What to Pack When Road-Tripping with Dogs
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✓ Vaccination Records
Always make sure you are traveling with updated vaccination records for your dog. These are important for situations in which you potentially need medical care for your dog or if you need to board/hold your dog at a facility for any emergency reason.
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✓ Collar with Tags
When traveling, your dog should always have a collar with updated tags, especially in new environments. The tags should have a primary contact number and an emergency number. Many people don’t stop for dogs that do not have a collar and tags on. I prefer the personalized Orvis collars as the name and number are embroidered right onto the collar. Tags can get snagged and fall off, so the advantage of the Orvis collar is that there will always be a number available to whoever finds the dog.
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✓ Picture/Microchip Info
Keeping an updated picture of your dog is very important. Clear photos with front and side profiles are useful if your dog goes missing. Your microchip information may already be on your vaccination records, but double-check and write it down somewhere safe. If you do have a microchip, make sure you check your online profile to see that your contact information is current and up to date.
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✓ Food
Pack enough food for the entirety of the trip but ensure that you also pack extra in case of emergency. Sometimes dogs get into their food, other critters might get into the food, or your trip could get extended. Depending on the nature of your travel, dogs may also run through more food due to being a bit more hungry from extra physical exertion.
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✓ Water
Carry extra water on the road for your dogs. Of course, it is relatively easy to get drinking water at gas stations and other stops, but keeping extra water in the car is necessary. You may need the water on stretches of road where there aren't too many stops. Dogs can be messy, and having extra water for cleanup is very useful. Dogs can overheat or get messy themselves, so this is a nice way to cool them down or clean them off.
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✓ Treats
No matter where you are going with your pal, you should always bring dog treats! Having food reinforcers is a wonderful way to continue your training in new environments. Having treats will also help create positive associations with new situations when they arise. Remember to bring high-value rewards to help motivate your dog in distracting environments.
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✓ Enrichment Toys
Chew toys and feeder puzzles are a great way to keep your dog busy on the go. A peanut-butter-filled chew toy will help keep your dog occupied while in the car. Try not to use too many chews, like rawhides, bully sticks, or bleached bones, while on the road as these can create stomach issues which can lead to diarrhea and vomiting. Feeder puzzles, like feeding balls and snuffle mats, are great substitutes for normal feeding bowls while on the road. They allow your dog to use their nose and mind to get their food, which can help keep your dog calm during travel.
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✓ Feeding and Water Bowls
Packing something to feed and water your dog from is critical but also having travel water bowls for your excursions is very important. Being able to present your dog with water throughout your adventures will keep them hydrated and help prevent overheating and dehydration.
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✓ Medications and Supplements
It’s important to keep your dog’s daily routine as consistent as possible, even when traveling. If their consistency includes medications or supplements, these items should be packed and brought along. Make sure you bring enough for the entire trip plus a few days.
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✓ Toys
Aside from enrichment toys, I like to bring a few of my dog's favorite play toys. I also like to purchase a few new ones for the trip. We engage with these toys together at our stops or in hotels/campsites. These extra toys can be tug ropes, tennis balls, bumpers, and plush toys. To prevent any emergencies, I make sure my dogs are supervised while engaging with these new toys.
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✓ Crates
Containing your dog in a moving vehicle is safe for you, your dog, and all drivers on the road. Dogs can be very distracting in cars, especially when they are not restrained. Having your dog safely contained within a crate can bring peace of mind to you while driving and give your dog a sense of security while in the moving vehicle. Learn more about how to restrain a dog safely in the car.
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✓ First Aid Kit
Keeping a dog’s first aid kit in your vehicle is beneficial for even the shortest trip to the park. These kits are stocked with items to help you act fast in an emergency situation before getting your dog to a medical professional.
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✓ Tick Prevention and Removal
Your first aid kit should contain a pair of tweezers, but if it does not, ensure that you bring a pair or a tick-removal kit. You can also buy dog-marketed tick spray as additive protection in addition to their regular monthly preventative.
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✓ Cleaning Supplies
Accidents happen, so have the proper supplies to clean them up. Keeping items like paper towels, car cleaner, and urine spray is very helpful when cleaning up the crate or car accidents.
Dogs can get pretty messy, so you should also keep around some dog wipes, extra towels, an attachable water jug shower nozzle, and dog shampoo, brush, or comb.
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✓ Waste Bags
These are technically a cleaning supply, but they deserve a checkpoint of their own. It's very important to clean up after your dogs no matter where they deposit their waste. Cleaning up after your pet prevents other people and animals from tracking through their waste. It also helps limit the spread of parasites and bacteria to humans, other dogs, and local wildlife.
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✓ Walking Devices
You should bring your dog's leash, any harnesses they use, and a long line/check cord. It's important to remember that the cities and states you are in may have leash laws and ordinances that must be followed. It does not matter how well-trained your dog is. You must follow the law and be respectful of these regulations. Check cords are a great way to let your dog explore and range from you while tethered to you. Additionally, when exploring new environments, leashes are a good idea. A dog running free in a new environment can easily lead to injury or them getting lost.
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✓ Bedding
This depends on each dog and where you will be lodging. When camping at a campsite or sleeping in a vehicle, you should have an extra bed for the dogs to get nice and cozy. If you still prefer not to confine your dog, a comfortable bed within your vehicle may be necessary. When staying at hotels and rental properties, you may love for your dogs to cuddle up in bed with you, but it's important to be mindful of others who may use the bed. Bring beds for your dogs to prevent allergens, dirt, and debris from getting into the human beds.
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✓ Vehicle Supplies
Seat covers and storage that fit your vehicle are also helpful supplies to bring along. You can clean up car messes easily on the road using seat covers that you can pull out and hose off. Having storage bins that fit perfectly on the floor of your seat is a great way to save space and stay organized on the road.
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