The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Your Dog: Tips, Tricks, and Essential Packing Lists
Take More Adventures with your Dog
Ellie not only joins all of our adventures, but she makes them better!
It does take a little more planning, but it is well worth it! I mean, look at that puppy smile! 🥺
Our goal is to share our experiences and answer questions about traveling with your dog. After all, pets are part of the family, so why leave them at home?
This article covers planning, packing, traveling, and Ellie's pro tips.
You can download our FREE packing list and see the must-have items for traveling with a dog.
Tips Before You Go
Start small! Test the waters and go on a simple overnight trip before signing up for a week-long vacation further away.
If your dog is not accustomed to being in the car, go for a test drive and make the end of the drive a fun destination such as a park. Bring something familiar in the car and reward them with treats during and after each trip.
Ensure you have Identification tags for your dog, including your phone number. Ellie also has this collar, which has integrated GPS, to help us locate her quickly should she ever get lost.
Ensure all vaccinations are up to date.
Research dog-friendly hotels and activities. I would recommend calling ahead to confirm the pet policy of your place.
More on Lodging
Search early to maximize your options. Ellie's travels have included booking hotels, AirBnB, VRBO, and campsites.
It can be as easy as starting with a basic web search such as "pet-friendly hotels in ________"
Websites such as BringFido.com offer listings of pet-friendly options, including hotels, restaurants, activities, events, and services.
Look for guidelines/restrictions such as:
▪️ Pet size
▪️ Pet weight
▪️ Number of pets
▪️ Additional fees (one time vs. per night)
▪️ Refundable or non-refundable pet deposit
Packing
✅ Bring copies of vet records(or have them on your phone via Google Drive, DropBox, Photos, etc.).
✅ Consider bringing a toy, blanket, or bed with the usual smells of home to help your dog feel comfortable and relaxed.
✅ Pack items that provide mental stimulation and reduce stress.
✅ See Ellie’ Ultimate Packing List below.
We always bring long-term chew sticks with the Bully Buddy and Ellie’s dino stuffed toy she has had since she was six weeks old.
3 Items You May Not Think to Bring
1️⃣ Extra food - It's always a good idea to have extra food in case your travel plans are delayed and you're away from home longer than anticipated.
2️⃣ Towels - We always throw 1-2 old bath towels in the car since many of our travels have ended up with a wet dog or muddy paws. It is nice to clean Ellie quickly instead of leaving a trail of paw prints down the hotel's hallway.
3️⃣ Medications - Ellie takes heartworm and flea/tick medicine monthly, and sometimes the administration date falls while we are away.
Ellie’s Ultimate Packing List
FREE PACKING LIST
📝
We use this on EVERY trip
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FREE PACKING LIST 📝 We use this on EVERY trip 🌵
We find this list very helpful for saving time and ensuring we are not leaving any essentials behind. Please download for your own use and use the blank lines to add any additional items specific to you and your dog.
Tips for on the Road 🚗
▪️ We use a seat cover to protect the car seats.
▪️ Keep the car well ventilated. If the dog is in a crate, make sure that fresh air can flow into the crate. Check the rear vents in your vehicle are open.
▪️ Stop frequently for exercise and potty breaks. We prefer rest stops because of how quickly you can hop on/off the highway without killing too much time. If you're on a longer trip, walk 5-10 minutes during each stop to allow you and your dog some exercise.
▪️Don't pack food, water, treats, or toys in the trunk. Keep them up front so you can easily get them to your dog as needed. We use this dog water bottle that pops out to create a water bowl and then the unused water filters back into the bottle.
▪️ Also, keep poop bags easily accessible to clean up when duty calls. We keep them in a small holder that attaches to the leash.
⚠️ Safety Tips!
▪️ Please never leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle. Have someone stay back with your pet.
▪️ Avoid feeding your dog in a moving vehicle.
▪️Consider a dog seat belt or dog car seat to keep your dog safe and secure.
▪️ Be cautious of letting your dog ride with their head sticking out of an open window, as this can lead to eye injuries. We put the window down for Ellie when we drive 25 mph or less.
▪️ Never let your dog ride in the back of an open truck.
Ellie's Pro Travel Tips
Keep these items readily accessible for stops along the drive:
⎷ Leash
⎷ High-value treats
Lay everything out FIRST and THEN try and find ONE container or bag it will all fit into for easy transportation.
Summary
Bring your dog with you! You may be surprised how many pet-friendly activities and accommodations you’ll find.
Plan ahead to ensure you are visiting places that will welcome your pup.
Monitor your pet’s health and behavior while out on your new adventures together!
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