Planning a trip this holiday season and taking your dog with you? I have a guide to help you while road tripping with your dog! Make sure to pack the essentials and plan for extra stops along the way.
You want the trip to be enjoyable for you and your sweet little buddy. So prep and plan. Then hit the open roads and make fun memories. I want you to enjoy the road time with your dog. By prepping ahead of time, you will help cut out some stress. Who needs more stress, especially during this season?! I have come up with 8 stress-free tips for road tripping with your dog.
[bctt tweet=”I have come up with 8 stress-free tips for road tripping with your dog.” username=”frontseatryder”]
Find Pet-Friendly Locations
Gopetfriendly.com and Bringfido.com are great sites to find hotels, restaurants and other awesome places that allow pets. These are great resources to use while planning your trip. You can also download an app. Download the Bring Fido app on your iPhone. If you have Android, download the Dog Friendly app. That way when you are out and about it will be easy to find a pit stop (or shall I say pet stop).
Have Medical Information
Have a list of your vaccines and medical records. You can have your vet’s office email or print these out for you. It is a good idea to have them on hand in case of an accident or issue. Being far from home, you have to be prepared to see a vet if need be. I made a handy printable for you! You can download a copy of my Pet Information Worksheet below. Also, make sure to pack a first aid kit for your dog. You can read more about what to have in your pet first aid kit in an earlier post.
Bring Photos
Keep a photo of your doggy handy. Your buddy might feel the need to explore during one of your pit stops. Having a perfect picture to show strangers in case he wanders off will be useful. It will be easier for them to help keep an eye out for your sweet pet.
I have a million (only a slight exaggeration) pictures of Ryder on my phone. I would suggest packing a physical picture with you. What if your phone dies while you are on the road? If you downloaded the Pet Information Worksheet above, there is a place to attach a picture of your pup.
Learn Pet Related Laws
Know your pet-related laws before you head out. This is good to know if you are traveling through states. Some states require a certain length of leash compared to other states. Certain dog breeds have special requirements. Make sure to look up the laws for any areas you will be traveling through.
Remember the Essentials
Make sure to pack the essentials like treats, water, and medications. Also, carry a few of your pup’s favorite items. This will make them feel right at home. I like to bring Ryder’s bed on longer trips. It gives him the “okay” to get comfy. It’s his sign for a long car ride.
You can also buy seat covers to keep your car clean. Other car essentials are doggie seat belts or carriers, depending on how you prefer them to ride. I have this back seat hammock. It keeps my car clean and helps keep Ryder from leaning or falling off the seat.
Take Frequent Breaks
Make sure to take frequent potty breaks along the way. That way your dog can get out and stretch their legs. You don’t want them to feel locked up. Make sure to pack doggie bags to pick up after they go. In most places, this is the law. Plan ahead for numerous pit stops along the way so that you don’t run behind schedule.
Keep Doggo Busy
Make sure to bring a toy or something to keep your dog busy if they choose to. These items can be a toy or a puzzle of some kind. A Kong is a great option. They can work on getting some treats out of it. Anything to help distract them from the long road ahead. No need for them to get bored. This is a fun trip!
Make Temporary Pet ID
If you are gone on an extended trip, you can get a temporary pet ID tag made. Put the local address where you will be staying over the holidays. Include address and cell phone number. That way if your dog does wander off. People can still find you. Wherever you are off to this holiday season, stay safe on and off the road.
Head over to Your RV Lifestyle for a full checklist of what to bring on a road trip with your pets.
[bctt tweet=”Ryder and I wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2018!” username=”frontseatryder”]
16 Responses
Kimberly McGraw
I didn’t know about these websites; thank you for these great tips!
Front Seat Ryder
You are very welcome, Kimberly. I’m glad you enjoyed my post. ?
Allie | LunaVida
These are great tips! Thanks for sharing ?
Front Seat Ryder
Thanks for stopping by, Allie. 🙂
Becca
A pup is in our future. Great tips to keep in mind! I adore your blog name too!
Front Seat Ryder
Thank you so much!! Hope you come back and share pup pictures! ?
Josie
Lol! I love this list! Such good ideas for traveling with pups!
Front Seat Ryder
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed my post. ?
jessicam1407
These are fantastic tips! I will be keeping them in mind as we travel because our sweet Pippa is definitely joining us. ?
Front Seat Ryder
That is great!! I’m glad I can help. Safe travels to you and Pippa!
Different Frame of Mind
This is a wonderful post with some amazing information in it! I wish I could travel with my dogs everywhere but they are too much for traveling. I would if I was driving places. Thank you so much for sharing these great tips!
Front Seat Ryder
Thank you. Yeah, sometimes it is better and less stressful on all, if they do not come. I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Lo
as my dog gets older, i want to be able to take her with us to weekend trips – thank you for providing these websites! i know i will definitely use them!
Front Seat Ryder
Great! So glad my post helped. 🙂
Kristi McAllister
Great list of things to bring along! My dog doesn’t travel well at all, so I usually leave him at home with a petsitter. I wish he liked the car better than he does because I truly want to take him EVERYWHERE! Merry Christmas to you and Ryder from Snickers and myself!
Front Seat Ryder
Thanks so much, Kristi! That’s a bummer about Snickers. Better to be safe and happy at home. Merry Christmas to you!!