Traveling with Your Dog: Tips for a Stress-Free Trip

Traveling is an exciting way to see new places, gain valuable experiences, and create lasting memories—but there’s no denying that it can be stressful, too. It can be difficult enough to plan, prepare, and navigate transportation and accommodations when you’re traveling on your own; when you bring a furry friend along, a whole new crop of stressors is introduced.

But that doesn’t mean that you can’t travel with a furry companion. In fact, bringing your pet with you can add a new layer of joy to your trip! You just need to make sure you’re prepared. 

With the right planning, you can have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable trip with your four-legged friend.

We put together this simple guide to help you prepare for everything you need when traveling with your dog, from planning and packing to transportation and accommodations. 

Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

1. Plan Ahead

This goes for any travel—even if you’re doing it alone. Proper planning is the key to a successful trip! When you have a pet with you, there are a few specific factors to keep in mind.

For starters, you should research pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and destinations to make sure you don’t run into a situation where your furbaby might not be welcome. Additionally, it’s important to be in-the-know on all pet travel regulations. That includes any rules set by airlines and hotels, along with state laws and local vaccination requirements. 

Make sure your pet is ready to travel by scheduling a vet check-up before your trip. Your pup should also be microchipped and equipped with ID tags so you never have to worry about losing them.

2. Pack Smart

Time to make your packing list! Packing is one of the most tedious parts of travel—but it’s also one of the most critical. 

When traveling with a dog, make sure you add the following items to double-check on your list: 

• Food, treats, and water (with collapsible bowls)

• Leash, collar, harness

• Poop bags and grooming supplies

• Favorite toys or blanket for comfort

• Medications and first-aid kit

Additionally, it’s always a good idea to bring something that smells like home to ease any anxiety your dog may experience while traveling to unfamiliar territory. 

3. Tips for Car Travel

Hitting the highway? We love a good road trip! Your dog might not love it so much, though. While some dogs don’t mind a trip in the car, others experience anxiety on the road. Regardless, there are a few things you can do to make the trip as smooth as possible.

While it may be tempting, you should never let your dog ride in the front seat or on your lap. Instead, use a secure crate or dog seatbelt harness to ensure they’re safe and secure in the backseat.

Remember to stop along the way for bathroom breaks, exercise, and water—for both you and your pet! Finally, never leave your dog alone in the car, especially in hot or cold weather. 

Foe those longer car rides, invest in a dog car seat cover. It keeps your pup comfy and your car clean! Our favorite is from URPOWER on Amazon!

URPOWER Dog Car Seat Cover

4. Tips for Air Travel

Flying in an airplane with a pet can be an especially stressful experience, but with a bit of preparation, you can have peace of mind as you hit the airport and jetset to your destination. 

First things first: make sure to review airline pet policies and book your flight early. Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to choose direct flights. This will make for a more seamless, stress-free experience for both you and your pup.

Flying can be difficult for pets, so taking time to prepare your dog for the experience is crucial to his comfort—and yours, too. Start with crate training to make sure your furry friend is comfortable in their travel crate well in advance of the flight. And before your trip, attach a label to the crate with your contact info and your dog’s details.

5. Help Your Dog Stay Calm

Traveling isn’t just stressful for humans. It can take a toll on your dog’s nervous system, too. Luckily, there are measures to take to keep your pup calm, cool, and collected—starting with monitoring your own energy. Dogs take cues from humans and pick up on stress. For this reason (and your own sake) you should work to keep your own energy relaxing and reassuring.

Additionally, calming aids like vet-approved treats, sprays, or anxiety vests can come in handy. You should get clear on what works best for your pet before your trip so that you know exactly what they need when anxiety and stress arise.

While you’re on your trip, try to keep your dog on as normal of a routine as possible. That means sticking to consistent meals, walk breaks, and bedtime. This will bring a sense of stability for the both of you.

Finally, don’t forget to give your pup love! Offer praise and positive reinforcement throughout the journey.

6. Enjoy the Adventure

Travel is an exciting adventure—and a dog is one of the greatest companions you can have as you embark on new journeys and explore the world. Don’t forget to take time to enjoy the beauty together. Whether you’re checking out dog-friendly parks, hitting trails and beaches, or enjoying a tasty meal in a dog-friendly cafe, exciting new opportunities await. Take lots of photos and let your dog experience new sights and smells—because this is just as exciting for them as it is for you.

Don’t overdo it, though. Both you and your pup deserve downtime, so keep an eye out for signs of fatigue and stress. There’s nothing wrong with a little nap—even on vacation.

Bottom Line

All in all, the key to a smooth trip with your dog is preparation, preparation, preparation! As long as you’re ready for a safe, comfortable journey ahead, traveling with your dog can create amazing memories for the both of you.

Happy travels!