Planning a road trip with your canine friend? Whether you’re driving cross-country or just a few hours away to a neighboring state, road trips with dogs require careful planning to ensure your furry family member stays safe and comfortable.
Prioritize Safety with Appropriate Limits
Do you restrain your dog when you drive? When we get into the car, we bind ourselves and our children without thinking. But when it comes to our dogs? Most foster parents don’t hold back—and that’s probably not surprising. I mean, haven’t we ever seen a dog with its head (and sometimes part of its body) hanging out of a car window, ears blowing in the wind? Or a puppy riding freely in the bed of a truck? Although we may look at these dogs and think, “Very good,” these conditions are actually serious safety hazards. Allowing your dog to hang out of a window or ride in the back of a truck is a dangerous move for several reasons:
- Your dog may jump or be thrown out of the car into oncoming traffic.
- High-speed winds, dirt, debris, and bugs can cause damage to your dog’s eyes, ears, and respiratory tract.
- It’s illegal in some states—yes, you can get tickets. My friends at Orvis put together THIS state-by-state breakdown of current holding laws.
The safest place for your dog during car rides? In the back seat, it is securely locked. There are several options when it comes to blocking:
- Seat Belt: These are suitable for medium and large dogs. Attach them to the car seat belt system and allow your child to sit or lie down comfortably, while keeping them from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident or emergency.
- The crate: Best for small dogs, but can work for all crate-trained puppies, depending on the size of your car. Look for a well-ventilated crate that is large enough for your dog to stand, turn, and lie down. Make sure the crate is secured so it doesn’t slide or tip during driving.
- Pet Booster Seat: For small dogs that like to see out the window, a booster seat with an integrated harness tether can provide both visibility and safety. (Note: Never attach this leash to your dog’s collar … only its harness)
Regardless of which option you choose, keeping your dog properly restrained helps protect him, you, and everyone else on the road. Safety comes first—even for our four-legged passengers.
Never Leave Your Dog Unattended
Leaving your dog alone in a parked car can be dangerous, even for a short time. Temperatures inside cars can rise quickly, leading to heat stroke or worse. Always take your dog with you when you leave the car.
Schedule Regular Breaks
Dogs need regular opportunities to relieve themselves, stretch, and drain. Plan to stop every 2-3 hours to allow your dog to exercise and take bath breaks. These stops also provide mental stimulation as your dog explores new areas.
Pack the Essentials
Prepare a travel kit for your dog that includes:
- Food and Water: Bring enough food and bottled water for the trip, as well as portable containers. For food, you can get a collapsible container (like this). For water, consider using a travel bottle with a flip-top silicone leaf that doubles as a container—it’s convenient and hassle-free. (like THIS). Maintain a regular feeding schedule for your dog to prevent digestive problems.
- Medicines: Include any necessary medications, including monthly preventatives.
- Amenities: Pick up your dog’s favorite toys, blankets, or blankets to give it the smell of home! It provides a dose of comfort and reduces anxiety during the journey.
- Leash, Extra Leash, and Waste Bags: Even if your dog is used to roaming off-leash, keep him tethered when he’s in an unfamiliar place. Also, be kind and follow your dog!
- Identification: Make sure your dog is wearing a collar with up-to-date identification tags. Carry a recent photo of your dog in case he gets lost.
- Health Records: Bring copies of vaccination records and any required health certificates, especially if you are crossing state lines or international borders.
- Hammock for the car: While this isn’t essential, it’s nice to have! It is a protective cover that acts as a barrier between your furry family member and the interior of your car, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride for both. The main function of car hammocks is to protect the seats from scratches, dirt, dirt, and fur. Finally, it prevents damage to the car’s upholstery. There are many options to choose from. THIS ONE on Amazon has almost 6,000 reviews and a 4.7 out of 5 star rating!
- Paper Towels: Just because you’ve secured your back seat with a car hammock doesn’t mean it won’t get dirty. You may not use them, but a roll of paper towels will come in handy if your dog gets sick or runs around in the dirt/mud when he comes out of the potty.
- Pet First Aid Kit: This is another item I hope you won’t need, but should always be handy in case of an emergency. Check out this post for dog first aid essentials.
- Flashlight: Useful during night stand or emergencies.
- Reflective Gear: Make your dog visible during evening walks or roadside emergencies.
- Flea Camp and Tick Remover: I keep these items in my pet first aid kit, but I also thought they deserved their own place! There is always a risk that your puppy will pick up an unwanted guest when you are out. This happened to me once on a road trip from North Carolina to Texas – it was a nightmare! Along with the flea comb, there is a special tick removal tool that you can order right from Amazon. Hopefully you’ll never use it, but it’s always smart to have one.
Safe travels!