Tail-Wagging Travels: How to Plan the Best Dog-Friendly Vacation
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Top Tips for Traveling with Dogs
Are you a dog parent who loves to travel and dreams of sharing new adventures with your 4-legged friend? I have some great news- you DON’T have to choose between leaving your pup behind and going on vacation! Traveling with your dog can be a fantastic experience for you both. But before you book that dog-friendly vacation, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of bringing your furry sidekick along and plan accordingly.
I have been traveling with my dogs since 2006 and share my best tips as well as the honest pros and cons of vacationing with your pets. I love bringing my dogs on vacation with me but there is more to planning a successful dog-friendly vacation than packing a bag and your pup’s favorite chew toy.
This comprehensive guide will answer all your questions so you can easily start traveling with your pup. We cover everything you need to know from picking the best dog-friendly accommodations, pet-friendly activities, and travel methods. We also go over the essential preparations for your dog like what to pack, training tips, and their safety needs.
So, no matter if you are thinking about bringing your dog on a cross-country road trip, a plane ride to a new country, camping in the wilderness, or exploring a new city, this guide will give you the best tips for a memorable and stress-free vacation with your dog.
Are you looking for a supportive space to ask questions and share ideas with other dog owners who want to travel with their pups, we invite you to join our Facebook group for Traveling Pet Owners.
Pros and Cons of Taking Your Dog on Vacation
I love to travel and I also love my dogs. So, after moving cross-country with my dog for the first time years ago, I quickly learned that the only way I could still explore new places was by bringing him with me. This being said, I can easily give you multiple reasons why you should bring your dog with you on vacation, but I will also be the first to admit that there are both pros and cons to letting them join you on your adventures.
Pros of a Dog-Friendly Vacation
- You get to have your best friend with you.
- Save money and stress from boarding them or trying to find a responsible pet sitter.
- Your dog gets to experience new things.
- Your dog gets great socialization and training time.
- Fantastic bonding experience.
Cons of a Dog-friendly Vacation
- Not every place or person is dog-friendly.
- There are additional pet fees at some pet-friendly attractions and lodgings.
- Potential added stress on you and your pup.
- Your itinerary needs to revolve around your dog.
Should I Take My Dog on Vacation?
After weighing the pros and cons of traveling with your dog, you still need to ask yourself if you SHOULD bring your pup on your upcoming vacation. As much as I love bringing my dogs with me, not every trip is going to be pup-appropriate. Sometimes, it’s best for everybody if they stay home.
To answer this question, there are several factors you should consider. Your decision should be based on things like where you are going, what you plan on doing, where you will be staying, and the time of year you will be traveling. If your travel plans include lots of flights or will mainly consist of visits to non-dog-friendly places like high-end museums and art galleries, it might be better to leave your pup at home.
Each season will also have its unique challenges when traveling with your pup. For more details on how best to prepare for your upcoming dog-friendly vacation according to the different times of the year, I’ve put together the following posts:
Don’t forget to consider any local breed restrictions, your dog’s species requirements, and their capabilities. Make sure to set you and your dog up for success by avoiding situations that you know will be hard for them. This way you and your pup will enjoy more positive and less stressful experiences on the adventures you do decide to have together.
Breed Requirements and Restrictions When Traveling with Your Dog
Some canine species have special needs and requirements that you need to keep in mind when planning your dog-friendly vacation. This means that the type of dog you have can affect where, when, and even how you travel.
Certain dog breeds are more sensitive to extreme temperatures than others. For example, Huskies and Chow Chows tend to struggle in high heat but Greyhounds and chihuahuas don’t do well in colder temperatures. Knowing what your dog can handle will help you decide where to go and the type of activities you should plan for your trip.
You should also be aware of any breed and weight restrictions they have wherever you plan on staying and the cities you will be traveling to. If you aren’t driving your own car, don’t forget to check any possible restrictions with your mode of transportation as well.
Know What Your Dog Can Handle When Planning a Dog-friendly Vacation
When planning a dog-friendly vacation, be honest about what your dog is capable of and can comfortably handle. Does your pup struggle with high anxiety or any type of aggression issues? Do you know what their triggers are? If you know what situations your dog may struggle with, you can decide if you will be able to successfully avoid or be properly prepared to help your dog deal with any triggers that come up on your trip.
For example, if your dog doesn’t handle crowds well, don’t take them to a festival or into a big city. Instead, consider taking them hiking in the mountains or playing on a beach. The same goes for deciding where you should book your stay. Dogs that are sensitive to noise or that like to bark would do better in a private rental house, cabin, or camping situation instead of a busy hotel.
Not every trip will be ideal for your pup and that’s okay! As much as we love having our dogs with us, we know that sometimes it’s best for them to stay home. If you decide that it would be better for your dog to stay with a pet sitter instead, here’s our guide to set your pet sitter up for success.
How to Plan a Dog-Friendly Vacation
Now that you’ve decided to bring your pup along, it’s time to finally start planning your dog-friendly vacation! This process involves deciding where, when, and how long you would like to go. You will also need to figure out your activities, how you’ll get there, what to bring, and how to properly prepare your dog. I know it seems like a lot, but I’m going to break it down step by step to make traveling with your dog as easy as possible.
Picking a Dog-friendly Destination
Choosing the right destination is key to a successful vacation with your dog. The ideal dog-friendly destination will have both pet-friendly lodging and activities appropriate for your pup.
Choosing Activities for Your Dog-friendly Vacation
Remember, it’s your dog’s vacation too so it’s important to include activities that they will enjoy. Bringing your dog with you on outings will help them with the stress of being in a new place and prevent undesirable behaviors due to pent-up energy.
Most dog-friendly activities are outdoors like hiking or visiting the beach, but you should always try to find at least one or two indoor activities just in case there’s bad weather. If you are having problems finding something to do indoors, try contacting private and locally owned museums or haunted and historic buildings. I have found both of these types of attractions are more likely to be pet-friendly than large-scale attractions.
Finding a Place to Stay on Your Dog-friendly Vacation
When you are planning a dog-friendly vacation, it’s important to find a place to stay that will fit both you and your pup’s needs. Depending on your destination, you will be able to choose between all the basics. You could go camping, book a cabin, hotel, or even a private rental like an Airbnb or VRBO. If you know someone in the area, you could even stay with a friend or family member!
I’ll go over the pros and cons of each to help you pick the best one for your circumstances. The best lodging when you are traveling with your dog will change based on factors from everything to your dog’s personality, the weather, location, and the activities you will be doing.
Camping When Traveling With Your Dog
Going camping is one of my favorite ways to travel with my dogs. Campgrounds typically have fewer restrictions than pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals which makes it more feasible for people who are traveling with bigger and/or multiple dogs like us.
Camping is also one of the more budget-friendly options when it comes to lodging after you invest in your equipment. Whether you decide to go tent camping or use an RV, you’ll be staying within your own property. This means less stress worrying about any damage to a place that isn’t yours.
Take a look at our tips for taking your dog camping to help prepare for your upcoming camping adventure.
When you camp, you’ll have more space than just sharing a thin wall between you and your neighbors. This makes it easier if you have a dog that likes to bark at noises that are close by. You can even choose to have no neighbors if you decide to go backcountry camping or if you choose a primitive campsite.
If you are tent camping, it’s important to make sure someone is always with your dog. Leaving your dog alone even for a short time can be disastrous because they can easily escape the tent since it doesn’t have solid walls. You will also have to set aside extra time to set up and break down your campsite which can make late-night arrivals difficult.
The downside of camping (especially in a tent) is that you will be at the whims of the elements. Extreme weather and temperatures can easily derail your plans, so staying on top of the weather report is especially important.
RV camping with your dog will give you many of the same bonuses of staying at a hotel without the stress of high activity outside your room. Unfortunately, buying an RV is a large investment though you may be able to rent one that will allow you to bring your pets with you.
Hotel Stays During Your Dog-friendly Vacation
Hotel stays are full of conveniences that you won’t have if you go camping. Booking a room is great when you are traveling with your dog because you will have a real bed, bathroom, air conditioning, heat, and running water. Some hotels even allow you to leave your dog alone in your room for short periods as long as they aren’t disruptive to other guests.
The downside of course is that the constant noise and activity that happens in hotels may be overstimulating for your pup. If you are worried about an upcoming hotel stay, take a look at our tips on taking your dog to a hotel post.
The most important part of booking a hotel or motel for your dog-friendly vacation is to make sure that the location is actually dog-friendly. There are several websites and apps available that can help you find pet-friendly accommodations. This can be helpful BUT I highly suggest you always call the hotel directly to verify that information. I’ve heard multiple horror stories from people using popular sites to book a pet-friendly room only to arrive and be turned away because the hotel has changed its policy, or the information had been wrongly reported.
Be careful when you go over each location’s pet policy and FAQs so you will have a better idea of the final cost and get a better idea of how pet-friendly it is. One important thing to check is whether you are allowed to leave your dog unaccompanied in your room while you are gone.
Most hotels do have breed and size restrictions along with a limit on how many animals are allowed per room. Some businesses will also charge you extra fees if your animals are traveling with you.
There are a few hotel chains like Red Roof Inn or Motel 6 that do not have a pet fee (though again you should verify any restrictions or changes in policy). It’s always good to keep a few pet-friendly chains like these in mind if you are traveling with your dog and want to book your hotel stays while you are on the move.
Booking a Cabin or a Vacation Rental During Your Dog-friendly Vacation
Staying at a dog-friendly cabin or other type of vacation rental will have many of the same advantages and drawbacks as getting a room at a hotel. In most cases, you will have solid walls, electricity, and running water. But you will also have to follow the rules about breed restrictions, pet limits, and pet sizes.
We typically book private vacation rentals on our dog-friendly vacations when we are staying in one place and plan to do some activities without our pups. We have found that it’s much easier to book a rental or cabin with more than 2 dogs than a hotel room in most areas. This is especially true if you have a record of good guest reviews from previous stays. (Here is our guide on how to get good guest reviews when staying at a private vacation rental.)
The main difference between staying at a hotel versus a vacation rental or cabin is that you will get to enjoy a little more peace and quiet. Cabins and many rentals will have you sleeping in your own little house which means no loud neighbors on the other side of the wall. This is fantastic if you or your pet aren’t used to apartment living. Some rentals will also have a fully fenced-in yard, allowing your dog some fun and safe off-leash playtime. This can help provide your pup with some much-needed exercise during your dog-friendly vacation.
Just like hotels, you will want to find out what the pet rules and fees are. The fees with vacation rentals can be hard to navigate because they can be disguised as pet fees, pet deposits, pet rent, or even specialty cleaning fees. Some places allow pets in the beds and on furniture whereas others might not even allow your pets in the bedrooms. Make sure you and your dog will be able to follow the rules before booking your stay because the penalties can quickly add up.
Staying With Friends During Your Dog-friendly Vacation
If you are lucky enough to have friends or family in the area, you may be able to stay with them. This option is great when you are traveling with your dog because it’s free and generally less stressful for everybody. Your dog can be around people it knows and your pup can tell that you are comfortable there too.
You might even luck out and have someone there who can watch your dog if you want to leave the house for a while. Our cousin was kind enough to watch our dogs so we could spend a day at the State Fair in Minnesota on one trip.
On the other hand, it can be a stressful experience if the house you are staying at is full of breakable items and your dog has a nice, firm, happy tail. Or if other animals live in the house- especially if your dog has never met them.
If you are unsure of how your dog will be in the home, you should prepare for the worst-case scenario. In this case, it would be your dog not getting along with the other animals in the home. This can be easily fixed as long as you remember to bring a crate or even a baby gate to help keep your animals separated and safe.
Transportation During Your Dog-friendly Vacation
A big part of planning a vacation with your dog is figuring out transportation. Not only will you have to decide on how you both will be getting to and from your vacation spot, but also how you will get from place to place while you are there. Depending on where you will be traveling with your dog, you may be able to drive, fly, take a boat, train, Uber, Lyft, or taxi. The best choice of course will depend on your pup.
Traveling with Your Dog in a Car
In most cases, the best and easiest way to travel with your dog is in a car. Road tripping gives you the ultimate control over when you can stop for meals, bathroom breaks, and anything else you and your dog may need. It also gives you more flexibility during your vacation in case you need to change your plans at the last minute.
Driving your own vehicle will typically be best because your dog will be more used to it and therefore more comfortable. If you are renting a vehicle, you’ll need to make sure that you are getting a pet-friendly rental, so you don’t end up with extra fines and cleaning fees.
No matter whose vehicle you end up taking, you’ll want to make sure you have the proper road trip supplies for your dog as well as choose the safest way for your dog to travel inside the car. Depending on the size of your vehicle and how it is packed, you will have to decide whether your dog will ride free-range, wear a seatbelt, or be crated while you are driving.
I found the biggest concern pet owners have when traveling with their dogs is how they can go to the bathroom. If you are trying to figure out your best options, here’s a guide on how to use the restroom when you are road-tripping with your dog to help you plan ahead of time.
Unfortunately, driving long distances will take much longer than simply hopping on an airplane. This means that the time at your destination may be shorter than if you fly. On the other hand, planning fun stops along the way during your road trip is part of the fun!
Traveling with Your Dog in an Airplane
Unfortunately, many airlines have recently changed their pet policies because of several incidents that have occurred during flights. This has made flying with your dog more difficult than it used to be.
If you are considering flying with your dog, I highly suggest that you research the current restrictions and requirements that each airline and country has for pets. Most airlines will require proof of vaccinations or even a health certificate from a veterinarian that says they are healthy enough to fly. There will also be specific requirements for their travel crates and how they get checked in.
Every airport will be set up differently. Some have areas with artificial grass for animals to use the bathroom, but others may require you to take your dog outside. You will want to be prepared for either scenario and bring potty pads or diapers for the trip.
These requirements will also change depending on the country you are flying to. Because the information found online can be confusing, you should always verify by calling the airline directly to make sure you have everything you need. This is especially important because most of the steps involved will take some time and effort to get them done properly.
If you have a small dog, they are usually allowed to ride in the cabin of the plane with you as long as they are in a travel-approved crate. If you have a bigger dog, your pup will have to fly in the cargo section. This means that you need to check them in on your flight similar to luggage and you won’t be able to see them until you pick them up at your final destination.
This can be stressful for both you and your dog, especially with some of the recent stories of animals being lost or injured during this process. One thing that may help you keep your dog safe is using a GPS tracker. This way, you will be able to monitor your dog’s movements during the flights and connections.
If you want to make sure your dog can stay with you during your flight no matter their size, you will have to book a charter flight. JSX is an affordable public company that allows dogs of all sizes in the cabin with you.
Sometimes the only way to get to your desired destination is to fly. Even if driving is an option, flying is much quicker so you’d be able to spend more time at your actual vacation spot. The downside of flying is that it can be a stressful experience for both you and your dog and will involve extra work on your part to get everything the airline requires and to verify that your dog is up to date on vaccinations and healthy enough to fly.
Keep in mind that many airlines have breed restrictions, which might affect your flight plans. These restrictions can go beyond your typical ‘bully breeds’. Some don’t allow brachycephalic breeds which are dogs with smushed-up noses like pugs.
Traveling with Your Dog in a Lyft, Uber, or Taxi
If you end up needing a ride during your vacation, you may wonder what your options may be. Even when you are traveling with your dog, you can still use cars for hire like taxis, Lyft, or Uber.
If you need to call for a ride, you can use companies like Lyft or Uber to get you and your pup to where you need to go. Both companies do allow pets to join their owners on the rides BUT they let each driver decide whether they want animals in their vehicle.
This means that when you request a ride with either company, you will need to reach out to your driver right away to let them know you have a pet with you. It is recommended to have your pet in a carrier or to bring along a blanket to cover the seating area to limit any extra mess from shedding.
For those of you who prefer taxis, I recommend that you call the taxi company that you want to ride with ahead of time. This way you will be able to let them know that you will need a pet-friendly cab. Then they can find a driver willing to have an animal in their vehicle.
Traveling with Your Dog on Public Transportation-Buses, Trains, and Boats
Public transportation is great, especially in high-traffic areas or if you are traveling longer distances, but when you are traveling with an animal, using it can be a little tricky. This includes things like buses, trains, ferries, and boats. In some cases, using public transportation may be one of the only ways you can access a location, like if you are trying to get to an island.
Pet policies and restrictions make it difficult if you are depending on these transportation methods or if you need flexibility for last-minute travel changes. This is because every city and company has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to traveling with your dog.
Many forms of public transportation have weight restrictions. Others require you to have your dog contained in a travel crate or have restrictions on the length of time on your trip. Amtrak, for example, only allows dogs and cats under 20 lb (this includes their travel crate) on trips that are 7 hours or less. Make sure you do your research ahead of time to learn what options will be available to you.
Research the Area Where You Will be Traveling With Your Dog
It’s always a good idea to do a little research about the place you plan on traveling to. This is especially true when you are traveling with your dog! You’ll want to look at the weather forecast, area wildlife, and more. If you take the time to learn about the environment you and your dog will be in during your trip, you will have a better idea of what you need to bring and do to make sure your pup is comfortable and safe.
Be Aware of Weather and Natural Disasters
Check the weather for your upcoming stay. This includes the average temperature and weather so you know if you will need to bring coats, towels, rain gear, etc. for your pup. You will also want to find out if the place that you’re traveling to is at risk for any extreme natural events or storms so you can prepare an emergency plan if you need it.
This is one of the reasons I recommend having a few backup plans for your vacation. Depending on where you are traveling with your pup, you could be faced with flooding, tornadoes, hurricanes, or wildfires just to name a few. Unfortunately, in severe weather like hurricanes, most emergency shelters do not allow dogs or require crates and proof of vaccinations. Having a plan on where to go with your pets in case something goes wrong will help you and your pets get to safety as quickly as possible.
These are things that you never think will happen to you until it does. We have been forced from our campsite due to area flooding. Unfortunately, we were in a place with no cell phone service making it even more difficult to try to find different lodging for the rest of our vacation. Having a backup plan on that trip made everything go much more smoothly.
Find out What Wildlife You and Your Dog May Encounter
No matter where you are traveling with your pup, you should always find out what kind of wildlife (especially predators) live in the area. This way you will know what to look out for and if you may need to take any extra precautions. This is important even if you are staying in a city or suburb.
You can still find wildlife like snakes, scorpions, birds of prey, bears, and even alligators in residential areas. Find out what animals live nearby so you can take any extra steps you need to keep your pets safe.
Here are just a few examples of what to look out for when traveling with your dog:
- If you have a smaller dog, you will want to find out if any birds of prey live in the area, so you know to keep a closer eye out on your dog when they are outside.
- Some animals can be deadly if consumed. Bufo or Cane toads are severely toxic to dogs and your pup can get sick by just licking them. These animals are found in many southern states.
- In an area with bears, you will want to be extra careful not to leave any crumbs around your tent after feeding your dog dinner or treats.
- For any tropical vacation, it is important to know that alligators can climb fences so if you are renting a place near the water, you should always do a quick scan before sending your dogs or kids out into the fenced-in yard.
- If the area is home to venomous snakes or scorpions, you will want to prevent your pets from exploring nooks and crevices where those types of animals could be resting.
Research the Area’s Toxic Plants, Nuts, and Fungi
Wild animals are not the only thing you need to keep an eye out for when you are traveling with your dog. If your dog likes to explore with their mouth, you’ll want to find out if there are any toxic plants, nuts, or mushrooms in the area you will be staying or hiking in. For your sake, you should also be able to spot plants like poison ivy, which your dog can pass on to you via contact.
Learn what the plants look like, as well as some of the symptoms your dog might show if they ate something bad. In more severe cases, the quicker you can take action, the better the outcome will be for your pup.
There are several apps available now to help you identify a plant if you are worried about something you or your dog comes into contact with. You can also take a photo of the item and bring it in with you to a vet clinic for a quicker diagnosis.
Get Travel Insurance for Your Dog-friendly Vacation
Travel insurance is becoming increasingly necessary in today’s world. Did you know that more and more companies like Travel Insurance Master are recognizing the importance of making sure your pet is covered too?
It doesn’t matter if you are traveling with your dog, or have decided to leave them at home, consider including them in your travel insurance plan. Doing this creates the perfect safety net for your whole family.
Did your car break down or is your flight delayed and you can’t get back home to your pets? Pet travel insurance can even help cover the cost of boarding your pets longer or paying your pet sitter to keep them safe until you can get back home.
Adding your pup to your travel insurance can also cover things like emergency vet visits and overnight stays that are needed on your dog-friendly vacation. It can even help you recoup the cost if you have to end your vacation early (or cancel it) because your pet is sick.
Take the time to research your current pet insurance plan and think about where and what your dog will be doing on vacation to see whether adding a pet-friendly bundle to your travel insurance will be worth it. For more information, you can also check out this post about Travel Insurance for Dogs.
Preparing Your Dog for Vacation
Once your vacation plans have come together, you also need to prepare your dog for the trip. Making sure your dog is ready for vacation is more than just packing their gear- even though that’s important too. You will need to make sure their microchip info, medical records, and medications are up to date as well as making sure they are physically ready for your upcoming adventures.
Medical Needs and Identifying Information
Before you get started on your dog-friendly vacation you need to make sure your dog is healthy and up to date on any vaccinations they will need. Talk to your vet ahead of time to see what they recommend for the area you are traveling to and the activities that your pup will be participating in.
Some areas and businesses may require proof of vaccinations so make sure you check their requirements so you can make copies of what’s needed before your trip.
This is also a good time to refill any medication your dog may need while you are gone as well as make sure they have proper Heartworm, Flea, and Tick prevention. Remember to pack a few extra days of medication so your dog is covered if you are delayed during your trip for any reason.
If you and your dog get separated during your vacation, you should have an updated picture of them easily accessible. This way you have a good, current photo to use to make fliers and post online so people will be able to help reunite you and your pup.
One of the most important things you need to do before traveling with your dog is to check and update your pet’s microchip and ID tag information. Any vet clinic can do a quick microchip scan to make sure it’s still working. You should also verify that the contact information for you is up to date on everything associated with your pup.
Feel free to take extra steps to make it easier for people to contact you if they find your dog. Some ideas are getting your phone number stitched onto their collars and harnesses. We attach a Pet Travel ID to each dog’s leash, harness, or backpack when traveling and have a copy that we carry on us and in our vehicles. The Pet Travel ID has our dog’s photo, information for two different people to contact if they find our dog and a place for any behavioral or medical concerns the finder needs to be aware of.
We also bring each of their Pup Memory Passports on the trip. The Passports give us quick access to their vet information including a list of current medication in case of an emergency vet visit as well as photos.
Behaviors to Train for Your Dog-friendly Vacation
There are 4 main behaviors that your pup should know before your dog-friendly vacation. Remember that you will be taking your dog into an area that you cannot control, and these behaviors will help keep you and your pup safe while you are away from home.
- Emergency Recall
- Leave it
- Loose Leash Walking
- Drop it
Emergency recall is the most important behavior your dog needs to know in case they ever get away from you. This is how you can get them back before they get hurt or lost. Leave it and drop it are both useful when your dog comes across something that they need to leave alone.
Being able to walk your dog without them pulling you all over the place not only makes the trip more enjoyable, it also shows people that you and your dog are in control and can be trusted. No one wants to be around a dog that is jumping and pulling everywhere. Traveling with an out-of-control dog can be dangerous and costly, especially if they end up hurting someone or breaking something.
Once you master these basics, you can start working on other behaviors from our guide on Basic Commands to Teach Your Traveling Dog that will make your outings even more effortless. You can also teach them certain tricks that will help you get cute pics of your dog on vacation for your scrapbook or Pup Memory Passport.
Get Ready for the Activities on Your Dog-friendly Vacation
Don’t forget to get your pup ready for any activities you have planned during your dog-friendly vacation that they don’t normally participate in. This includes longer than normal hikes or trails through drastically different landscapes.
You can do this by finding areas to walk that closely mimic where you will be traveling to and slowly increasing your distance. Walk on a beach if you will be traveling to a place with sand dunes, or do more hills and stairs if your trip will be taking you to the mountains. This will be helpful to you too! Sudden changes in physical activity are tough on everyone.
Consider doing some additional strength training before your trip in case you end up needing to carry your dog on the trail in case of exhaustion or injury. Emergency harnesses are incredibly helpful, but you should practice getting your dog in and out of it as well as getting used to walking with the additional weight of your pup.
If your adventures will take you to an area that is busier and more populated than your dog is used to, you can try taking mini trips to dog-friendly stores or marketplaces to help your dog get used to more activity.
When you are traveling with your dog, remember that it’s okay to stop and take a break! If you or your dog get overstimulated or tired for whatever reason, you should find a quiet space and take a moment to re-center. Recognize when your dog needs a break to avoid pushing your dog’s limits so they learn to trust that you have their back.
What to Bring on Your Dog-friendly Vacation
When traveling with your dog, there are some supplies that you should never leave home without. This list covers the most basic items you should take when going on a dog-friendly vacation, though what you need will change slightly depending on your travel plans.
ID/Tag- Attach a Pet Travel ID and/or tag to their harness, leash, collar, or backpack. This way if someone finds your dog, it will be easy for them to get ahold of you right away.
Food/ Medication/Supplements- Make sure you have enough food to last a few days beyond the duration of your trip. This way, your dog will have enough if you get delayed for any reason.
Standard Collar/Leash– Many areas have laws requiring your dog to be on a leash.
Water– Bring a container that you can refill. You can also pick up gallon jugs of water from your local grocery store.
Portable bowls– Bring bowls that are easy to transport for your dog’s food and water needs.
Poop bags– It’s the law and helps stop the spread of disease.
Dog Crate– Keep your pup secure and safe wherever you go.
Reusable Diapers– These come in handy if your dog likes to mark if they tend to pee in excitement or when they get nervous. These are great if you are staying in a rental, hotel, or someone else’s home.
Dog First Aid Kit– You can buy one ready-made and see our guide for a DIY Dog First Aid Kit to find out what else you may want to add to it.
High Reward Dog Treats – You want to make listening to you worth it for your dogs
Recall Whistle– If you use one- it doesn’t have to be expensive- just loud
GPS tracker– A GPS tracker can be a lifesaver if your dog gets lost on vacation. There are several different types available, so we put together a guide to help you choose the best one for you and your dog.
Quick Tips for Traveling with Your Dog for the First Time
If you are traveling with your dog for the first time it can be overwhelming. Here are some quick tips to help you on your way!
- For your first overnight trip, keep your trip short (2-3 days) and stay close to home. This way there is less pressure because you don’t have to worry about making sure you have everything with you and it’s a great way to dip your feet in the water and learn what you and your dog need to work on before your next adventure.
- Bring a crate. Even if you end up not having to use it, it is a great backup tool if you end up needing it. Our dogs don’t typically stay in crates when we aren’t home, but we will use them if the rules require it, if they need to be separated from other animals in the home, or if there are safety concerns. It is always better to be prepared.
- No matter where you are staying, try to get a room or campsite that is in a low-traffic area. This will help your dog be less overstimulated by a constant flow of strangers around their temporary home.
- Practice makes perfect! Give you and your dog plenty of grace. Traveling with your pup is a learning experience for both of you. Each time out, you will learn a new trick to make your next trip even better. You’ll start to learn a lot about what your dog likes, doesn’t like, and what they can and can’t handle, which will make you an even better pet parent to them!
- Set your dog up for success! Ultimately as pet parents, it is up to us to make sure that our dogs (and the people/animals around them) are safe. This means paying attention to our pups’ cues and not forcing them into or making them stay in situations that are overly stressful or dangerous to them. Always do what is best for your dog!
Cheapest Way to Travel with Your Dog
I live firmly in the budget travel camp. The less money I spend, the more trips I get to go on! Here are the cheapest ways I’ve found to travel with your dog:
- If you can’t crash at a friend or family member’s house, then camping is easily the cheapest accommodation (after you make the original investment in camping gear). If you are adventurous enough, you can even camp for free in most parks in the backcountry.
- Hiking is great because it is low-cost (usually free) and will ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise and the opportunity to smell all sorts of new things.
- Road tripping will save you money because you won’t have to pay for an extra ticket or fees for your pet and you will be able to easily bring all of the supplies you and your pup will need instead of having to buy or rent it when you arrive at your destination.
If you are looking for more ways to save money on your upcoming trip, we also have a post about low-budget travel tips.
Happy Trails and Wagging Tails!
So, there you have it- all my best tips to help you get started on planning some epic dog-friendly vacations! The most important thing to remember is to put your dog’s needs and limitations first, be flexible, and plan ahead.
Though there will always be challenges, the joy of sharing new experiences and adventures with your pup is totally worth it if you weigh those pros and cons first. Once you’ve decided that your dog will be joining you on your trip, it’s time to do a little research, start packing, and double-check that your pup is ready to hit the road. Every trip will make the next one easier! Take notes, lots of pictures, and don’t forget to enjoy and learn from each experience. Happy trails and tails to you and your pup!
Don’t forget to join our Traveling Pet Owners Facebook Group where you can share your stories, tips, and destinations with other pet owners. Learning from each other’s firsthand experiences can make all the difference!
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