If your pooch has never had to drive further than the vet’s office, a cross country road trip with your Pet in tow should not be the first thing on your to do list. Before you consider taking them far and wide, you should make sure that your dog is comfortable and happy in your car.
It’s best to acclimate them to car travel when they’re as young as possible to set them up for success when they’re older. If you skipped over car rides in their puppy years or adopted them later in life, don’t worry! They can learn to be pros in the car too.
Start with small trips in the car, and work your way up to longer journeys. Give them lots of praise and Treats that make them go ohhhhhhhhh if they need encouragement. If they have problems with car sickness, try not to feed them for at least a couple of hours before you need to start driving—that will help you avoid any puke on your backseat.
Once they get comfortable on shorter trips, stretch it out further. Try a full-day trip and maybe even overnight. Once they nail that, they’re ready for the long haul.
Every dog has their favorite spots to hang out in the house, and the same rule applies to your car! They’ll be happier and more secure with their own zone, so set up a blanket, dog bed, crate, or specialized dog car seat just for them. Any time they get in the car, they’ll know to go to their spot, which will make the trip more relaxing for them and you—no more swerving as they try to climb into your lap on the Road!
Think through all the things your dog needs in a day and make sure they get packed into one of your bags. That includes basics like food, water, leashes, and poop bags, just-in-case items like dog tags and vaccination records, and the items which make your best friend happy. That could be the cuddly blanket they sleep with or their favourite toy, plus plenty of Treats
Regularity might sound like a tall order when you’re driving, but it’s the little things that matter most. Give your dog constant access to water just like you would at home, and make sure to feed them breakfast and dinner at the same times you normally would.
You also have to factor in regular toilet breaks. Keeping on their normal meal schedule will help you to know how often to stop on your road trip with your dog—about how often you let them out on any other day. If you’re on a road trip with a large dog, you can anticipate fewer bathroom breaks. If you’re on a road trip with a puppy…well, expect frequent stops and bring some piddle pads in case of accidents.
As much as we wish we could bring our dogs everywhere, not every travel destination matches our enthusiasm. Doing your research while you’re still in the trip-planning phase will save you a major headache when you arrive at the park/beach only to discover that dogs are banned almost everywhere.
Pet Taxi
Our pet taxi service is perfect for giving your dog, cat, or small animal a ride to and from appointments or events when you can't take them yourself. It's particularly handy for trips to the vet!
Pet Visits
Are you going on a holiday or just away for a day? We can visit your pet once or twice a day while you're away, so you can kick back and enjoy your time stress-free, knowing your pet is in dafe hands and being regularly visited.
Weddings & Days out
Getting married? Our packages let your furry friend join your big day! Dog Days Out: Adventure walks for dogs of all ages and sizes (except tiny puppies). Ideal for exploring new places and getting extra walking time.
