Dog Travel Essentials: What to Pack in a Car for Pet Road Trips

Taking your pet on a road trip can be chaotic but super fun! You go somewhere new together, pull over at will, and—if your dog is like mine—you have a very excited travel companion tracking every road mile traveled.

But it's more complex than tossing a leash into the car and expanding out.

Where's the food? Did you pack enough water? What if your dog has motion sickness? And wherein THE REALLY DOODOO DID you bury the poop bags?

With a little preparation you can avoid those last-minute scrambles. You also don't have to pack your whole house. The goal should be to turn up with everything which your pet might require to stay safe, comfortable, fed as well as happy throughout your journey.

This is what you should pack into your pet travel bag before hitting the road.

Food and Water Come First

Just because you are on a trip does not mean your pet's routine should go poof.

Bring some of their regular food for the entire trip and then a little extra in case you are delayed along the way or want to stay for an additional night. Road trips are not prime time for food adventuring. If your pet suffers from a sensitive stomach, holding their meals constant is much more crucial.

Having a sealed container or resealable food bag will ensure your dry food stays fresh and that your car doesn't smell like a box of open kibble.

Water, too, need all the attention. Take plenty of drinking water, especially if your destination is hot and you are unsure where it may be possible to refill on the way.

Collapsible travel bowl — another one of those simple items you wondered how you ever traveled without. Takes almost no space up and allows you to make drinking water stops by the side of the road much easier.

And yes, pack treats. They can be used for rewarding calm behavior, encouraging your pet during breaks or simply to make the ride a little more pleasant.

Make Sure Your Pet Is Secure

That said, this is probably one travel aspect where it's better to play it safe.

Upon first glance, a dog sitting loose in the back seat may appear completely content, but if there is sudden braking or a quick change of direction, they can become projectiles and put themselves (and everyone else in the vehicle) in danger. Ensure a safe travel set-up that best suits your dog, with a correctly fitted harness attached to an appropriate vehicle restraint; secured in a crate; or similar.

Carry your Cat in a crash-tested and well-ventilated carrier Ensure the carrier is firmly fitted to avoid shifting, sliding and rolling around through twists and stops.

And although those "dog catching the wind" pictures are adorable, letting our pup stick their head out through rolled down windows is a no-no. All it takes is a flurry of flying debris, some unexpected movement or your urge to suddenly jump and you have an accident on your hands.

Another crucial rule: do not leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle specifically when it is hot outside. The temperatures inside a car can increase rapidly.

Bring a Little Piece of Home

Travel, it may be weird for the animals. New environments come with new smells, sounds, people and routines.

Which is why a strangely unappealing blanket, towel, or bed can often be so soothing.

Your dog could get more settled in a hotel room with their own blanket. Having bedding that has the scents of home in their carrier may help a cat feel safer.

Unless you've got the room, you don't need to bring their whole bed. Sometimes, one familiar thing is all it takes.

The same goes for toys. Choose one or two favorites; do not bring the whole toy box! As well-loved items make a new environment seem less terrifying.

Neck Gear: Collar, ID and Leash — Do Not Forget

That may sound obvious, but it's one of those things that can fall by the wayside when you're in a packing frenzy trying to get everything you want to take with you and snacks.

Your animal should have proper identification which means:ID tag with up to date contact information. Keep your phone number and address up to date before heading out.

Foldable dog crates, You can put their normal should team leash or harness/collar by using for Dogs. Before you go, it's a nice idea to be sure that everything still fits well.

Ensure their microchip registration is up to date.

Get also a picture of your pet you take on your phone. You might not have to but if it ever happens that your pet gets lost from you in a place they are unfamiliar with then having a most up-to-date photograph of them can be very helpful.

Have a Small First Aid & Health Kit

There is no need to transform your luggage into a veterinary clinic.

For some basics you only need a compact pet first-aid kit. It might contain basic supplies such as gauze, pet-safe bandages, disposable gloves, tweezers and cleaning materials depending on your pet and trip.

Take enough medication to last for the duration of your travels, plus a little extra in case you return later than planned.

Store medications accordingly, and use them as per your vets instructions.

Save your veterinarian phone number into your cellphone before you go. Looking for a vet service near your destination is also wise.

Hopefully, you'll never need either.

But it is way easier than looking for an emergency vet when you already have a worried pet.

Plan for Bathroom Breaks

Your pet needs breaks too.

If you have a dog be sure to take frequent stops and let them out to roam around, drink water, sniff things, and defecate. Do not wait for the requires desparately seeking a location to stop.

Handy access to bags for waste collection. A roll of bags is pretty useless if they're hidden under three suitcases.

Note: if you have to travel with a puppy and their pee pads – take enough for the trip. They are ideal when you have no choice and need to use the green area.

Cats can be trickier. Certain cats will wait until you arrive at your destination, while others need to use a litter box if the journey is more than just a few minutes long. If your cat is prone to needing one, bring a portable litter box and familiar litter.

If at all possible, NEVER introduce a totally new bathroom setup for the first time on the road.

Be Ready for Messes

Even the most well-behaved dog can create a surprisingly large mess while traveling, though.

This dog bathes himself in the travel bowl after drinking water A muddy foot lands on the seat. Someone gets carsick. Or your cat thinks the carrier is just the spot to take a dump.

It happens.

Bring a couple of old towels, paper towels, pet-friendly cleaning wipes, disposable bags, and a pet-safe stain and odour cleaner.

If you are traveling with a dog, also a washable seat cover is worth thinking. It shields your car from muddy paws, loosened hair, liquid spills and a surprise accident.

They're not the most Instagram-worthy travel must-haves, but you'll be thankful they're in the car when you need them.

What To Do If Your Pets Get Carsick

Some pets love car rides.

Some others appear to think every journey is a personal insult.

Excessive drooling, restlessness or whining, vomiting, and other signs of unusual behavior may indicate your dog has motion sickness or travel anxiety.

If you have a pet that has difficulty riding in the car, consult your veterinarian prior to traveling. Do not use human medication on your pet or a travel remedy without consulting the veterinarian first.

It can also be useful to practice before the big trip. Start by taking your pet for short rides, then gradually increase distance. This allows them to acclimatize the motion and sounds of the car without being stuck on the highway for six hours right off the bat.

Mellow & Frequent Breaks

That your pet may just need a few more minutes than you do.

Don't Pack Every Toy You Own

The impulse is to bring enough toys for a week of Fun, just in case you have a long drive ahead.

That probably would be excessive for you.

Pack some of their favorite toys instead. A favorite chew toy entertains a dog during downtime; a familiar toy calms a cat in an unfamiliar room.

A puzzle toy or enrichment activity after a long day at the car can also tire your pet if you're sleeping in.

Look over toys before you pack them and leave damaged or falling apart things at home.

Store a Unique Vacation Bag to your Pets

A very easy means to make manage a hell of a whole lot simpler while road tripping is having all of your family pet items in one bag.

Basically, this becomes their carry-on.

Locate the dresser for things to have on hand during the journey such as snacks, water, movement dishes, refuse packs, towels, cleaning supplies and drug that you need within reach will be gone at the top with an association of leash.

You also don't want to be faced with the prospect of partially unloading your car at a rest stop on the highway just to find the dog water bowl.

Having it all together also greatly aids you in getting to where we go as well. You will have the essentials on hand, without lightening your regular luggage: seize the pet bag.

Packing List for a Pet Road Trip