Hitting the Road: A Guide to Traveling with Your Dog
🐾 Hitting the Road: A Guide to Traveling with Your Dog
Whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway or relocating across the country, traveling with your dog can be an exciting adventure—and a big responsibility. Our pups rely on us to keep them safe, comfortable, and calm in new environments. With the right preparation, your journey can be stress-free, memorable, and fun for both of you.
Here’s your ultimate guide to traveling with your dog to a new location—complete with best practices, pro tips, and important things to keep in mind before you pack the treats.
🧳 Prep Before You Go
1. Visit the Vet
Before any major trip, schedule a quick check-up. Make sure your dog is healthy, up to date on vaccinations, and has any medications they’ll need on the road. If you're traveling out of state, ask for a copy of your pet’s health certificate and vaccine records—some states or hotels may require them.
PRO TIP: Scout out the location(s) of the closest Emergency Vet to your destination or along your trip. We were caught off guard this weekend when one of our dogs got hurt and needed an Emergency Vet and we were left unprepared. Thanks to a quick phone call to our friends local Aunt (Thank You, Rosemarie!) we made it to the closest one within minutes. Ultimately, it wasn't needed from what they could tell, but it was very unnerving to be in a new place with no idea of where to go. You don't need one until you do, so it is better to be safe than sorry. You never know when you will need one!
2. Pack Like a Pro
Create a doggie travel bag with: (a backpack does the trick for us - easy to carry and has lots of pockets)
Food & water (plus bowls)
Leash, harness, collar with ID tag (we love our Fi Collars for our dogs. The added safety puts us at ease)
Waste bags & cleaning supplies
Comfort items like a blanket or favorite toy
Any medications or supplements (for our nervous traveler, we swear by these Travel Anxiety Drops from HomeoPet)
First-aid kit
Travel bed or crate
3. Update Microchip Info
Make sure your dog’s microchip is registered with your current phone number and address. It’s one of the best safeguards in case you get separated.
🚗 On the Road: Safety First
4. Use Restraints or a Crate
Dogs should never roam freely in the car. Use a crash-tested harness or a secure crate. This keeps your dog safe in case of sudden stops and keeps you focused on the road. (we use heavy-duty seat-belt clips to ensure they are not roaming free)
5. Plan for Breaks
Stop every 2–3 hours for potty breaks, fresh air, and a chance to stretch. Choose rest stops or dog-friendly parks when possible. You must listen to your dog... they will tell you if they need to stop sooner than you had planned. Look for the tell tale signs - barking to get your attention, being really unsettled in the car, staring at you hardcore.
6. NEVER NEVER NEVER Leave Your Dog Alone in a Car
Even with the windows cracked, a car can become dangerously hot or cold in minutes. Always bring your dog with you or have a second person stay in the vehicle.
🏨 Settling into a New Location
7. Choose Dog-Friendly Accommodations
Call ahead or use pet-friendly travel apps to find hotels, Airbnbs, or campsites that welcome dogs. Confirm any fees, rules, or restrictions.
8. Create a Home-Base Spot
Set up your dog’s crate, bed, or blanket in a quiet corner of your new space. Familiar smells help reduce anxiety. We also bring a worn tshirt of ours to help them settle as well. This way they can smell us when they need it too.
9. Keep Routines Consistent
Feed, walk, and play around the same times you would at home. Familiar routines provide comfort in unfamiliar places.
10. Ease Into Exploration
Don’t overwhelm your pup. Give them time to adjust before heading into crowded places or long outings. Use a leash and harness and pay attention to their body language. Remember, 15 mins of sniffing for them is equivalent to at least an hour walk. Your pup will be extremely tired from all the new smells.
🐶 Extra Tips for a Tail-Wagging Trip
Bring water from home (or slowly mix with local water) to avoid stomach upset.
Practice short car trips before a long journey if your dog is a nervous traveler.
Use calming aids like pheromone sprays, anxiety vests, or soothing music if needed.
Keep contact info on your dog at all times—a tag with your cell number is a must.
Take photos of your dog before the trip, just in case they get lost.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Traveling with your dog isn’t just about logistics—it’s about making memories together. Whether it's new smells, new parks, or new snuggles at night, your dog will look to you for reassurance, safety, and joy. With thoughtful planning and a little patience, every trip can be a bonding experience you’ll both treasure.
Safe travels and wagging tails! ✈️🚗🐾
Not what you were looking for? You can adopt a different pet by using our search feature and adjusting the radius. Thank you for helping our animal shelters and rescue groups with pet adoption.
| Name | Pumpkin Loaf |
|---|---|
| Adoption Fee | $350.00- Dog Adult |
| Age | 7 years, 0 months |
| Gender | Female |
| Size | Medium |
| Shots up to date | Yes |
| OK with kids | Not Sure |
| Housetrained | Not Sure |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Spayed / Neutered | Yes |
| OK with dogs | Not Sure |
| OK with cats | Not Sure |
If you have questions about Pumpkin Loaf please contact
NYC Second Chance Rescue
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