Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Stella & Chewy’s as part of my year-long partnership with them. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make THM possible.
Embarking on new adventures, exploring scenic landscapes, and creating lasting memories are experiences many of us cherish. What makes these journeys even more special? Sharing them with our beloved canine companions. For dedicated dog parents, the idea of leaving their furry friend behind during travel can be heartbreaking. We understand this sentiment deeply, having integrated our loyal companion, Bodhi, into our travel lifestyle from a very young age. We got our puppy just 3.5 months before packing up our lives and hitting the road for a cross-country road trip. While some might have considered us “crazy,” for us, it felt absolutely right. Training Bodhi early on for long car rides and even flights was a natural choice, aligning perfectly with our passion for exploration.
Our initial journeys certainly had their share of literal and figurative bumps, but through perseverance and a lot of learning, we’ve not only mastered the art of traveling with our dog but have also discovered immense joy in it. In fact, Bodhi adapted to the travel lifestyle much quicker than we did! Now, the moment suitcases appear, he knows an exciting adventure awaits. While there are rare occasions when he stays home, for the vast majority of our trips, he’s right there with us. To ensure every journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible for everyone, a well-thought-out packing list is absolutely essential.
Essential Dog Travel Packing List: Prepare for Any Adventure
Preparing for a trip with your dog requires more than just tossing a few items into a bag. A comprehensive packing list ensures your pet’s comfort, safety, and well-being throughout your journey. Here’s what we always make sure to bring:
- High-Quality Dog Food: This might seem obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to overlook in the pre-travel rush. Trust us, we’ve almost forgotten it once! Depending on the trip’s duration, we either bring an entire bag of Stella & Chewy’s dog food or meticulously measure out the necessary portions, adding a few extra scoops for unforeseen delays. Sudden dietary changes can cause digestive upset in dogs, so relying on buying a new brand at your destination is never a good idea. We feed Bodhi Stella and Chewy’s Raw Blend Kibble, which he absolutely adores. It’s grain-free, crafted with organic fruits and vegetables, and features grass-fed or cage-free meats. Maintaining his consistent, healthy diet helps keep him comfortable and familiar amidst the changes of travel. For more insights on optimal canine nutrition, check out this informative post. (P.S. – grab a $5 off coupon for kibble here!)
- Food and Water Dishes: These are non-negotiable. For convenience on the go, we often pack a portable, pop-up silicone dish. However, for longer stays or when space isn’t an issue, bringing his familiar ceramic or stainless steel bowls from home can provide an extra layer of comfort and routine.
- Comfortable Dog Bed: Bodhi truly becomes the “king of the road” with his dog bed in the back seat. He lounges and sleeps like royalty, being chauffeured across the country. A familiar bed provides a sense of security and a designated resting spot, whether in the car, a hotel room, or a friend’s home. This familiar scent and comfort can significantly reduce travel-related anxiety.
- Travel Crate (if applicable): For many dogs, a crate is a safe sanctuary. If your dog is crate-trained, bringing their crate offers a secure, private space. It’s invaluable for times when you need to leave your dog alone in a hotel room or at a host’s home, ensuring they are contained, safe, and less prone to mischief.
- Favorite Toys: We rarely leave without a tennis ball, as it provides endless entertainment for Bodhi and is incredibly compact. Pack a few of your dog’s most cherished toys to keep them mentally stimulated and happy, helping to alleviate boredom or anxiety during downtime or long travel stretches.
- Healthy Treats and Chews: Rewarding good behavior is crucial, especially during travel. We always keep Stella & Chewy’s treats on hand. After being a champion in the car, Bodhi definitely earns a few Carnivore Crunch pieces! Treats can also be great for distraction during stressful moments or for reinforcing positive associations with new environments.
- Collar, Leash, and Harness: Always pack your dog’s regular collar with up-to-date ID tags, a sturdy leash, and their harness if they use one. It’s also wise to bring a backup leash, just in case. Ensure all tags have your current contact information, including your mobile number, which is vital when you’re away from home.
- Medication and Supplements: If your dog requires any medication or supplements, pack them in clearly labeled containers with dosage instructions. It’s also a good idea to bring copies of prescriptions and your veterinarian’s contact information. Consider a small pet first-aid kit for minor scrapes or ailments.
Pro Tips for Happy Dog Travel: Beyond the Packing List
Beyond the essential gear, understanding how to navigate the logistics and emotional aspects of travel with your dog is key to a successful trip. These additional tips will help you and your furry friend enjoy every moment:
- Research Pet-Friendly Accommodations and Activities in Advance: This is paramount to avoiding disappointment and stress. Whether you’re staying with family, at a hotel, or camping, always verify their pet policy. Most establishments accommodate pets (often for a fee), but confirming beforehand provides immense peace of mind. Resources like AllTrails are excellent for finding dog-friendly hiking routes, while Bring Fido is an invaluable tool for locating pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and activities worldwide. Pay attention to specific rules, such as size restrictions, leash requirements, and designated pet areas.
- Manage Your Stress, Not Just Your Dog’s Habits: It’s common for dogs to have altered eating, drinking, and sleeping patterns while traveling. Think about yourself – do you stick to your exact routines when you’re on vacation? Probably not. Your dog is no different. Our rule of thumb is to ensure Bodhi always has his fundamental needs met (food, water, a comfortable place to rest) but then to let go of expectations regarding perfect routines. Dogs are incredibly perceptive; if you’re calm and happy, your dog is far more likely to feel secure and enjoy the journey too.
- Understand and Respect Your Dog’s Boundaries: Every dog has their limits. If your dog isn’t suited for a grueling, multi-hour hike, or if they become overwhelmed by noisy crowds or boisterous children, acknowledge these limitations. Pushing your dog beyond their comfort zone can lead to stress, fear, or behavioral issues. Prioritize activities that genuinely align with your dog’s temperament and physical capabilities. A happy dog makes for a happier owner and a more enjoyable trip for everyone.
The packing list and general advice above are applicable whether you’re traveling by car or plane. However, each mode of transportation comes with its own specific considerations.
Hitting the Road: Traveling with Your Dog in a Car
Car travel offers flexibility and the chance to explore hidden gems with your dog by your side. As mentioned, Bodhi was introduced to long car rides at just three months old, which made a huge difference. Starting young is ideal, but even older dogs can learn to love car trips! Bodhi adores the car and is known for snuggling anyone in the back seat (occasionally, C feels like our chauffeur because I enjoy sitting in the back with him!). Here are a few essential tips for comfortable and safe car travel with your dog:
- Create the Ultimate Cozy Den: Make the back seat a true sanctuary for your dog. For Bodhi, this means his bed, soft blankets, favorite toys, and a long-lasting chew. When the car feels like a comfortable extension of home, they’ll behave more relaxed. We then transition these familiar items into our accommodations, helping them settle quickly in new environments. Consider safety harnesses or car seats for smaller dogs, and secure crates for larger ones, to protect them in case of sudden stops.
- Keep Food and Water Accessible: We learned this the hard way! Keep your dog’s food and water bowls readily available in the front seat or an easily accessible spot. While we always stop for full meals, occasionally Bodhi needs a quick drink while we’re driving. We carry a dedicated water bottle for him and pour it into a collapsible bowl as needed, pouring any leftovers back into the bottle. Just remember which bottle is for the dog!
- Plan Your Stops and Meals in Advance: Nothing is more frustrating than arriving at a destination only to find out dogs aren’t allowed. We strongly dislike leaving Bodhi alone in the car, especially during warmer weather. Before hitting the road, research dog-friendly rest stops, parks, restaurants with outdoor seating, and trails along your route. This proactive approach ensures you know exactly where you can safely pull off for bathroom breaks, exercise, and meals, especially in areas where cell service or Wi-Fi might be spotty. Locate emergency veterinary clinics along your route as well.
Soaring High: Flying with Your Dog
Flying with your dog requires meticulous planning and adherence to strict airline regulations. As you may know, Bodhi is my Emotional Support Animal (ESA), so he flies with me, sleeping comfortably at my feet. Since he weighs 70 lbs, I find flying alone with him too anxiety-inducing. However, almost always flying with a companion means that as long as we’re seated together, Bodhi happily rests at our feet, making the experience totally seamless. Here are crucial tips for flying with your dog:
- Master the Airline Rules: Understanding the nuances between service animals, emotional support animals, and pets is critical. If your dog is an ESA (more details here), you absolutely MUST have your official ESA letter with you at all times. For pets, airlines have strict weight limits for dogs allowed in the cabin (usually under 20-25 lbs, including the carrier) versus those traveling in the cargo hold. Research breed restrictions, health certificate requirements, and specific carrier dimensions well in advance.
- Contact the Airline Proactively: Regardless of your dog’s status, always call the airline ahead of time. Even with Bodhi as an ESA and numerous flights under his belt, we always give the airline a heads-up. For some airlines, this is mandatory; for others, it’s highly recommended. If your dog is a standard pet traveling in the cabin, you’ll likely need to pay a pet fee, and airlines often limit the number of pets on each flight. Book your tickets and call the airline as early as possible to secure your dog’s spot.
- Consider Bulkhead Seating for Larger Dogs: If your dog is large enough to require more space, booking bulkhead seats (those with extra legroom at the front of the plane) is highly advisable. This provides ample room for them to lie down comfortably without obstructing the aisle. However, absolutely DO NOT book exit row seats; dogs are not permitted to block emergency exits and you will be asked to move.
- Pack High-Value, Calming Treats: Bodhi has learned that cooked chicken equals plane rides. We prepare small bites of cooked chicken breast and feed them to him throughout the airport experience and during the flight. These high-reward treats help keep his attention, offer distraction, and create positive associations with flying. Calming chews or natural supplements can also be helpful for anxious travelers.
- Limit Food and Water Pre-Flight: To prevent accidents, restrict food and water intake for your dog approximately two hours before your flight. This minimizes the risk of upset stomachs or needing a potty break during the flight, especially on shorter trips.
- Exhaust Them Beforehand: A tired dog is a well-behaved traveler. We try to book later flights to allow Bodhi ample time to run around and burn off energy before heading to the airport. Ensure your dog has had plenty of exercise, and make sure they’ve had sufficient opportunities to relieve themselves (#1 and #2) right before arriving at the airport.
- Invest in the Right Carrier: For dogs traveling in the cabin, an airline-approved carrier is essential. It must fit under the seat in front of you, be well-ventilated, and allow your dog to stand up and turn around comfortably. While Bodhi’s ESA status means I don’t use a carrier for him, many pet owners highly recommend the Sleepypod air carrier for its comfort and compliance.
- Know Your Dog’s Temperament: This is perhaps the most critical tip. If your dog is highly anxious, prone to panic in public, or struggles with confinement, flying might not be the best option for them. It’s okay to acknowledge this. Prioritize your dog’s comfort and well-being over your desire to bring them along. Sometimes, a trusted pet sitter or a road trip alternative is the kinder choice.
Ready to discover some amazing dog-friendly destinations? Here are just a few of the incredible places where Bodhi has joined us on our adventures:
- Mendocino, CA
- Badlands, SD
- Colorado
- Moab, UT