It’s the season for vacations, and if you’re excited to hit the road but don’t want to leave your furry friend behind, you don’t have to. Dogs love exploring the outdoors and being with their owners, so they’ll have just as great a time as you.
But to keep the trip fun and stress-free, it can be crucial to know some travel tips for taking your dog on a cross-country road trip.
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Consider your dog’s training
First and foremost, you should take some time to consider your dog’s current training level. This trip will have plenty of exciting things happening, and it puts even the best-trained dogs to the test with these many distractions.
Brush up on the basics for everyone’s safety during rest stops. Trained dogs will do a much better job on long drives, and a white lab breeder can train puppies before they’re even in your care. For that reason, dogs from shelters may need extra time preparing for trips.
Prepare your car
You’ll want to ensure you have a place for your dog sorted out among the other car preparations for a cross-country drive. A few main options commercially available for traveling dogs include seat belt harnesses, travel crates, and pet booster seats.
Whatever option works best for you and your pup keeps everyone safe and comfortable. Ensure you avoid seating your dog near any airbags in case of an accident.
Prepare your dog
While working on training, you can also spend some time acclimating your dog to car rides. Take longer local rides to slowly get your pup ready to relax if it gets overly excited during car rides. If your dog tends to be anxious in the car, it might be best to talk with the vet.
And on that note, you should take your dog to the vet before the trip. Being up to date on all of its shots is essential when traveling far from home, and it’s a great time to ensure that the dog is ready to be away for a while.
Take time planning your route by hand rather than trusting automatic services. You’ll want to ensure making a rest stop every 2-3 hours for bathroom breaks. Planning your route can also help prepare you to make the most out of your gas.
Make plans for worst-case scenarios
Nobody wants it to happen, but your dog could potentially escape during your trip. Microchipping is one of the best options, and keeping up-to-date pictures of your pet can help identification.
It can also be helpful to familiarize yourself with emergency vet locations along your route should your pet become sick.
Pack the necessities
Packing for your dog can feel surprisingly overwhelming, but don’t stress about bringing everything. Only bring essentials.
Water, food, and treats for the trip
A few favorite toys
Leashes and restraints
Immunization records and adoption papers
Plus, don’t miss out on the opportunity to show off any fun accessories.
Before you go
Don’t feel stressed out bringing your dog on your cross-country road trip. Instead, feel confident that you’ll have a great time with your furry friend. It’ll be a fun opportunity to make memories of exploring with your favorite dog by your side.
