Taking your dog along can be one of life’s greatest joys—nothing beats seeing new places with your favorite fur baby at your side. Whether it’s a weekend driving trip or a flight across the country, a little prep guarantees that your dog is comfortable, safe, and as psyched as you are. Take a look at these proven tips and tricks for traveling with your dog.

1. Start With a Vet Checkup
   Ensure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and speak with your vet about any travel concerns before you leave. If you’re flying, some airlines require a health certificate that needs to be received within some time frame.

Pro Tip:
Ask your vet for motion sickness medication or calming supplements if your dog stresses during travel.

2. Pack a Dog Travel Kit
   As you pack a suitcase, your dog needs their own travel essentials. Make a list so you do not forget something important.

Some essentials include:

Food and water bowls

Adequate food for the entire trip

Treats and chews

Waste bags

Leash, harness, and ID tags

Favorite toy or comfort blanket

Medications

Copies of medical history (especially when flying or traveling internationally)

3. Make Car Safety a Top Priority
   If you are traveling on the highway, have your dog securely buckled. Loose inside the vehicle is not safe.

Car safety choices:

Crates (stably anchored in the backseat)

Dog seat belts or harnesses

Booster seats for small dogs

Pro Tip:
Never leave your dog alone in a parked car—temperatures can shift quickly, hurting them.

4. Take Breaks and Plan Potty Stops
   Dogs need regular breaks to stretch, sniff, and relieve themselves. Plan stops every 2–3 hours, especially on long drives.

Look: pet-friendly rest stops, dog parks along the route, or green spaces where you both can stop.

5. Book Pet-Friendly Accommodations
   Not all hotels or rentals welcome pets, so always check in advance. Search on booking sites or apps like BringFido to find properties that welcome your pet.

Pro Tip:
Phone ahead to confirm pet policies—some places have size or breed restrictions, or charge extra.

6. Practice Good Pet Etiquette
   Be a responsible pet traveler! Pick up after your dog, keep them on leash except where it’s off-leash, and keep them from being a nuisance in public or common spaces.
7. Ease Into It If It’s Their First Time
   If your dog is not accustomed to traveling, start with short trips to help them get accustomed to the experience. Take them around for a bit or overnight at a nearby dog-friendly hotel to acclimate them.
8. Get Familiar with Local Laws
   Some areas have leash laws, breed restrictions, or require dogs to be vaccinated or licensed. Quickly check online for pet laws in your destination.
9. Create an Emergency Plan
   Save the phone numbers of local vets or 24-hour animal emergency clinics in your destination location. It’s one of those things you wouldn’t want to need—but you’ll be glad to have it.