Summer is widely known as the most popular season for road trips. However, late spring and early fall are also great options due to cooler weather. With so many dog-friendly restaurants, rentals, and destinations available nationwide, having a road trip with a dog is easier and more fun than ever before.
In our article, How to Prepare for a Road Trip With Your Pet, we talked about tips for a seamless road trip with a dog. In this article, we will deep dive into what you need to pack when planning a cross-country road trip with a dog.
Overview:
- Pack the essentials for a smooth road trip with your dog. Don’t forget the basics: collar, leash, dog bed, favorite toys, food and water bowls, enough food, and a secure travel crate.
- Make sure to pack plenty of fresh water to keep your pup hydrated, along with pee pads and cleanup supplies in case rest stops are limited.
- Schedule a pre-trip veterinary checkup to ensure your dog is travel-ready. Update any vaccines, ask about preventatives, discuss options for motion sickness or anxiety, and confirm your dog’s microchip info is up to date.
What to Pack for a Road Trip with a Dog
Going on a road trip with a dog can pose many surprises. The first thing to remember is that there are some differences between planning for a long drive vs. planning a cross-country road trip with your dog.
As covered in our article on how to prepare for a road trip with your pet, traveling across the country may require paperwork for your pup. Traveling to a different state may also require additional dog vaccinations.
Once you’ve got paperwork and vaccinations settled and your veterinarian has given your dog one last wellness exam for the road, it’s time to get packing!
Make sure these items make it into the suitcase before leaving home:
1. Collar and Leash
Pack a well-fitting harness and a quality leash. Also, consider bringing a backup leash in case the first one breaks or gets lost. If you plan to do activities such as camping or picnicking, consider packing a tether you can attach to your dog's collar to allow them the freedom to roam safely.
In addition, if you’re going on a dog-friendly hike at any point, it’s recommended to use a strong and secure full-body harness with a belly strap. These kinds of harnesses allow pet parents to securely pull their pup out of harm’s way or assist in lifting them over difficult hiking terrain.
2. ID Tags, Microchip, & GPS Collar
As pet parents ourselves, we at Sploot understand that pet parents may need safeguards in case of separation. For peace of mind and basic safety, make sure to securely attach your dog’s ID tags and get their microchip tested before the trip. Here are a few added tips:
- Your dog’s ID tags need to have updated information, especially your contact number and address. That way, you can be contacted if you and your dog get separated at any point.
- As for your dog’s microchip, have your veterinarian check the chip before you head out into the open road. Microchips are designed to last for your pet’s entire lifetime. In some rare instances, however, microchips can stop working.
For an added layer of safety, some pet parents may opt to get a GPS collar for their pups. These are especially useful for long-distance trips and hiking.
3. Dog Bed, ThunderShirt, & an Old Shirt
Give your dog a home away from home by packing their favorite dog bed and blankets. Items that smell and feel familiar can help your dog be relaxed and comfortable wherever they may be.
If your dog tends to get anxious, you can try getting them a ThunderShirt, a type of dog vest designed to relieve anxiety and promote better sleep. Observe your dog’s reaction to this product days or weeks before your trip, and if it helps, you can consider bringing this along.
Another way to relieve a pup’s anxiety while sleeping in unfamiliar places (e.g., dog-friendly hotels) is to add one of your old sweatshirts to their bed. Even washed old sweatshirts will carry your scent; the scent of a pup’s favorite person helps keep them calm and happy.
Note: Particularly anxious dogs may not respond to ThunderShirts and comfortable, familiar bedding. If this is the case with your dog, ask your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication that you can bring for your dog.
4. Seat Covers
Protect your car's interior from dirt, claw marks, and hair on a long road trip by putting waterproof covers on your seats. This way, you won't have to worry about paws dirtying your car's seats, especially after making pit stops, playing at dog parks, or returning from hikes. Quality seat covers can also help keep your dog more comfortable.
5. Travel Crate
In case you need to leave your dog unattended at your hotel or rental for brief periods during your trip, a crate provides a safe and secure place to keep them in until you return. Crating also prevents them from accidentally getting loose, having accidents in the room, or damaging property. Also, a collapsible travel crate is easy to pack in the vehicle for a road trip.
6. Toys
Pack several types of toys to keep your dog entertained and stimulated on a road trip. Toys that hold treats can help combat boredom during long drives, while freezable toys can help dogs stay cool on hot days. The comfort of familiar toys will also help your dog relax and acclimate to a new place.
7. Food, Water, & Bowls
Make sure to bring your dog's bowls, and stick to their regular feeding schedule and routine care. Pack enough of your dog's regular food to last the duration of the road trip, plus a few extra days. That way, you won't run out if plans change or your return travel gets delayed by weather or other unexpected events. It is also recommended to bring plenty of water, in case pit stops are few and far between.
8. Disposable Bags (& Maybe Some Pee Pads)
Bring plenty of disposable dog bags for picking up poop. Cleaning up after your pet is good dog owner etiquette, and in many places, it's the law. Carry a roll of bags at pit stops, on hikes, at the beach, or anywhere else you and your dog may stop for a break.
If your dog is trained to use pee pads, you can also carry some in the car, just in case there are long stretches of road where you can’t make a pit stop. This is especially helpful for senior dogs or dogs that have problems holding their bladder.
Quick Reminders on How to Road Trip With a Dog
A well-stocked canine travel bag isn't the only thing you'll need to prepare before going on a road trip with a dog. Here are a few quick reminders before you get going:
Schedule a Veterinary Wellness Exam
Your veterinarian can make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations and administer boosters if any have lapsed. Your veterinarian will also provide proof of vaccination, which you might need to show during your travels. During the visit, you can also have your dog’s microchip checked.
The pre-trip wellness exam for your dog is also an opportunity to give your dog a once-over and ensure they don't have any health issues before leaving for your trip. Veterinarians can also provide any needed anti-anxiety medications for pups that need them.
Find a Veterinarian at Your Destination
Research veterinarians at your end destination and take note of their contact information. This way, if your dog gets hurt or sick on your trip, you'll know where to take them.
Plan Lots of Breaks
Make sure to take breaks during your road trip with a dog. Plan to stop at least every 2-3 hours at rest stops, visitor centers, gas stations, or local attractions to let your dog go to the bathroom, drink water, and take a walk.
You might even research dog parks on your route so your dog can run and stretch their legs. Here are a few great dog parks in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Chicago:
- 7 Denver Dog Parks for Off-Leash Fun
- 4 Best Dog Parks in Chicago
- 5 Amazing Dog Parks in Colorado Springs
Note: If you're traveling with a puppy or senior dog, you might need to stop more frequently because they might not be able to hold it as long. Pee pads may also be helpful.
For more tips on how to road trip with a dog, check out our article, How to Prepare for a Road Trip with a Dog.
Final Thoughts On Taking a Road Trip With Your Dog
By following our tips, planning a cross-country road trip with a dog is easy. Pack all of the above essentials to have a seamless and enjoyable experience. As a final reminder, make sure to choose pet-friendly destinations for your road trip so that your dog can take part in the fun!
If you have questions regarding vaccinations, anti-anxiety medication, traveling with a senior dog, and so on, we’re here to help!
Sploot Vets: Your Go-To Vet for All-in-One Care
Sploot Veterinary Care provides all-in-one veterinary care, encompassing primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services. We’re here to provide top-tier care that you can count on, 365 days a year, with extended vet clinic hours.
Schedule a wellness exam before your road trip to ensure that your dog is in their healthiest condition, ready for a fun adventure! We can also provide any needed proof of vaccinations if your travel destination requires it.
Book an appointment today at one of our vet clinics in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Chicago. Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
