If you’re reading this, you likely already agree that life is better with dogs – and vacations are MUCH more fun with our furry friends!
Because of this, I spend a lot of time roadtripping to destinations that I could get to much more quickly if I just hopped on a flight, but the ability to have my best friend with me while I travel makes it all worth it.
This post dives into some of the tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way for how to roadtrip with your dog.
Prep your doggo’s “go bag”
Benson’s go bag is always ready to quickly pop into the car. It includes:
- Bag of food (Benson eats kibble, so it’s easier to pre-pack)
- 1-2 types of treats
- 2-3 of his favorite chew toys
- Bowls for food and water (the collapsible ones from Ruffwear are great)
- A few rolls of poop bags
- Container of cleansing wipes (we do a lot of muddy hiking)!
- Lifejacket and waterproof leash (in case we decide to hop on the SUP)
Prep you doggo’s cozy car spot
Benson is a backseat rider (mostly because of safety concerns – but also because he has more room to stretch out back there). To prep for a long drive with him, his back seat is set up like this:
- Car hammock: these are awesome – they keep the shedding to an isolated section of the vehicle, allow your pet to roam freely and stretch out, and prevent your doggo from falling if you have to slam on the breaks!
- Blanket: his has lots of holes in it from when he was a velociraptor as a puppy
- Seatbelt: this clips to his harness and can be as long or short as you think safely allows
Plan your stops
Knowing where and how often to stop for your pup can be a challenge, but it’s also kind of fun to map it out if you have the luxury of time.
I know that my dog only needs a bathroom break every 6 hours or so, but I tend to let him stretch his legs whenever I need to pull over for gas. This helps keep him from getting bored and to let him experience new places and smells!
Find the hotels that welcome your dog as much as they welcome you!
If you’re planning on stopping over in a hotel for the night, make sure to review the pet policy before reserving the room (and even if they say they allow dogs, sometimes they come with hefty nightly pet fees, so just be on the lookout for those traps)!
We tend to stay at Marriott or IHG hotels because they seem to be the most welcoming of pets, especially if your doggo is a registered support animal or a certified service animal (read more on service animals from the ADA website).
Follow city-specific social media accounts
Check to see if your final destination has any dog-friendly Instagram accounts (like these in Chicago, Nashville, and DC)! These accounts provide amazing tips for dog-friendly activities and places to go with your dog while you’re exploring new cities, and we love their content!
It’s about the journey
Traveling with dogs definitely has its logistical challenges, but the pros far outweigh the cons! The important thing to remember is that it can be so fun for both you and your doggo if you’re prepared and are both comfortable and safe!
