Are you thinking about hitting the road for a long trip adventure with your two dogs? You’re in for a treat! I’ve gathered some insights and new experiences to help you make the most of your travels together.
I used to believe that my dogs were better off at a kennel for long-distance trips, but that all changed last year. My puppy, Happy, fell ill and developed an ITP disorder, leaving her unable to receive vaccinations. This meant that kennels were out of the question for us. On top of that, my senior dog, Zaku, isn’t getting any younger, and it just seemed unfair to leave him caged up without his best buddy.
So, we made the leap and embarked on road trips together as a family! We’ve already tackled a couple of 8-hour drives to new places, and let me tell you, we’re having an absolute blast. With each trip, we’re learning and improving our travel techniques. If you’re eager to discover more dog road trip tips, here are some of our top tips for traveling with your furry companions!
Pre-Trip Preparation for a Road Trip With Two Dogs
The most important thing: getting them used to car rides
Before setting off on your travels, there are a few key things to prepare for, especially when it comes to your dogs. The most important thing is helping them get comfortable with the car, ensuring the experience is enjoyable for them. After all, a road trip won’t be much fun if your dog is anxious about the car or suffers from motion sickness. As you may have seen in my previous video, my dogs are quite at ease in the car, calmly waiting at a rest stop for my signal to get out.
To help your dog feel at home during a future road trip, start with short, pleasant trips that end with positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise. Gradually extend both the duration and distance of these rides. You can make it a game by encouraging them to hop in and out of the vehicle. Offering snacks or homemade treats as rewards will help them associate the car with positive experiences, paving the way for a smoother adventure ahead. Consider taking them to local parks, lakes, or other fun spots as a special incentive. If you find yourself needing extra guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out for a session with a professional trainer—there’s no shame in
Planning for a Successful Road Trip:
- Research your route: Identify potential stops for potty breaks, food, and activities (like local dog parks) to keep your pups entertained.
- Pack strategically: Include at least a water bottle, a mix of healthy and fun snacks, and at least one chew toy or a bone to keep the dog occupied. Last thing, if they use a dog bed, and you have plenty of room, bring it!
- Prepare a car first-aid kit: Ensure you have essentials like a pet first-aid kit, extra water, and a flashlight.
Health & Safety:
Dog owners: When going on a road trip with your dogs for long distances, it’s important to prioritize their car safety. Here are a couple of options:
CRATE
You can use a crate if you have enough space in your car. It’s probably the safest option. Here is the link to a company that makes ones. The gunner kennel showed in the pictures above are the safest that I found. According to the owners, it is a double-walled kennel that provides 2x the shock protection & superior thermal properties than the other brands—and they are made in America. This solution is amazing if you are training your puppy or you have a dog that was kennel-trained. I was not persistent with the kennel training, so my pets would not be comfortable for a long drive in them. Crating in the car would provoke additional stress, and I want them to be as comfortable as possible, so there has to be another option.
Harness
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Similarly to seat belts, dog car harnesses will securely keep your dog in place. Car harnesses are contraptions that tie the dog to the safety buckle on your back seat. I tried many car seat harnesses with Zaku, my older boy. At some point during the ride, he would get stuck in the twisting leash, which was no good in a moving vehicle. Or he would be on such a tight leash that he could not move at all. But the harness, especially by itself with the handle on the back, was pretty valuable to help the dog get in and out of the cargo area in between rest stops.
So, we kept the harness without the seat belt. My two dogs have harnesses when we travel, and they keep their collars with their dog tags. They are easier to catch if they escape. And with my senior Zaku, we use it to help him get in or out of the car because of his arthritis.
DOG BARRIER
We decided to get this practical protective grille that prevents loads or pets from being thrown forward into the passenger compartment in the event of heavy braking or a collision—a safe and stable function with comfortable handling. Ours was made custom for our car. It sounded like a good option because the grille has two gas cartridges holding the grille in both the raised and lowered positions. A gentle push, and it’s out of the way.
Packing Essentials for a Road Trip With Two Dogs
Tips for Traveling Light with Two Dogs
To make long road trips with your best friends smoother and more enjoyable, plan ahead, pack plenty of water, snacks, and activities, take frequent breaks, and be flexible to adapt to unexpected situations.
1. Food and water supplies
- Bring enough food for the trip + 1 day
- Bring jugs of water and food bowls.
- Dog Treats (Milk Bones, carrots, homemade treats).
3. Leashes, collars, and ID tags
4. Entertainment and Comfort
- Lots of poo bags.
- Old towels to dry them.
- Remember to bring their favorite toys.
- Cleanup Supplies for the Car Trip (Dogs can get carsick, too. For the times when your pup can’t keep his breakfast down, keep a bottle of Nature’s Miracle® Stain & Odor Remover handy. A stain-removal spray, a scrub brush, a small spray bottle of water, and some paper towels can quickly handle a mess, making them useful for any accidents.)
Best Tips to Enjoy the Trip: Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
Ensuring your dog gets ample exercise before and during your road trip can make the experience more peaceful and enjoyable for everyone in the car. Before you embark on your journey, it’s essential to set aside time for a thorough walk or an invigorating run with your furry friend. This helps expend some of their pent-up energy and serves as a wonderful bonding moment between you and your pet.
Imagine the last-minute chaos of packing your bags and loading the car; it can often feel overwhelming. However, dedicating even 20 to 30 minutes for a brisk walk in the park or a playful session of fetch will work wonders in calming your dog. A tired dog is far less likely to feel bored, anxious, or destructive during the drive. Instead, they’re more likely to curl comfortably in their spot and snooze through the miles. This small investment of time and effort can pave the way for a more relaxed and enjoyable road trip for you and your beloved companion. Sometimes, a stop looks more like parking at a rest stop or gas station. It all works!1
We hope this serves as inspiration for your future road trips.
It’s a great idea to Search for Parks, Trails, and Patios
If you have a long drive ahead (or behind), it’s worth investigating the area around your potential accommodations. Use Google Maps to look for dog parks, regular parks, trails, restaurants with outdoor seating (call to make sure dogs are allowed), pet stores and even specialty shops, such as pet bakeries, near any pet-friendly hotels you’re considering. 2
Enjoy your stay with your well-behaved pets – for your Road Trip With Two Dogs.
A good idea is to use common practice for hotels to charge a refundable deposit in case your dog destroys something or makes a mess. Today, most hotels that charge for pets have switched to nonrefundable fees, which can vary from $10 to $250 or more. It’s up to you as to how much is too much, but it’s doubtful that it costs hundreds of dollars to clean a room after a stay by a well-behaved pup.
Before and after stopping.
As you pack your car and get your pups ready, remember that they need to potty before getting inside. I usually take 5 minutes with them to be sure there bladder are empty. We do 2 hours stretch, it could be a nightmare for them if you did not do it.
Navigating the Ultimate Doggy Snack Road Trip Guide
We always try to bring milk bone for snacks with carrots and cucumbers; these veggies have water in them, and it is fun and hydrating. For occupying them at the new house, we use marrow bones filled with peanut butter. They can play for hours with those new bones. If you forgot them, you can usually find a pet store that can sell them to you. Pet stores usually welcome dog insides the premises. My pups love a good sniff at every shelves. Remember also to bring their dog food. We usually bring good quality kibbles with a side of sardines in water. The fish is whole and good for them and it takes little space in my luggage. I also pack the bowl of water and food so there is one thing that smells like home.
Unleashing the Power of Dog-Friendly Destinations
Traveling with your companion doesn’t have to be boring. It is always fun to stop at a dog-friendly destination. I can only tell you how many new parks and trails we discovered because of them. It is a great way to exercise and take a deep breath.
Journey with Memorable Photos of Your Canine Companions
Remember to take a selfie with your doggie. You can take memorable photos in the new park and in a new bed; everything is so much more fun with your pups.
Why the Road Trip With Two Dogs is Worth the Effort?
Embarking on a road trip with your dogs can be a rewarding experience filled with adventure and bonding moments. A dog’s presence can make long drives less lonely and more enjoyable, providing comfort and companionship. By prioritizing their safety and comfort, planning ahead with essential supplies, and ensuring ample exercise, you can create a fantastic travel experience for both you and your furry companions. I promise it is not that difficult! Road trips with dogs are a fantastic way to create shared memories and experiences, whether it’s exploring national parks, visiting pet-friendly attractions, or simply enjoying the open road together in pet-friendly accommodations and local parks to enhance your journey, and be mindful. With a bit of preparation and the right mindset, you’ll find that traveling with your pets can open up a world of possibilities and memories that you’ll cherish for years to come. Happy travels!
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