Tips & Tricks for the Best Road Trip with Your Dog

Make Your Dog Comfortable and Relaxed During Car Rides

If your dog has only ever been in the car for trips to the vet, a cross-country road trip may not be the best place to start. Before embarking on any long-distance travel, it’s important to ensure your dog is comfortable and happy in the car.

The best approach is to introduce them to car rides as early as possible to build positive associations. But if you’ve missed the puppy stage or adopted an older dog, don’t worry—it’s still possible for them to become car travel experts.

Begin with short car trips and gradually work up to longer drives. Offer plenty of praise and high-value treats to encourage them. If your dog tends to get car sick, try avoiding meals a few hours before travel to reduce the chances of a messy backseat.

As your dog becomes more comfortable on shorter journeys, you can extend the trips. Try a full-day drive or even an overnight adventure. Once they’ve mastered those, they’ll be ready for the longer road trips!

Give Your Dog Their Own Spot in the Car

Just like at home, every dog has their preferred spots, and the same goes for the car! Having their own designated space will make them feel more comfortable and secure. Set up a cozy blanket, dog bed, crate, or a special dog car seat just for them. Once they have their spot, they’ll instinctively know where to go whenever they get in the car, making the ride smoother and more relaxing for both of you—no more trying to climb into your lap while you’re driving!

Bring Along the Essentials and Your Dog’s Favorite Items for a Stress-Free Ride

Consider everything your dog needs throughout the day and make sure to pack it in one of your bags. This includes the basics like food, water, leashes, and poop bags, as well as important items like their dog tags and vaccination records. Don’t forget the things that make them feel at ease—whether it’s their cozy blanket, favorite toy, or plenty of treats to keep them happy along the way.

Maintain a Regular Routine for Your Dog During Travel

Maintaining a routine might seem challenging on a cross-country drive, but it’s the little things that make a big difference for your dog. Ensure they always have access to water, just as you would at home, and stick to their regular feeding schedule for breakfast and dinner.

Don’t forget to plan for frequent potty breaks. Keeping their usual meal times will help you determine how often to stop for bathroom breaks, just like on a normal day. If you’re traveling with a larger dog, you can expect fewer stops, but if you have a puppy, be prepared for more frequent breaks and bring some piddle pads for accidents along the way.

Pick Dog-Friendly Destinations

As much as we’d love to take our dogs everywhere, not every destination is as welcoming as we hope. Doing some research ahead of time can save you from unpleasant surprises, like arriving at a state park only to find that dogs are restricted almost everywhere.

To make planning easier, you can use dog road trip apps or pet travel websites to find dog-friendly activities, hotels, and even places near dog parks. A little bit of research can help you find the best pet-friendly accommodations and exciting tours, like those in the Everglades, where your dog, Marshmallow, can join you on the boat.

Wondering if you should take your dog on a road trip? If you’re asking us, we say it’s a great idea! Whether you’re road-tripping with your family or embarking on a solo adventure with your furry friend, this journey will create unforgettable memories for both you and your loyal companion.