How to Plan a Safe Trip With Your Dog

Are you hoping to take your dog on a cross-country adventure?

Having “man’s best friend” by your side can make any trip better. But traveling can get pretty hairy if you don’t prepare ahead of time.

By taking the right precautions and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can plan a safe trip with your dog that will be “paws-itively” awesome.

How to Plan a Safe Trip with Your Dog

Planning a safe trip with your pup isn’t easy. There’s a lot of things you have to do in advance to make sure your traveling goes smoothly. Here are some key things to do before em-barking!

Contact Your Vet

You should always bring your dog to the vet before going on any long-term trip. It’s important to make sure that all of his or her vaccinations are up to date and that you pick up any prescriptions that they may need. The last thing you want to do is spend your vacation taking care of your sick dog.

Tip: Ask your vet if your dog will need any additional vaccinations depending on where you’re traveling, as there may be different diseases or threats in that area.

Plan the Proper Route

If you want to plan a safe trip with your dog, you need to make sure to map out a dog-friendly route. What’s a dog-friendly route? One that accommodates regular breaks and provides you and your dog with an opportunity to get out of the car and get fresh air.

Tip: Plan to take a 15-30 minute break every 4 hours so that your dog won’t get anxious or restless in the car. You should also try to make some of those stops pet-friendly locations like dog parks.

Buy the Right Travel Crate for Your Dog

Even if your dog is a “good boy”, you’ll need the right crate to plan your safe trip. A crate is a great way to keep your dog safe and is a must-have if you plan on visiting other people or leaving him or her alone. Here are some features your dog crate needs to have safe travels:

• It should be big enough so your dog can stand, turn around, and lie down
• It should be durable with handle and grips
• It should have a leak-proof bottom with an absorbent material
• It should have ventilation on either side
• A label with your name, address, and phone number
• A plush mat, a water bottle, and your dog’s favorite toys.

If you’re unsure of what size to get, go with a bigger size so that you know your dog can fit inside the crate comfortably.

Prepare Proper Identification for Your Dog

While you may not want to even think about planning for your dog getting loose, it’s a possible reality you need to prepare for. If your dog ever gets loose or runs away, you can increase the chances of finding him or her by following these identification tips:

• Buy a sturdy leash and a collar that has their name, your name, your address, and proof of a rabies shot
• Consider getting a micro-chip for your dog
• Bring a recent picture of your dog with you

By preparing these things, you’ll have a much easier chance of finding your dog!

Review Best Practices for Driving with a Dog

Not all dogs love traveling in the car. And even those that do may not love every minute of it. Here are some things to consider and practice before you leave to make sure you have a safe trip.

• Get your dog used to being in the car by taking him on short trips often
• Train your dog to not lean outside of the car window or keep them rolled up
• Pay attention the sounds and behaviors your dog exhibits when they’re restless or have to use the bathroom
• Never leave your dog unattended in the car, especially in the heat
• Never let your dog travel in the back of a truck

By following these best practices you’ll be sure to have a safe trip with your dog.

Book Pet-Friendly Accommodations

One of the most important parts of planning a safe trip for you and your dog is picking safe, pet-friendly housing. Not all hotels accept pets, and plenty of campsites have an anti-pet policy as well.

Before you leave, you should contact hotels in advance to find out their pet policies, and if they have breed restrictions, rules, and possible fees. This is important as lodging availability may impact or dictate your final route.

Arrange Dog Care for Your Final Destination

A safe trip is about more than traveling, it’s also about your final destination! If you’re attending an event like a wedding or graduation that will keep you from your dog for a while, you need to find a daycare or boarding service for him or her.

Leaving your dog alone in an unfamiliar environment can increase anxiety for him or her. You want to make sure your dog is left in the hands of qualified professionals, so plan for this kind of care before leaving.

Tip: If you’re unsure of where to keep your dog, ask friends and family at your final destination for any local recommendations.

Pack the Ultimate Doggie Bag

If you’re going on a road trip with your dog, you’ll want to make sure you pack a dog bag with everything they may need for the trip. Here are some must-have items you need to have for your furry friend:

• Food
• Food bowl
• Leash
• Toys
• Any medication/prescriptions
• Protective clothing
• Dog-safe insect repellent
• Flea comb and tick remover
• Poop bags

Make sure you don’t forget the most important thing of all: dog treats!

Final Thoughts on Planning a Safe Trip With Your Dog

The key to a truly unforgettable trip with your dog is planning ahead to make sure everything goes smoothly! By following these tips, you’ll be able to plan a truly purr-fect trip that you and your dog will be sure to love!

Have you traveled with a dog? Are there any tips or tricks we missed? Let us know in the comments!