Traveling With a Dog: Do's, Don'ts, and Top Tips
I met Reese a little over six years ago, and as two Scorpio introverts, we clicked instantly. Staring into her eyes felt like I was diving into the depths of her soul, and I could tell she felt the same. What I found in there was a love of food, the desire for a good bev, and a yearning for travel.
Since then, Reese has visited countless states, from just driving through to walking down every street the cities have to offer. Through these experiences, stress has occasionally come to sit on our shoulders and laugh at what we thought we could accomplish. But from these times, we have learned some tough lessons and are coming close to perfecting the art of traveling as an iconic duo: one with thinning hair and one with shedding hair – you decide who is who.
Reese and I at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Do’s:
Make a thorough itinerary
Going on a trip with a dog can leave a lot to the unknown. Why? Because you can never be 100% certain how your dog will react to things. A new environment can be a lot, no matter how trained your dog is. Even some service dogs retire early because they are overstimulated and stop doing their jobs – and that’s okay! What is important to remember is, if you are going on a trip with a dog, the trip is about them. It is about catering to their needs more than yours. You can adapt more easily than a dog can.
When booking a hotel, do they have outdoor facilities where your dog can use the restroom? When planning activities, is there too much walking for your dog’s physical condition? When looking into travel, will your dog be okay in a plane or on a long car ride? If you’re hesitant and don’t know if your dog can do something, don’t push it. Reason being, if something happens, you’re away from your trusted vet, making getting assistance and medical help a lot harder and more complicated.
Have a full packing list
My dog is my little princess, and I treat her as such. She has her own suitcase, and my day bag is normally filled with more stuff for her than for me. Since Reese is a rescue, she gets thrown off in new situations. She likes her bedroom, and she spends a lot of time in there. So, when going to a hotel, I try to make it feel as familiar as possible. I pack her favorite plushies, her favorite blanket, her treat jar, two harness options, a portable water bowl, her food, and extra chicken. Reese eats chicken with her kibble, and if I don’t bring it on trips, she’s not eating (that’s her sensitive spot). Think about what your dog likes and doesn’t like at home – because that will probably be amplified on a trip.
Make the destination somewhere your dog will enjoy
Reese loves the city, but there isn’t a lot for her to do there, which means there won’t be a lot for me to do there either. Our favorite destinations are National Parks and State Parks. I use AllTrails+ and find plenty of dog-friendly trails for her to go on while we travel. Some dogs love the beach – Reese doesn’t like water. Some dogs like sitting at cafes – Reese doesn’t like sitting still for over five minutes. Overall, just be mindful of the kind of environment your dog actually enjoys, because if your dog isn’t having fun, you won’t have fun.
Reese and I at Shenandoah National Park.
Don’ts:
Don’t go unprepared
Being unprepared for a trip with a dog can be anxiety-inducing and ruin a trip. If you are going with someone else, make sure that they are 100% okay with you bringing your dog and that they are willing to accommodate. Make sure you read a hotel or accommodations' full website to make sure they allow dogs, especially if your dog is not a service dog. If you’ve only taken your dog on short walks and now want to go hiking for a full day, take it on longer walks for a week to see how much physical exertion your dog truly can handle.
Overall, you don’t want to plan an incredible trip for yourself, bring your dog, and then ruin the trip for yourself, your dog, or someone else because you didn’t think something through. It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared.
Don’t forget a portable bowl
I’ve had three family dogs before becoming a mom to Reese, and I never knew what a portable bowl was. When I was given my first one at a fundraising event, it changed my life. We would bring along a small Tupperware container to pour water into, so having something small that can fold into itself changed the game.
You can find a portable water bowl at almost any pet store, and I prefer these over the water bottles that have the attached bowl, because then I can drink from my water bottle as well. Having fresh water for your dog is imperative, and my portable water bowl easily fits in or hooks onto my bag and allows Reese to ask for water whenever she wants.
Don’t bring a leash over 6 feet or go off leash
If the park or place you’re at says no leashes over 6 feet, then no leashes over 6 feet. If the park or place you’re at says no dogs off leash, then no dogs off leash. It’s that simple. If you aren’t following the rules, then your dog can’t follow the rules. There are a lot of people who do not follow the rules in place when taking their dog somewhere, and this ruins it for everyone who does.
Reese is a rescue and becomes reactive when a dog runs up to her off leash – and a lot of dogs get just as spooked. Just because your dog is “well-trained” (then why is it running away from you?), doesn’t mean you’re above the rules. There are too many dogs in National Parks that are off-leash or on too long of leashes and disrupting wildlife and the natural environment. This creates a ripple effect where dogs end up no longer being allowed there. Have your dog on a proper leash and don’t make everyone hate you.
Reese and I at Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Garden.
Top Tips
Bring someone on the trip who loves your dog as much as you do
We prioritize what we love. So, if you and your dog aren’t duo traveling and are open to being a trio, do it – but make sure they love your dog as much as you. If they love your dog, they are willing to have it on their lap, they are more willing to adjust their travel plans to your dog’s needs, and sometimes, they’re even willing to trade off hanging out with the dog while you explore no-dog-allowed territory (aka a store or café). Going with a trio allows for more flexibility and less stress – and is also safer!
Pack for your dog
I mentioned packing what would make your dog the most comfortable previously, but to make it easier for you, here is my packing list:
Blanket for in the car and the hotel room
Pillow for in the car (for lying on in the front seat)
Plushies or toys
Refillable water bottle
Portable water bowl
Plenty of dog food + any food-related add ons
Reusable food bowl
A dog brush (especially if you are hiking to comb out possible ticks)
Dog wipes or a towel in case of dirt or mud
Treats
Waste bags
Travel kennel or car seat if needed
Harness – I use two different ones depending on the weather
Remember to have fun
At the end of the day, this is a vacation! It’s supposed to be fun and enjoyable. Using all these tips and being prepared is going to take the stress away so you and your pup can focus on your adventure.
I like to take a lot of pictures, see what dog-focused activities are happening in the area, partake in B.A.R.K. Ranger programs if they are available, and interact with dog-friendly businesses! These are all activities that my dog is going to enjoy, and in return, I am going to enjoy them too. She loves going to new places and walking around for hours, so I am more than open to enjoying that with her. The great thing about dogs is that they remind us to enjoy every moment of life, even the small things, so on your trip, let loose, explore like a dog, and have fun!
To keep up with our adventures, you can follow me or Reese on Instagram. For more dog-related articles, check out Traveling With a Dog: Philadelphia here!
