Taking a trip with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience—but only if you’re prepared. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country move, following a few smart dog travel tips can make the journey smoother for both you and your furry companion.
🚗 Dog Travel Tips for Car Trips
Traveling by car is often the easiest way to take your dog along. However, just like humans, dogs can feel stress or motion sickness during longer drives.
Here’s how to make the ride safer and more comfortable:
- Use a crash-tested harness or crate to secure your dog while driving. Never allow your dog to roam freely in the car.
- Pack essentials like a leash, waste bags, a water bowl, and enough food for the entire trip.
- Take frequent breaks to allow your dog to stretch, relieve themselves, and rehydrate.
- Avoid feeding a large meal right before the trip to reduce the risk of nausea.
For more on safe car travel with pets, the ASPCA offers helpful guidance.
🛫 Flying With Your Dog
Air travel is a bit more complex, especially if your dog is too large to fit under the seat in the cabin. Before booking your flight, research the airline’s pet policies thoroughly.
Quick flying tips:
- Choose a direct flight when possible to reduce stress and risk of mishandling.
- Visit your vet for a health certificate and any required vaccinations.
- Acclimate your dog to their travel crate in advance so they feel more comfortable in-flight.
- Label the crate clearly with your contact information, and attach food and water.
The U.S. Department of Transportation provides up-to-date pet travel rules and guidelines.
🏨 Finding Dog-Friendly Accommodations
Not every hotel or rental welcomes dogs, so plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues. Sites like BringFido and PetsWelcome are great for filtering by pet-friendly properties.
When checking in:
- Ask about any pet fees or size restrictions.
- Don’t leave your dog unattended in the room unless permitted and they’re crate trained.
- Bring familiar items like blankets or toys to make your dog feel at home.
Need help caring for your pet while you’re away for part of the day? Our team at Qualified Pet Services offers drop-in visits and in-home care if you’re vacationing near Bonita Springs or surrounding areas.
🧳 Packing Checklist for Traveling Dogs
Create a simple checklist before every trip to ensure you don’t forget anything:
- Leash, collar with ID, and microchip info
- Waste bags and cleaning wipes
- Food, treats, and collapsible bowls
- Medications and supplements
- First-aid kit
- Favorite toys and bedding
- Copy of medical records
If your dog has anxiety or medical needs, speak with your vet about travel-safe calming aids.
🐶 Why Dog Travel Tips Matter
Travel is supposed to be enjoyable—for both of you! Following these dog travel tips can help your pup feel more secure in unfamiliar environments. It also ensures you’re prepared for unexpected issues like delays, lost luggage (with your pet’s essentials), or finding care while you’re out exploring.
At Qualified Pet Services, we understand how much your pet means to you. While we specialize in in-home care, our veterinary-trained team is happy to offer expert advice, even when you’re traveling. Your pet’s safety and comfort are always our top priority.
References:
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (n.d.). Travel safety tips. ASPCA. Retrieved August 31, 2025, from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/travel-safety-tips
- BringFido. (n.d.). Dog-friendly lodging. BringFido. Retrieved August 31, 2025, from https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/
- PetsWelcome. (n.d.). Pet-friendly hotels. PetsWelcome. Retrieved August 31, 2025, from https://www.petswelcome.com/
- U.S. Department of Transportation. (n.d.). Traveling with pets. Aviation Consumer Protection. Retrieved August 31, 2025, from https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/pets
