It’s the holiday season, which means lots of families are on the road, making the trip to visit loved ones near and far. For many of us, that means packing our furry friends into the car along with the rest of the family. Taking your dog on a road trip can be super fun, but it can also be super stressful. Add other holiday stress into the mix, and things can go off the handle fast. I learned this first-hand when I decided to drive from Indiana to West Virginia with my dogs in tow for Thanksgiving. Here are some tips I’ve put together based on my own experience.
1. Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their shots and have updated tags.
Make sure your pets are up-to-date on all their shots and their preventative medication. When you stop along your route for potty breaks, it’s pretty likely you’ll be stopping where other families and their pets have stopped as well. It would be pretty easy for your dog to pick up an illness on the road. By making sure they have their shots and their flea and tick prevention, you’ll have a little more peace of mind during potty breaks.
Speaking of making sure everything is updated, now is a great time to double-check your pet’s ID tags and their microchip information! If something terrible were to happen and you were separated from your dog in an unknown place, having up-to-date contact information could be the difference between reunification and the unknown. If you’re not sure how to update your dog’s microchip information, ask your vet!
2. Give your dogs a comfy and safe place to ride in the car.
Your dogs should never just have free reign of your vehicle, even if they’re super well-behaved. It’s a distraction to you as the driver. If your dog is bouncing around the vehicle, they’re way more likely to take your attention away from the driving task. Some dogs may even try to climb into your lap, or make their way to the pedals by your feet. There are many options for keeping your pup safe on the road. For my adult dog, I use a three-point safety tether that connects to my car’s LATCH system (just like a child’s car seat would) that I hook up to the back of her harness, similar to the one pictured below. This gives her plenty of space to move around while also making sure she stays on the seat where I want her.
My six-month-old puppy, on the other hand, is in his velociraptor stage and can’t be trusted to sit quietly by his big sister in the back seat. Since I was bringing his crate along anyway, I simply set it up in the back of my vehicle and made sure it wouldn’t move around by tethering it with bungee cords. He’s also prone to carsickness, so I simply put down a potty pad and a comfy blanket in the bottom of his crate, and he was perfectly happy (and safe!) during our trip. He also got to enjoy some calming treats, which for sure helped him.
3. Plan ahead for potty breaks.
The trip to my parents’ house for Thanksgiving is about six hours long. My older dog has some bladder issues, so I knew we’d be stopping several times. I took a look at my route ahead of time and made note of a few rest areas that looked like good options for us.
4. Pack the essentials.
When you’re on a road trip with dogs, packing thoughtfully can make or break your experience. In addition to food and water, you’ll want to pack any medication they take, their leash, waste bags, and something to keep them comfortable, like their favorite blanket or toy. I also made sure to bring extra towels and wipes (for unexpected messes) and a basic first-aid kit, just in case.
5. Be flexible and patient.
Even with the best preparation, traveling with dogs can come with unexpected challenges. You might encounter traffic delays, restless pups, or even a missed stop. The key is to remain calm and adaptable. During my trip, my puppy started to whine about an hour before our planned stop, so I pulled off at a safe spot a little earlier than expected and tended to him. Giving yourself a little extra time in your schedule will help alleviate a lot of stress.
Traveling with dogs during the holidays can feel like a lot to manage, but with some thoughtful preparation and patience, it can also be incredibly rewarding. By ensuring your pets are safe, comfortable, and well-cared for, you can focus on making memories with your loved ones—both human and furry. Whether it’s planning your route, packing the right gear, or simply taking time to enjoy the journey, a little effort goes a long way in turning a stressful road trip into a joyful adventure. Safe travels, and happy holidays!
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