Road Trips With Dogs California – Walking your dog can be a great idea as long as you are properly prepared. Most dogs enjoy traveling with their humans, and their company can make long trips less boring. But before you go, it’s important to prepare for a trip that’s safe and fun for your dog. Here’s how to travel with a dog.
Before you start packing, there are some important points to consider while you are in the planning stage.
Road Trips With Dogs California
If you’re going on a long trip with your dog, consider renting a car instead of using your own. Rental cars tend to have lower mileage and newer parts than many personal vehicles, reducing the risk of damage. I always choose comprehensive car rental insurance that includes roadside assistance, so I’m never short of support or a backup vehicle if needed. Even without a dog, renting a car has many benefits and booking a rental car is easy.
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Most major car rental agencies in the United States and many abroad allow dogs in rental cars. Many have strict rules about safe travel for dogs, so make sure you add your dog to your booking and follow all the requirements listed. Failure to follow these rules may result in a fine, the possibility of injury to your puppy or even the cancellation of your booking.
When it comes to choosing a destination, try to pick a place known for hugging puppies. Find places with dog-friendly outdoor areas, pet-friendly businesses, and pet-friendly hotels. And don’t forget about travel when you need factors in many places to take breaks.
I always have a list of dog friendly towns on my route that would be perfect for pit stops, overnights or walks.
In addition to great places to hang out, I recommend adding some top pet businesses to your list. Look for vets or animal clinics near each planned stop and consider adding a few along the route between stops in case of an emergency. I’ve also included pet stores when I make this list, although I try to pack more than I need. You never know what will happen on the road and you may find yourself in need of more food or other supplies. This is especially important if your dog is on a special diet or has unique emotional needs.
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If your dog isn’t used to traveling by car or has only made very short trips to and from the vet, plan for at least a longer check-up before the trip. Create the same conditions as during your trip. For example, if you’re renting a car and will need to accommodate your dog, take it during the test drive and include the same comfort items you’ll take on the trip. Aim for at least an hour on the trip with a pit stop in between so your dog can take a bathroom break in an unfamiliar location. If the test is not immediately successful, schedule as many additional tests as possible to build your puppy’s tolerance and confidence before the trip.
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Make sure your dog always wears a collar with an ID tag and a rage tag when traveling. It’s also worth packing at least two cables in case one gets wet, dirty or tangled. You don’t want to be without a functional or comfortable leash when you’re out and about.
Even if your dog doesn’t use a pet bed at home, taking it with you on your trip will give your pup a sense of consistency and stability wherever you go. It can also help collect cash that rental car companies or hotel policies may require. You should also have your favorite blankets with you during the trip.
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Your dog needs entertainment on a long trip, so pack a variety of toys. Bringing old favorites instead of new toys will make the atmosphere more familiar both in the car and at the destination. They can also help prevent damage to cars and furniture from a dog’s boredom or stress.
Treats help keep dogs happy at all times, but are especially useful when traveling as a driving tool. They can help you get your dog’s attention on you and the commands that will keep him safe in unfamiliar places.
Whether at stops along the way or at your destination, your dog needs food and water. If you are a conscientious cleaner, one will work, but be honest with yourself. If you’re in a rush to get to your next stop and don’t have time to clean properly, bring spare parts with you.
Don’t forget to take all of your dog’s medications with you during your trip. This means not only daily medications, but also monthly maintenance such as flea, tick and worm medications that may be needed while you are away.
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It’s also a good idea to pack your dog’s medical records, including proof of current vaccinations and any relevant medical history, which can be useful to the vet in the event of an emergency medical visit during your trip.
Even if you bring your own car or a rental car that doesn’t need a box, you may need to pack it. Many hotel rooms sometimes require dogs to be crated, and crates can also help dogs feel a sense of personal space and safety when sleeping in a new environment.
Accidents happen, especially on the road. Outside of the normal routine, things can easily be lost and spilled, making messes more common. Additionally, dogs may be more likely to have accidents during unfamiliar routines and puppies are also prone to car sickness. Bring cloths, paper towels, cleaning solutions and plastic bags for temporary disposal of used materials. Dry shampoo and a dog comb can help clean your dog on the go if the mess spreads to the fur (especially for crated dogs).
At the same time, pack plenty of dog waste bags to take away after bathroom breaks. In most places this is the law. In the rest, it is still waiting. Be a good guest and never leave a mess behind. Attach a travel kit to each strap and keep an extra in your vehicle’s glove compartment so you’re well stocked.
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If your dog has already traveled and is not motion sickness, feed him as close to his normal schedule as possible with rest stops and travel grains. If your dog is car sick or hasn’t traveled before, it may be wise to skip the morning meal on travel days and only feed him at the end of the day. In these cases, shorten your driving time and plan more nights.
Don’t forget your appetite either. Eat plenty of snacks to avoid a hangover (not just hunger, but also anger or the mood that comes with being hungry) and drive safely. If you have other companions in the car, plan some games to keep the mood light and avoid any stress for your dog.
I am a full-time traveler who has traveled extensively throughout the United States and many other countries. I have traveled with dogs and cats many times, often spending up to 30 days on the road with the animals. I’ve combined my years of experience with expert tips and tools to create this guide to traveling with your dog.
Now that you’re ready for a safe and fun trip with your dog, it’s time to start planning. Read the Pet Travel Guide for expert advice and check out their handy Travel Guide to help you find fun routes around your current location.
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Brandon Schultz Brandon travels every week and makes friends with stray cats wherever he goes. Dogs too… once brought a home to the US. USA from the Amalfi Coast. He wrote 6 books, visited 6 continents (still waiting for Antarctica) and would eat ice cream 6 times a day if he could. He lives in Brooklyn, New York with his partner and three cats.
Your personal information. For more information on how we treat personal information securely, please see our Privacy Policy. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly getaway in California, Cambria might be the perfect place to spend a long weekend together.
Located on California’s Central Coast, this picturesque town is known for its dog-friendly beaches, scenic hikes, and pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants.
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We love to walk our dogs. When we drive, we can easily bring two dogs, stop and see the sights, adjust our schedule and do a little more around the dogs. We also find it less stressful, we can get to the hotel on our schedule, we are in a hurry
