A Traveling Pet Owner’s Guide to Dog Road Trip Essentials

gp.api • November 5, 2024

Share this article

I keep talking to people who are planning road trips this year to avoid air travel, and many are taking their dogs along for the ride. As someone who takes his dog everywhere with him, I love this idea! One of my favorite sayings is, “It’s not what you do for your dog, but what you do with your dog.”

So, with all the questions folks have been asking, I thought I’d share some of the advice I’ve been giving. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know—from keeping your dog safe and comfortable in the car to finding pet-friendly accommodations and managing their health on the road.

Plan for Comfort and Safety

Anytime your dog is traveling in the car, safety should be a top priority. While there’s no definitive consensus on what products can make car rides safer for dogs , there are a few best practices that pet owners should follow to keep their dogs safe in the car, including:

  • Don’t let your dog ride in the front seat or in the back of a pickup truck or open vehicle
  • Keep your dog on a leash whenever entering or exiting the car
  • Don’t leave your dog unattended in the car, even if it’s only for a few minutes
  • Give your dog a designated spot in the car to minimize movement and help them feel less anxious
  • Don’t let yourself or the driver get distracted by your dog. Treats, pets, and pictures can wait!

Despite what advertisements and pet gear companies may lead you to believe, there are currently no safety harnesses that are actually “safe.” While they will prevent your dog from flying around the car in an accident, these harnesses can damage the dog’s spine in the process. Pet hammocks that sling across the back seats are a great alternative and will minimize movement while also providing a comfortable place for your dog to sleep on the ride. 

Microchip Your Dog

Even the calmest dog can get freaked out in new situations, which is why microchipping is recommended for all dogs , not just the ones who travel frequently. Collars and tags may fall off, but the microchip is there for life – meaning, if you run into any mishaps on your road trip where your dog manages to escape, there will always be a way for local veterinarians or rescues to help you be reunited. The database used to store the microchip numbers can hold many different contacts and is the best way to get your dog home if lost – especially if you’re out of town or in an unfamiliar area.

Find Pet-Friendly Hotels

If you’re taking more than a day trip, securing pet-friendly lodging ahead of time is an absolute must. You won’t get the nicest room at the inn, but many hotels have pet-friendly spaces set aside. In fact, an estimated 75% of hotels, including luxury, mid-scale, and economy hotels, allow pets , according to the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Some of the boutique chains actually specialize in pet-friendly accommodations, equipped with features and amenities like dog bars in the lobby and pet beds in the rooms. 

Make Sure Vaccines Are Up To Date And Take The Records

You may find yourself in a position of having to board your pet (or spring your pet from doggie jail after running off…), and you will need to show that vaccines are up to date, so it’s important to have all of your dog’s paperwork and vaccination records on hand. If you don’t normally board or groom your dog, your vet may not be giving the Kennel Cough (Bordetella) vaccine. So, make sure this is done before you hit the road.

In addition to the Bordetella vaccine, check that your dog is current on all core vaccines, including rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and any additional regional vaccines like leptospirosis or Lyme disease if you’re traveling to areas where these are common. Keeping a digital or physical copy of your dog’s vaccination records is essential — not only for boarding facilities but also for pet-friendly hotels, campgrounds, or even emergency veterinary visits that might require proof of vaccination. It’s always better to have these documents on hand and not need them than to be stuck without them!

It’s never a bad idea to schedule a quick wellness check with your veterinarian before your trip, especially if your dog has any ongoing health issues. During this check, you can discuss any travel-specific health concerns, update necessary vaccines, and make sure your dog is in top shape for the road. 

Combat Motion Sickness

Many dogs can get motion sickness on long trips, and it can make the entire experience less fun for both you and your dog. Motion sickness in dogs can manifest as drooling, whining, restlessness, or even vomiting. While some dogs respond well to Dramamine, some may need something more. There is a prescription medication called maropitant that works better in these cases. You may want to grab a box for the trip. 

Aside from medications like Dramamine, which can ease nausea, there are other strategies to try. For instance, avoid feeding your dog a large meal right before you hit the road; instead, feed them a smaller portion a few hours before departure to minimize the chance of an upset stomach.

You should also try to create a calm and comfortable environment in the car. Keep the temperature cool, and consider using a crate or harness to help your dog feel secure. Some dogs feel better when they can see out the window, while others are more comfortable in a covered crate, where they are shielded from the visual triggers that can cause nausea. Frequent stops for fresh air, water, and a little exercise can also make a big difference, allowing your dog a chance to relieve stress and stretch their legs.

Keep an Eye on the Temperature

I always remind people in the summertime that dogs don’t sweat and must decrease body temperature by panting cooler air through their airways. If the outside temperature exceeds their own, they will die from heat stroke. Simply cracking a window is not enough. An automatic starter will allow you to run your car with the AC for about 30 minutes without having to leave a key in the car and open you up to theft.

Temperature considerations will also need to be made for travel in the winter. In colder months, it’s crucial to remember that dogs, especially those with short coats or low body fat, can be just as vulnerable to cold as they are to heat. Prolonged exposure to cold air, particularly when temperatures dip below freezing, can lead to hypothermia or frostbite in sensitive areas like ears, paws, and tails. So, during winter road trips, plan ahead to avoid any situations where your dog is left alone in a cold car. If you need to leave your pet in the car, for example, while pumping gas, provide a warm, insulated pet blanket. Investing in a heated car seat cover designed for pets can also help keep your dog comfortable. Always plan stops thoughtfully to minimize any time your dog is left alone in the car, and whenever possible, bring them inside with you during extended breaks.

Don’t Be Afraid of Anti-anxiety Medication

Some people don’t discover that their dogs have certain phobias until they are in a new situation. Certain noises, smells, and locations can create stress that can make dogs bark, urinate, and generally freak out. In these cases, people may get booted from hotels or cut their trips short as a result. There are many fast-acting medications your vet can prescribe to have on hand for these potential situations. 

Hit the Road With All of Your Essentials

Hitting the road and taking a road trip with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to explore new places, visit family and friends, and make memories together. By planning for safety, comfort, and health along the way, you’ll minimize any potential issues and keep your dog feeling happy and secure. Each dog is unique, so be sure to adjust the tips to meet your pet’s specific needs. With a bit of preparation and the right road trip essentials, you and your dog can enjoy a stress-free and exciting trip together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

If you have questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (859) 625-5678 , or you can email us at aacrichmond@yahoo.com. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook , Instagram.

Recent Posts

By ella.martin May 5, 2025
We might not be in Lexington city limits, but we serve the Lexington pet community every single day.
By gp.api April 14, 2025
As veterinarians, we often get asked about a common canine behavior : licking. Licking is a natural and normal behavior for dogs, allowing them to groom, investigate their surroundings, and even communicate with other people and pets. Whether it's a quick swipe of the tongue or a full-on facial bath, dogs lick for a variety of reasons – some you might not even expect.
By gp.api April 14, 2025
Cats are true masters of disguise, fitting into the smallest spaces, concealing themselves in hard-to-find places, and even hiding their pain from their owners. It can be quite challenging to tell when your feline friend needs a bit of medical attention. This may explain why more than 90% of dog owners make sure to take their pups to the vet each year, while only around 40% of cat owners do the same .
By gp.api February 5, 2025
Introducing dogs to one another may seem simple, but without the right approach, these interactions can go wrong quickly and result in a number of socialization issues for your dog later in life.
By gp.api February 5, 2025
When I think of acne, I’m instantly transported back to middle school me — awkwardly putting on way too much foundation in a shade that didn’t even slightly match my skin tone, all in a desperate attempt to conceal the unconcealable. The struggle was (let’s be honest, is) real!
By gp.api January 22, 2025
Constipation might not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s a bigger deal for cats than you might think. While a little tummy turmoil here and there isn’t unusual, ongoing difficulty with bowel movements can lead to serious discomfort—or even a medical emergency for our felines.
By gp.api January 22, 2025
Love, it turns out, isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept, even in the animal kingdom. As veterinarians, we have the privilege of witnessing the diverse and heartwarming ways animals express their affection. In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re exploring the love languages of the animal kingdom and sharing some of the unique ways dogs and cats communicate their love and devotion. So, let’s journey into the delightful realms of tail wags, purrs, and everything in between.
By gp.api January 15, 2025
Just like a lot of humans, pets thrive on structure, and a good, consistent routine is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to support their overall health and well-being. A routine helps them feel safer in their environment, reduces feelings of stress and anxiety, and allows them to have their physical and emotional health needs taken care of in a predictable and consistent manner. Not to mention that it’s pretty cute for owners to see their dog or cat patiently waiting in front of their food bowl right at 5 o’clock waiting for dinner.
By gp.api January 14, 2025
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, has been making headlines due to its impact on wild birds, poultry, and even mammals. While it’s typically associated with birds, recent cases have raised concerns about its potential effects on our pets. Particularly cats. This evolving situation has left many pet owners wondering: Is my cat at risk?
By gp.api December 18, 2024
Vaccines have saved more lives than any other medical advancement. However, there has been a recent pushback in human and animal vaccine acceptance – known as “vaccine hesitancy.” This term refers to the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines. In fact, according to research from Boston University , nearly “40% of respondents believed that canine vaccines are unsafe, more than 20% believed these vaccines are ineffective, and 30% considered them to be medically unnecessary.”
Show More