed on several road trips even after going over everything thoroughly!