Road Tripping With a Dog: Tips for Smoother Miles and Happier Stops

Want your next road trip with your dog to feel fun instead of frantic?

Traveling with your dog is one of life’s greatest joys. There are no kennel fees. No heartbreaking departures through your front door. Just you and your pup and plenty of gasoline.

Recent research shows that 73% of pet owners would choose to take a road trip over flying because they want to travel with their pet.

Here’s the problem:

Long drives don’t always start off well. Car sickness, complaining, missed bathroom breaks and a restless pup can easily ruin your journey.

The good news? A little planning fixes almost all of it.

Your road trip roadmap:

• Gear That Makes Every Stop Easier
• Prep Before You Leave The Driveway
• Keeping Your Dog Safe On The Road
• How To Plan Happier Stops

Gear That Makes Every Stop Easier

Plan your gear before you plan routes and snacks. Proper gear will keep your dog more comfortable. It will also keep you happy.

First things first: The harness. You’re going to wear this more than any other piece of equipment, because you’ll be clipping in and unclipping at every single gas station, rest stop and scenic lookout. A good snug fitting floral dog harness distributes pressure across your dog’s chest rather than pulling on their neck so they won’t choke if they suddenly pull forward to investigate a new smell. Soft comfy options like MimiGreen dog harnesses are designed to be worn for hours on end on your adventures, and a brightly colored floral dog harness will help you spot your pup from across the parking lot.

That last part matters more than you’d think.

Rest stops are noisy places. Bustling with people and cars honking and pulling in and out. A dog wearing a brightly printed bandana is hard to miss. A dog with a plain black collar? Not quite.

Here’s what else to pack:

• A leash (plus a spare)
• A collapsible water bowl and bottled water
• Poop bags… lots of them
• An old towel or seat cover
• A favourite toy or blanket that smells like home

That blanket is huge. Familiar smells can relax an anxious dog quicker than treats.

Prep Before You Leave The Driveway

Every smooth road trip starts at home. Not on the highway.

The majority of stress your dog will experience while traveling in the car will be about the unknown. Strange smells, new sounds and an unfamiliar moving vehicle can overwhelm any canine. That’s why your goal is simple: familiarize them with the car before the big event.

Do A Few Test Drives

Begin with short drives around the block. Gradually work your way up to 20 or 30 minutes. Always end your drive somewhere enjoyable like the park. This helps your dog associate the car with positive experiences.

Pretty simple, right?

If your dog slobbers, shakes or vomits during these brief jaunts, take it as your signal to talk to your veterinarian before embarking on your trip. There are safe and effective remedies for motion sickness.

Get The Boring Stuff Sorted

Nobody likes paperwork. But you’ll be glad you did it.

Before you go, make sure your dog has:

• An ID tag with your cell number
• Up-to-date microchip details
• A copy of their vaccine records
• Enough of their normal food and meds

And a little tidbit that most people forget. Don’t eat a large meal before you depart. Eat a light breakfast a few hours before driving and it will help settle stomachs.

Keeping Your Dog Safe On The Road

This section gets skimmed by many dog owners. Please don’t be that person.

Leaving your dog unrestrained isn’t just dangerous in the event of a crash. It’s a distraction every mile you drive. According to a AAA survey, 39% of dog owners admit their dog has impacted their driving. Which means taking your eyes off the road, your hand off the wheel or jerking to avoid your dog.

A safe dog is a calm dog. A calm dog is a restrained dog.

So how do you keep everyone safe? Stick to these rules:

• Back seat only: Airbags can seriously hurt a dog in the front seat.
• Restrain them: Either a crash-tested crate or car harness with seat belt clip will do the trick.
• Heads inside the window: Flying bugs and debris can injure eyes and ears.
• Don’t leave them in a parked car: Even when it’s not hot out, the temperature in your car can soar.

Non-negotiable. Last rule. Map your food stops to drive thru’s or patios where dogs can be seated with you.

How To Plan Happier Stops

Want to know the secret to a happy road trip dog?

It’s not the drive. It’s the stops.

Plan to stop every two-three hours. Your dog will need to stretch their legs, sniff, drink water, and relieve themselves. Five minutes isn’t going to be enough time. Allow them 15-20 minutes.

Clip In Before The Door Opens

This one is simple but super important.

Clip the leash on before opening the car door. Even the most well behaved doggie can take off when they see a squirrel or hear a honking truck. You don’t want to lose your pup somewhere unfamiliar. A fitted harness makes leash clipping fast and effortless.

Look For Dog-Friendly Spots

Look up dog parks, walking trails and pet-friendly cafes on your route using your map app. A quick stroll on a trail is MUCH better than walking around the gas station parking lot.

Also it benefits you as well. You’ll be less stiff and a whole lot less grouchy.

Keep The Routine

Dogs thrive on consistency. Try to schedule meal times and walk times similar to what your pet is accustomed to at home.

Booking ahead for pet-friendly hotels is important when you know you’ll be stopping overnight. Verify rules, fees and weight limits by phone. Give the room a once-over for anything your dog could choke on.

Cool, right? A few small habits make a huge difference.

The Final Mile

Taking your dog on a road trip should be enjoyable for you and your pup. It totally can be, with some preparation.

To quickly recap:

• Do short test drives before the big trip
• Pack the right gear, starting with a comfy floral dog harness
• Keep your dog restrained and in the back seat
• Stop every two to three hours for real breaks
• Clip the leash on before the door opens

Learn these fundamentals and you’ll worry less and enjoy the ride more. Your dog will eagerly jump out at each stop with tails a-waggin’.

Now load up the car, grab the leash and hit the road!