Traveling with Dogs

Not all dogs are built for travel, but when they are – you’ve found your furever co-pilot or backseat director, happy to go wherever you go. Whether your pups are sitting beside you, hanging over your shoulder, or crated safely in the back of the vehicle, traveling with dogs brings new meaning and fresh moments to family road trips. Exploring the Appalachian Trail and investigating snow-mobile trails with your best furry friend and family member takes “going for a walk” to a whole new level.

Chase and Topez adapted to traveling differently. While Topez had interest in her new surroundings, she remained slightly aloof and anxious about what was going on. Chase, on the other hand, could make a home out of a paper box and still wake up every morning excited to start the day. He didn’t care where he was, as long as he was with us. It took Topez a while to realize that moving all the time was okay. That no, we weren’t going to give her up like others had done to her. That yes, we were just out to see the country and live life. Eventually, she didn’t care where she was either, she just wanted to be with us.

Traveling with dogs can bring a lot of surprises. Some you’re ready for and some you aren’t. We weren’t ready for Chase to come nose to nose with a bear or for Topez to try to eat a poisonous toad. These were lessons, but everyone made it through to the other side safely. Surprises such as the late-night vomit or emergency bathroom break are usually what we’re prepared for, which can be a lot more difficult to tend to on the road.

But the many upsides to traveling with dogs is you never lack for fun and adventure. Dogs always seem to be ready for the next big thing, good news, and fun times. They’ll lead the way, hike the trails, enjoy the same views, and explore the outdoor world with you. If you have found a canine traveler to journey with you by your side, traveling instantly becomes exciting and interesting.

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Day or night, short- or long-term, indoor or outdoor, traveling is pretty much all the same to dogs. Preparing for the practical, such as food, water, bowls, leashes, and collars, to the just-in-case, such as a first aid kit, rags, documentation, crates, and blankets, other things to consider when traveling with dogs include:

• Identification – carry proof your pets are your pets. Keep identification tags up-to-date and clearly visible on your dog’s collar. The tag should include your dog’s name, your name, and one or two phone numbers where you can be reached.

• Pack a bag for your pup. You’re not the only one who needs a to-go bag. Pack enough food and water, plus any supplements or medications to last longer than the road trip. That’s the thing about the road – you just never know. Other items such as bowls, bug preventatives, toys, bedding, crate, towels, and an extra collar and leash (per dog) are also essential to have on hand. Things like a first aid kit, calming remedies, outdoor runs, waste bags, and grooming tools also help keep our pups comfortable and happy.

• Consider an extra emergency bag. Consider a second bag that contains items such as blankets, rags, medical and calming wraps, hunting vest, bear spray, and life vest. You never know when you hit the road. It often hits back, and in ways you may not think are relevant at the time of your departure. But also, customize the second bag with items related to your destination or similar (ie. the environment and surrounding wildlife). Bonus tip: Blankets are a must since they can be “a life saver” in a wide variety of scenarios.
• Bring plenty of water. It’s worth noting again to stock enough water for your travels. If you run out, water doesn’t just magically appear for you to drink. Unfortunately, it’s possible to find yourself without, and water is essential to survival. It depends on the size and activity level of your dog, as well as the weather, but you can never have too much water with you. Sadly, the consequences of too little water can be lethal.
• Know where the local emergency veterinarian is located. Map out the area vet clinics you can rush to in an emergency. Keep your own veterinarian’s phone number on-hand as well.

• The toy. You know the one. The favorite. The one they carry everywhere, sleep with, and is soaked from slobber. That one. That toy. Do not forget it. You want to travel with your pup and have peace? Do not forget the favorite toy. And for goodness’ sake have a backup in case the toy somehow gets lost in your travels. (Another lesson learned.)