Traveling with a Puppy: Tips and Tricks for a Stress-Free Trip
I believe dogs are part of the family, so why leave them at home when you travel?
This blog will share our experiences traveling with a puppy and offer planning and packing tips.
You can download our FREE Puppy Packing List and see the must-have items for traveling with a puppy.
Planning to Travel with your Puppy
Plan a short trip first. You want to set your puppy up for success and make this a positive first experience for you and your puppy. Test the waters and go on a simple overnight trip before signing up for a week-long vacation further away.
If your puppy 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 puppy, including your phone number. Emma 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 recommend calling ahead to confirm the pet policy of the place you plan to stay.
Book Dog-Friendly Lodging
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 puppy feel comfortable and relaxed.
✅ Pack items that provide mental stimulation and reduce stress. For ideas, I wrote a separate blog on enrichment toys for dogs.
✅ Download the Puppy Packing List below.
Packing List for Trips with a Puppy
We find this list very helpful for saving time and ensuring we are not leaving any essentials behind. Please download for your own use!
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. We often use Ellie and Emma's food as treats and can go through it faster than normal.
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.
3️⃣ Medications - Emma takes heartworm and flea/tick medicine monthly, and sometimes the administration date falls while we are away.
▪️If your puppy is not in a crate, consider a dog seat belt to keep your puppy safe and secure.
▪️ 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 puppy some exercise.
▪️Don't pack food, water, treats, or toys in the trunk. Instead, keep them up front so you can easily get them to your puppy 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.
▪️ Keep poop bags easily accessible to clean up when duty calls. We keep them in a small holder that attaches to the leash.
Lodging
Ask for a ground floor room to make bathroom trips more convenient.
Bring a familiar dog bed, blanket, or crate.
Bring other items that your puppy enjoys, such as toys or treats.
Our hotel stays typically offer a “do not disturb” sign, limiting additional distractions.
Make the first unattended absence short. We left briefly for breakfast on the second morning of our stay.
We bring long-term chew sticks with the Bully Buddy.
Events
Monitor your pet’s health and behavior while out on your new adventures together.
Check the weather ahead of time and caution against extended periods of extreme heat or cold.
Summary
Be prepared to maximize success for a positive travel experience for all.
Plan ahead to ensure you are visiting places that will welcome your pup.
Bring your dog with you! You may be surprised how many pet-friendly activities and accommodations you’ll find.
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