How to Start Traveling with Your Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide for Pet Parents

Traveling with your dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences, allowing you to explore new destinations together while strengthening your bond. However, it requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a safe and stress-free journey. I’ve been traveling with my dog for over 10 years and have gained a lot of expertise in this area, so I’m excited to share my best tips and insights with you. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a cross-country adventure, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with dog-friendly travel.

Step 1: Determine If Your Dog Is Ready for Travel

Not all dogs are natural travelers. Some thrive on adventure, while others may find new environments overwhelming. Consider your dog’s:

Personality: Is your dog social and adaptable or anxious in new settings?
Health: Ensure your pup is in good health and up-to-date on vaccinations.
Training: Basic obedience, such as "sit," "stay," and "come," can be invaluable while traveling.
Socialization: Dogs who are comfortable around strangers, new environments, and other pets will have an easier time adjusting to travel.

How to Prepare:

Take your dog on short trips to gauge their comfort level.
Visit pet-friendly stores, parks, and restaurants to expose them to new settings.
Work on crate or carrier training if your dog will be traveling in one.

Once you’ve determined you can successfully travel with your dog, do your research on places you’re interested in visiting and determine their dog-friendliness before moving into the next steps. If you’re finding a lot of resources on the web and social that point to a lot of dog-friendly lodging and activities then it’s a good candidate for a dog-friendly trip. If you’re stuggling to find things you can do with your dog that will be enjoyable for the both of you then I’d recommend crossing that place off of the list or visiting solo.

Once you have a destination in mind, proceed with the next steps.

Step 2: Choose the Right Mode of Transportation

Depending on your travel plans, you may be driving, flying, renting an RV or van, or even taking a train or ferry. Each mode of transportation has its own set of considerations:

Traveling by Car

Use a Safety Restraint: Whether it’s a seatbelt harness, pet car seat, or secured crate, always restrain your dog for safety.
Take Breaks: Plan for rest stops that align to your dog’s typical potty breaks and exercise schedule.
Keep Them Comfortable: Bring their favorite blanket, toy, or bed for familiarity and always pack snacks and plenty of water that are easily accessible during the drive.
Never Leave Them in a Hot Car: Even a mild day can become dangerous quickly.

Flying with Your Dog

Check Airline Policies: Each airline has different rules regarding pet travel. Check what their pet fees, any required documentation, and weight/carrier size restrictions for in-cabin pets. JSX, K9 Jets, Bark Air, and Retrieve Air are good airline options for larger dogs so you can avoid flying in cargo.
Choose a Pet-Friendly Airline: Airlines like Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest are known for being more pet-friendly.
Get a Travel Carrier: If your dog is flying in-cabin, they’ll need an airline-approved soft-sided carrier.
Schedule a Vet Visit: Some airlines require a health certificate within 10 days of travel.
Acclimate Your Dog: Let them get used to the carrier before the trip to reduce stress.

Alternative Travel Methods

Trains & Ferries: Amtrak and certain ferry services allow dogs, but policies vary.
Rideshare & Public Transit: Some cities allow dogs on public transportation; check local rules in advance.
RV & Van Travel: Traveling in an RV or van can be a great way to explore with your dog while maintaining a familiar and comfortable space for them. Research rental providers for their pet policies. Cruise America allows dogs and Outdoorsy has a pet filter when searching for a rental.

Step 3: Pack the Essentials

Packing the right items will help ensure a smooth trip for both you and your pup. Here’s a checklist of some of the essentials, but I’d encourage to create a list tailored to ensure you never feel like you’re forgetting something.

Travel Essentials

Collar & Leash: Always have an ID tag with up-to-date contact information.
Travel Crate or Carrier: Choose a well-ventilated, appropriately sized option.
Dog Seat Belt or Car Hammock: Keeps your pup safe during car rides.
Water & Collapsible Bowls: Hydration is key!
Food, Supplements, & Treats: Bring enough for the trip plus extra.
Poop Bags & Waste Disposal Supplies: Always clean up after your pup.
Towels & Wipes: For messy paws or unexpected accidents.
Dog Bed or Blanket: Provides comfort in unfamiliar places.
Toys & Chews: Helps keep your dog entertained.
First Aid Kit: Include gauze, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any necessary medications.

Step 4: Book Dog-Friendly Accommodations

When booking a hotel, vacation rental, or campsite, here’s what to consider when looking for pet-friendly options:

Pet Fees & Policies: Some hotels charge pet fees, while others have weight or breed restrictions. Additionally, some lodging may not allow pets on furniture, so check the rules before booking to ensure your dog will be comfortable.
On-Site Amenities: Look for pet perks like on-site potty area or nearby parks, treats at check-in, bed and bowls in room, pup menu, or nearby trails.
Secure Lodging: Make sure your dog won’t easily escape or feel unsafe.
Familiarize Your Dog: Let them explore the space while on a leash when you arrive.

Helpful Websites for Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodations:

BringFido.com – Find pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
Airbnb & Vrbo – Use pet-friendly filters to narrow down your search.
Kimpton Hotels, 1 Hotel, Four Seasons, Aloft, and Virgin Hotels – Dog-friendly hotel chains that welcome pets with no extra fees.

Step 5: Plan Dog-Friendly Activities

To make the trip enjoyable for your pup, plan activities they can participate in. After all, there’s no point in bringing your dog along if most of the things you want to do aren’t dog-friendly or if there aren’t many pet-friendly options at your destination.

Hiking Trails & Parks: Look for dog-friendly trails and national parks that allow pets.
Dog-Friendly Beaches: Some beaches allow off-leash play, while others have designated pet areas.
Outdoor Cafés, Restaurants, & Breweries: Many restaurants with patios welcome dogs, but it’s always good to confirm by checking their FAQs or calling.
Pet-Friendly Attractions: Some museums, botanical gardens, and historic sites allow well-behaved dogs. I always like to compile a comprehensive list and then based on our duration of travel plan my itinerary with the must-do activities slotted first. That way if we end up with free time, I have ideas of others things to do but know I’m not missing what’s most interesting to me.

When planning your itinerary, try to stick to your dog’s daily schedule as much as possible. That means typical mealtimes, walks, naps, etc. This will help them keep some consistency and comfort while experiencing a new place.

Step 6: Prepare for Emergencies

Even with the best planning, unexpected situations can arise. Be prepared by:

Finding a Local Vet: Research emergency vet clinics in your destination ahead of time.
Carrying Medical Records: Keep vaccination records and medications handy.
Microchipping & ID Tags: Ensure your dog has up-to-date information in case they get lost.
Having a Backup Plan: Know what to do if your dog gets anxious, sick, or injured.

Step 7: Enjoy the Journey & Stay Flexible

It took a lot of work to get here, but remember traveling with a dog requires patience and flexibility. Be ready to:

Adjust your plans if your dog isn’t comfortable.
Take plenty of breaks to let your pup stretch and relax.
Capture the adventure with photos and videos—memories you’ll cherish forever!

As an avid traveler even before I got a dog, the first two bullets were really hard for me to adjust to. I was used to being a go-go-go traveler trying to pack in as much sightseeing as possible, but that all shifted when I started traveling with my dog. While it was hard at first, I think it was for the best. Slowing down has really helped me soak in more of our activities, relax & recharge, and create more bonding opportunities with Ruby.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with your dog can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, and with proper preparation, you can create a stress-free adventure for both of you. Start small, build up to bigger trips, and enjoy the special moments you’ll share on the road.

What are your favorite tips for traveling with a dog? Let us know in the comments below and happy travels! 🐶✈️🚗