How to Take a Road Trip With a Dog

Imagine yourself out on the open road, mountains in the background, the sun setting in an orange sky, and your doggie bestie in the back seat enjoying the ride. A road trip with a dog can be an amazing thing. It’s a chance for you to enjoy quality time with your pup and see the country with some of the best company around.

That said, preparation is important for a road trip with a dog. You’ll need to consider comfort, safety and the right pack list to make a long car ride with a dog possible.

That’s why we’re here today. In this guide, we will tell you exactly how to have an amazing road trip with your furry friend!

Planning Your Dog-Friendly Road Trip

The first thing to do before setting out on a road trip with a dog? Some planning, of course! Here are my top dog road trip tips:

Choose Pet-Friendly Destinations

First, you’ll want to make sure you choose a pet-friendly destination. This ensures your dog will have just as much fun as you do. Generally, this means choosing outdoor destinations. After all, there’s nothing better than spending the day chasing waves at the beach with your doggo or seeking out cool views while hiking with your best furry friend. 

That said, not all outdoor destinations are dog-friendly. Make sure to research dog-friendly national parks, state parks, and beaches to choose something that works for you and your dog. BringFido and AllTrails are also good apps for this.

Map Out Rest Stops

Whether you’re a human or a canine, rest stops are important. Dogs also tend to have less patience than people when it comes to riding in vehicles. On top of that, there aren’t always places for pups to get out and stretch their legs at rest stops.

For this reason, it’s important to research and plan your rest stops in advance when traveling with a dog in a car. Look for rest areas and truck stops with dog parks or grassy areas where your pup can run and play. 

Top tip: Plan a dog-friendly pit stop every two to three hours along your route. 

Book Dog-Friendly Accommodations

The good news is that there are plenty of hotels and rental homes that allow dogs. That said, I think RVing is the way to go when traveling with a pup. 

Traveling in an RV allows you and your dog to have your own space where you can both be comfortable no matter where you’re parked. And because the RV can travel with you, your pup won’t have to get accustomed to a new space each time you move along your route.

Besides, if you choose to travel in your own RV, you own the space, meaning you won’t have to worry as much about the potential damage caused by your dog.

Visit the Vet Before You Go

Before you head out on your trip, make sure to take your pet to the vet. Get a health checkup so you know of any potential issues that might come up during your trip. Ensure your dog’s vaccines are current and get a copy of their vaccination record to show to hotels or campgrounds.

If you plan to travel out of the country, you may need additional travel paperwork. Lastly, you’ll want to get any prescription medications your dog may need while you’re away, and get your pup treated for fleas and ticks. 

Invest in Pet Insurance

Getting sick on the road is a toughie for anyone – it’s especially tough for our fur-friends. Check out pet insurance for coverage at home and on the road.

Packing Essentials for Your Dog

Dog Travel Checklist:

• Leash, collar with ID tags, and harness
• Food and water bowls
• Dog food, treats, and portable water
• Crate or seatbelt harness
• Bedding or blanket for comfort
• Favorite toys and chew items
• Waste bags and grooming supplies
• Pet first aid kit
• Calming aids like CBD treats or anxiety vests.

Prepping Your Vehicle for Dog Travel

Most dogs don’t ride in a vehicle on a daily basis. Therefore, you will likely need to prep your vehicle for your pet to hop in and ride along. Here’s what I recommend doing for a pet-friendly road trip:

• Letting your dog ride with their head out the window might sound like the picture of a perfect road trip, but this is actually very dangerous. Instead, your pup should ride in a harness or travel crate to keep them from wandering the vehicle.
• Cover your seats if you’re worried about messes, and make sure your pup is in a spot that is climate-controlled and gets plenty of airflow.
• Never leave your dog in a vehicle unattended, especially if it is hot or cold outside. It’s also important that you never let your dog ride in a trailer you’re towing.
• If you’re concerned about your dog suffering from motion sickness, start with a light meal before travel and use medications to help with car sickness.

On the Road: Managing Your Dog During the Trip

When it comes to traveling with a dog, routine is key. Stick with regular feeding and potty times as much as possible. This is also where those planned rest stops come into play.

When you do stop to potty, make sure you have a good system in place. Use a leash every time you exit the car, and let your dog know where they can potty. I also highly recommend an AirTag or GPS dog tag to ensure you don’t lose your furry friend at rest stops. 

It’s also important to keep your dog happy and low stress. Offering toys and interactive chews helps. Watch for signs of stress or dehydration, including barking, pacing, panting, hiding, or anything else out of the ordinary. If you notice these signs, stop and take a break. Offer water and reevaluate your plans. It might be that you need to slow your pace to make your dog more comfortable.

Staying Overnight with Your Dog

As mentioned above, I highly recommend RV camping when on a road trip with a dog. This is especially nice if you have an RV of your own, but, even if you need to rent an RV, pet-friendly rentals are available. 

If you do choose to stay in a hotel instead, look for chains like La Quinta, Best Western, Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, Hilton and Marriott properties that accept pets. You can use filters on sites like BringFido, Expedia, or Airbnb for pet-friendly listings.

What to Look For in a Pet-Friendly Hotel

• Zero (or low) pet fees
• Ground-floor rooms for easy access to outdoor areas
• On-site pet relief areas
• Positive reviews from other dog owners
• Policies on unattended pets in rooms (some require crate use)

When you do find a place you’d like to stay, call ahead to confirm breed or weight restrictions, along with any hidden pet fees.

What to Bring Into the Hotel

• Dog bed or blanket that smells like home
• Food, water, and bowls
• Chew toys or interactive puzzles for downtime
• Crate, if required by the hotel or if you’ll be stepping out

Road Trip Etiquette: Being a Responsible Dog Owner

When you’re on a road trip with a dog, there are a few extra things to keep in mind when it comes to road trip etiquette:

• Make sure you clean up after your dog immediately everywhere you go. This includes when they potty as well as other messes they may make. 
• Always leash your pup and keep them under control. Don’t put your dog in a situation that may cause them to bark, run, or be otherwise uncontrollable and remove yourselves immediately if you sense your dog is going to start trouble. 
• Never leave a barking dog alone in a hotel room or an RV.

FAQ: Road Trips with Dogs

Still have questions about taking a road trip with a dog? Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers.

How do I keep my dog calm during a long road trip?

Maintain your usual routine as much as possible. It also helps to provide familiar items and take frequent breaks. You might consider carrying calming treats to use as needed.

What are the best dog car travel accessories?

There are so many great dog travel items out there. I especially appreciate the crash-tested seat belts, travel crates, collapsible bowls, cooling mats, and sunshades for dog car travel. These items help keep your dog safe and comfortable while on the road.

Can I leave my dog alone in the car during a road trip?

You should never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle. There are temperature risks involved. There are also laws against leaving dogs in cars in some areas.

How often should I stop for my dog on a road trip?

It’s recommended that you stop every two to three hours along your route for potty breaks, exercise, and water.

What should I feed my dog during travel?

While traveling, it is imperative that you stick to your dog’s regular food and schedule. Travel can upset a pup’s tummy, so adding new treats or food into the mix is asking for trouble.

Is it safe for dogs to sit in the front seat during a road trip?

I know, it sounds like such fun to have your dog right next to you. Unfortunately, it isn’t very safe. It’s much safer for dogs to ride in the back with a harness or crate to prevent injury during accidents.

Are there apps to help find pet-friendly places on a road trip?

Yes! Apps with filters like BringFido, PetFriendly and AllTrails are all good picks. Expedia also has a pet-friendly filter.

How do I prepare my dog for their first road trip?

If your dog has never ridden in a vehicle before, you’ll want to start small. Begin with short drives and gradually increase trip duration over time. Reward calm behavior and watch for car sickness, which might need to be treated with medication before you hit the road.

Closing thoughts

Taking a road trip with a dog is something I highly recommend doing. There’s just something so magical about sharing your adventures with your favorite furry friend, and traveling together is a wonderful way for pets and their humans to bond. By choosing the right destinations, packing the right items, and planning wisely, you can create an amazing experience that you and your dog will never forget.