The Ultimate Pet-Friendly Road Trip Gear Checklist

Any road trip requires planning; that goes double for road trips with dogs. When you’re on a road trip with friends or human family members, it’s easy enough to improvise; they can tell you when they need to stretch their legs, use the washroom, or grab a bite to eat.

• Plan frequent rest stops to let your dog stretch.
• Make sure there’s plenty of room in your vehicle for your pup to be comfy.
• Bring a whole bunch of toys and games to keep your dog occupied.
• Pack dog travel essentials, from poop bags to treats and food.

You should go on a few long car rides with your dog before a road trip, especially if you just got a new dog. Visiting the vet before a road trip can help you avoid illness on the road. Dogs can get anxious or upset on the road; schedule breaks, and disrupt their routines as little as possible

We’re about to make a lot of recommendations for the things you should pack on your trip; here’s a quick cheat sheet to help:

1. A first aid kit for your pup.
2. A collar with ID tags and microchip info.
3. Two leashes or harnesses (bring a spare).
4. All of the medications and supplements your dog needs for the trip, plus a few days extra.
5. Tick prevention medication before the trip, tweezers and other tick removers on the trip.
6. A travel-friendly crate.
7. Dog food.
8. Lots of water.
9. Feeding and water bowls
10. Toys

Crossing the border—or even state lines? Be sure that your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. The most important is an up-to-date rabies vaccination, but requirements vary from state to state (and country to country, if you’re going to Mexico or Canada on your road trip). Complete vaccination records can also help if you ever need to visit the vet on your trip.

You can modify your own first aid kit with items for your dog, from flea combs to soft muzzles. Alternatively, you can prepare or purchase your very own pup first aid kit. Take inspiration from this article from the American Kennel Club; there are also plenty of excellent kits available for purchase online .

Old blankets and pillows make for excellent dog bedding; you can also buy cooling mats for hot days, crate mats, and even elevated dog beds and folding dog cots for the outdoors. Ideally, you’ll just bring the dog bed your pup uses at home, but you can always get a new one designed for camping and the outdoors if that’s the plan for your road trip!

Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Is it safe to take my dog on a road trip?
   Yes, road trips are safe for dogs when proper precautions are taken. Use a dog seat belt or travel crate, ensure good ventilation, and avoid letting your dog roam freely in the car.
2. How often should I stop for breaks when traveling with a dog?
   You should stop every 2–3 hours to allow your dog to stretch, drink water, and relieve itself. Regular breaks help reduce stress and prevent restlessness.
3. How can I keep my dog calm during a long car journey?
   Start with short practice drives, keep the car quiet and cool, offer familiar bedding, and avoid feeding your dog right before travel to prevent motion sickness.