Nearly 40% of pet owners planned on traveling with their pets in a single year. That’s a 19% increase from a decade ago. If you’re planning to vacation with a dog, it’s important to prep beforehand.
Otherwise, you might not realize you’ve forgotten something until you’re on the road! Your dog might struggle to behave during such a new, exciting experience.
Instead, prepare for you both! With these tips, a road trip with a dog will feel like a breeze.
Get ready to have the wind in your hair (and fur)! Discover an easier way to start traveling with a dog using these tips today.
1. Start Practicing
Practice makes progress! Before taking a vacation with a dog, schedule practice runs with your pet. Otherwise, they might not feel comfortable with an unfamiliar experience.
Practicing beforehand will teach your dog what you expect during your travels. You can practice by scheduling short outings before your big trip. Try to drive a little further each time you go out.
Stay out longer, too.
As you continue practicing, your dog will grow more accustomed to long drives.
Practicing can also help them grow more comfortable with their travel accommodations. For example, maybe they’re not used to staying in a crate. Perhaps they’re used to running around your car during short drives to the vet.
Practicing will help you recognize potential issues you might experience during a road trip with a dog.
For example, have you scheduled bathroom breaks? What if your dog gets restless? Do you have toys they can play with?
Take the time to schedule multiple practice runs. You might recognize a different issue each time.
Practicing will help your dog get used to delayed bathroom breaks, too.
2. Walk Beforehand
Take the time to schedule a long walk with your dog before your road trip. Taking a long walk will help stretch their legs. It can also help tire them out before they’re stuck in a car for a few hours.
Try to avoid breaking your usual routine. Instead, schedule your walk around the same time you would on any given day. Sticking to your routine could help your dog remain more comfortable.
It can also help you avoid disrupting their nap schedule
Try to plan an intense workout for you both before hitting the road. For example, give your dog the chance to run around off-leash. Have a toy or ball ready for them to play with.
Once you get your dog’s heart pumping, invite them into the car. Help them settle with their favorite toy before you drive off. They’ll feel satisfied and more relaxed after their workout.
3. Prepare Your Car
Don’t rush to hit the road just yet. Before a vacation with a dog, it helps to prepare your car. Otherwise, your dog might not feel comfortable for the long drive.
Are you using a crate, carrier, or car harness? These tools can keep your dog in their seat while you’re driving. Otherwise, they could rush into your lap, increasing the chances of an accident.
If you want to use a carrier or crate, make sure it’s attached to the floor or seat. Otherwise, it might become a projectile during an accident.
Take the time to deactivate the airbag for the seat your dog is occupying, too.
Don’t forget to practice beforehand. Otherwise, your dog might not feel comfortable buckling up. They might not want to stay in their crate or carrier.
Getting them comfortable beforehand will help them behave during the drive.
4. Visit the Vet
Don’t forget to stop at the vet’s before traveling with a dog. Your vet could offer helpful advice that could make your trip much easier.
Ask your vet if your dog requires any vaccinations during the appointment, too.
What problems might you experience during the road trip? What if your dog is exposed to plants or parasites? Your vet can help you discover helpful solutions you can use on the road.
For example, what if your dog experiences car sickness? What can you do for their restlessness? What about diarrhea?
If you’re taking your dog across state or international borders, you’ll need to get a health certificate. This certificate requires a signature from an accredited veterinarian. It signifies your dog is free from infectious diseases.
It also satisfied any important requirements for the state, territory, or country you’re traveling to.
Ask for a copy of your vet’s vaccine history as well.
Before your trip, make sure to gather the right documents, including:
- Your vet’s contact information
- A list of vets and 24-hour emergency hospitals on the way to your destination
- National Animal Poison Control
- Identification (including a current color photo of your pet)
- Medical records
- A certificate of veterinary inspection (including proof of vaccinations)
- Acclimation certificate for air travel
Your vet can help you determine if you’re missing anything.
5. Plan Your Route
Where are you going? How are you getting there? How many times will you stop along the way?
Plan your trip beforehand to avoid any hiccups on the road. Try to add a few pet-friendly destinations along the way, too. For example, you can stop at a few mountain getaways or national parks.
Packing your schedule with pet-friendly stops will give your dog the chance to stretch its legs. Otherwise, they might not feel happy staying cooped up.
How far can you go while keeping your dog comfortable? You could probably drive further alone.
It’s important to keep your pet’s comfort in mind. Otherwise, they might feel anxious the longer you’re away from home.
It can help ease their stress by sticking to their usual exercise and feeding routine. Set an alarm on your phone to stay on schedule. Then, give your dog the chance to burn off some energy outside of the car.
Planning a few steps along the way can give you both the chance to stretch your legs. Plan for a few walks and a little playtime. You might want to stop every two hours.
After your dog plays, don’t forget to let them have some water. Try to find a few dog parks and roadside attractions.
6. Find a Place to Stay
About 50% of pet owners have never traveled outside of the country since owning a pet. Another 68% feel guilty about leaving their pets behind. In fact, about 33% alter their travel plans because of their pets.
Before you start making adjustments to your travel plans, consider where you’re staying.
Try to find a pet-friendly hotel. Some hotels have ever-changing policies. Check out the policy before you book a stay.
Look at the hotel’s weight restrictions, too. While they might allow pets, they might not allow larger dogs. Size limitations could restrict your options.
Are you traveling with multiple dogs? How many pets can you have per room?
Ask if the hotel will charge you for additional pet fees, too. You don’t want to find out about hidden fees after the fact.
It can also help to review the hotels’ amenities. Some hotels offer treats for pets at check-in. Others keep pet beds and bowls in each room.
Consider scheduling a pet spa day or look into their dog sitting service as well.
You can also look into pet boarding options here.
7. Gather the Right Tools
Pack your dog’s own suitcase to make sure they have everything they need before you hit the road! Prepare a checklist of what you need beforehand to avoid forgetting anything. Here are a few items you might want to pack:
- Medications, vitamins, and supplements
- Your dog’s leash (in case they’re required to stay on a leash at certain locations)
- Waste bags
- A roll of paper towels (to clean muddy paws and other messes)
- Food and water bowls
- Drinking water
- Food and treats (avoid anything that requires a can opener)
- Current identification tags
- Your dog’s bed
- A few toys
- An old towel
- Medical records
- A color photo of your dog
- Proof of vaccinations
- A first aid kit
It can take time to gather everything you need. Staying organized can help you avoid delays during your trip.
8. Consider Their Comfort
How will you keep your dog comfortable during their trip? Take a look at their crate or travel bed. Is your dog comfortable?
If not, they might feel stressed during a long drive.
9. Adjust
About 67% of US households (85 million families) own a pet. Despite the 63.4 million people that own dogs, not everyone is prepared to travel with one. It’s sometimes common for homeowners to lose their cool on the road.
Try to remain calm if any hiccups occur. You can’t plan for everything. Instead of stressing out, try to have fun.
Otherwise, your dog might pick up on your stress. You might have a difficult time enjoying your vacation with a dog as a result.
Planning a Vacation With a Dog: 9 Tips for a Dog-Gone Great Trip
Planning a vacation with a dog doesn’t have to feel stressful. Instead, give these nine tips a try. With these tips, you can keep your dog happy and comfortable on the road.
Instead of stressing out, you can plan for a fun-filled vacation.
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