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Last updated on March 1st, 2025 at 08:58 pm
Our family loves to travel. Whether you are traveling out of necessity or for pleasure you may need to take along your pet. Pets of all kinds can enjoy traveling with you, but there are some things you need to consider. Use these tips to make your next road trip with your dog safe and fun for everyone.
Tips for a Successful Road Trip With Your Dog
Acclimate Pets to Vehicle Travel
Not all pets are going to be eager to spend time in the car. Some dogs and other smaller animals can become very stressed and agitated while traveling in a vehicle.
Instead of surprising your pet with a long journey out of the blue, consider taking a few short trips each week with your pet. They may slowly become more comfortable and confident while traveling. If they don’t, you’ll know ahead of time.
And, if your pet does not take well to traveling, you may consider asking your vet for ways to make them more calm and comfortable when traveling is necessary!
Safety for Everyone
You wouldn’t jump in the car and take off without making sure your toddler was buckled into their car seat, and when traveling with pets you need to take similar precautions. Make sure that your pet is properly confined and strapped into the vehicle.
On short trips it may be tempting to let them run free in the car, but this can be dangerous for everyone. Unsecured pets can be severely injured in an accident, and they can also cause accidents by distracting the driver.
Another concern with smaller animals is that they may become trapped or injured while trying to move around while traveling. No matter how you travel, be sure that you have a safe and secure container suited for your pets size needs!
Get a GPS Dog Collar
Speaking of safety, it’s smart to prepare for the possibility your dog could go missing on a road trip. All of us do our best to keep our pets safe, but the risk is always there. Thankfully, technology has given us a tool that can help track down a lost or runaway dog–a GPS dog collar.
These collars will show you your dog’s location in real-time, allowing you to track them if they wander off. Many GPS dog collars connect to an app on your phone, providing updates on your pet’s whereabouts and even setting up virtual boundaries with alerts if they leave a designated area.
Food and Potty Breaks
If you’re able to stop to let your pet out frequently to go to the bathroom that’s great! If not, make other arrangements. Make sure that you line their travel container with absorbent pads or other material should they soil it while traveling.
Another concern is that they have plenty of fresh water and food during long journeys. Try to keep them on the same schedule that they have at home to avoid any disruption internally.
Book Ahead of Time
If you’re taking a road trip with your dog that includes stays in hotels, motels, etc. make sure you book beforehand. You do not want to show up with a pet and have no options.
Some hotels will not allow pets of any kind even if they’re in a kennel. Consider calling ahead or booking online to avoid any late night issues or last-minute changes which can be costly and stressful.
The same goes for airline, bus, and train travel. You will most certainly have to make arrangements ahead of time, so plan early whenever possible.
Stay Calm
Even when the situation warrants a “freak out” moment, try hard to remain calm. Your pet will feed off of your energy in any situation. If you are upset, chances are they will be too. Keep calm, and work through whatever issue may arise. This will truly make any trip much more manageable for both you and your pet.
Bonus Tip: Remember These Pet Accessories
While preparing for your road trip, you want to make sure to bring the must-have items your pet needs. Of course, the most important things to pack are water and food. Consider bringing collapsible travel bowls that you can neatly store in the car when not in use.
Since you’ll be traversing unfamiliar places, you want to be extra sure your pet is safe and secure. Always use a pet safety harness that straps to the car seat. Bring a heavy-duty pet leash to keep your furry friend close if you plan to go hiking or walking through crowded places.
And finally, prepare a first aid kit to treat your pet in case of wounds or infections.
Do you enjoy traveling with your pets? How do you ensure a smooth trip? Leave a comment below.
Also read: Check Out These Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains Before Your Next Vacation
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