Road Trip with Your Dog

Planning for a road trip with your dog? Driving with a dog is not just about putting a dog in the car and hitting the road, especially if you are planning long distance travel. With proper preparation, you will increase the chances of safe, comfortable and stress-free road trip.

First of all, be sure your dog is fit for travel. Your dog should be healthy, easy going and well mannered. He/she should know the basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, down, heal and come and be leash trained. Do not take your dog if he/she becomes ill before the trip. Dogs that are nervous or shy and elderly or too young may be better off left behind at home with someone you can trust.

Before the trip:

• Check with your veterinarian to make sure your dog is physically fit for a trip. Update all vaccinations at this time if you have already done so. Ask for a proof of all vaccinations and a copy of a medical record or health certificate so that you can bring those along on your trip. You may also ask if the veterinarian can refer any veterinarians at your travel destinations.
• Make sure your dog has proper identification tags. Your dog should have at least two tags: one that has your dog’s name, your name, address and home and/or cell phone number or any other information necessary; and a rabies vaccination proof tag (remember, most states require dogs to be vaccinated against rabies). If you know the phone numbers for your destinations, it is a good idea to make an id tag with that information. Having your dog permanently identified with microchip or tattoo is another option.
• If your dog is not used to riding in the car, practicing is recommended. Start with a series of short trips (10-15 minutes) first and increase travel time gradually.
• Many motels and hotels only have a limited number of rooms available for pet owners, so plan ahead for your all travel accommodations.
• Have a list of local veterinarians and emergency veterinary hospitals at your destinations.

• Basic travel gears include food and treats, medications, food and water bowl, crate, extra set of collar, id tags and leash, grooming supplies, first aid kit, medical & vaccination records, regular veterinarian’s phone number, current photo of your dog (in case if lost), plastic bags, towels, etc. Pack things your dog usually uses to give him/her sense of familiarity: his/her bed, food and water bowl, toys, blanket, etc.
• Your dog will be spending many hours in your car. Make it comfortable for you and your dog as much as possible. For everyone’s safety, your dog should be in the back seat of your car. You may need a doggie seatbelt or some sort of barrier to keep him/her from moving up to the front of the car. Waterproof seat covers may come in handy in different occasions.

• Do not feed your dog a full meal right before the trip. Instead, feed a small meal several hours before to reduce the chances of motion sickness.
• Do not let your dog stick his/her head out of the moving vehicle to prevent injury. Do not forget to pick up after your dog!
• Make sure your dog wears proper identification at all times and keep your dog on leash at all times to prevent the chances of him/her becoming lost.
• Always provide your dog cool, well ventilated environment. Make fresh water available at all times.
• Never leave your dog in the car unattended.
• Once you get to your destinations, try to make your dog feel comfortable by situating his/her belongings (bed, pillows, toys, etc.) like at home. Resume your dog’s regular schedule such as feeding time and exercise time.
• Relax and enjoy a quality time with your dog – and remember, that is the reason why you are taking your dog to begin with!