Traveling across the country with your pets might seem scary. But it’s not as hard as you might think! We’ve traveled across the country many times with our dogs, and we’re here to give you some helpful tips.
Get a Pet Check-up
Before planning a long trip with your pets, visiting the vet is important. Make sure your dog or cat is healthy and up-to-date on all vaccinations. Also, get any medications they might need.
Talk to your vet about common health issues in the areas you’ll be visiting, like fleas or ticks. And ask about treatments for car sickness or allergies, just in case.
Consider getting your pet microchipped in case they get lost during the trip. Keep their vaccination certificate in their travel bag, and bring their medical records on a USB drive in case you need to visit a vet while traveling.
Decide on Your Transportation
Once your pet gets the green light from the vet, it’s time to plan how you’ll travel. Many people use their own car, so make sure it’s in good shape before you go.
You can also consider renting a pet-friendly car, RV, or camper for your trip.
No matter how you travel, safety is key. Use a car safety harness or carrier to keep your pets safe and secure during the journey, and to prevent them from escaping if something unexpected happens.
Plan Your Route
Planning your trip route is exciting! Our pet-friendly trip planner will assist you in mapping out your journey. Whether you’re aiming to visit some of America’s most pet-friendly national parks or embark on a journey along Historic Route 66, there’s plenty to explore.
Include pet-friendly hotels, vacation rentals, campgrounds, restaurants, and activities like dog parks and pet-friendly beaches in your itinerary. You can also locate veterinarians and pet supply stores in case you need them.
If your dog can’t accompany you to certain stops, consider finding a local doggy daycare where they can have fun while you explore. Alternatively, look for a pet sitter who can spend time with your dog in your hotel or RV, engaging in their favorite activities like cuddling, playing, or going for a walk. GoPetFriendly provides listings for both pet sitters and doggy daycare facilities to assist you in your search.
Choose Your Accommodations
If you plan to camp at pet-friendly campgrounds, stay in pet-friendly hotels, or rent pet-friendly cabins or vacation homes, booking in advance is a good idea. Campgrounds can get busy on weekends and holidays, and some hotels have only a few pet-friendly rooms.
Even if you like to be spontaneous, booking a few spots at popular destinations along your route will give you peace of mind. Then, you can rely on well-known, pet-friendly hotel chains for the rest of your journey.
Watch For Travel Related Health Issues
Pets may need time to get used to new environments while traveling. They could even experience altitude sickness, like humans do. But since pets can’t tell us if they have a headache, it’s hard to know for sure.
Even if your pets don’t show any signs of being sick, giving them time to adjust is a good idea. Avoid long walks, make sure they have enough water, and let them rest more. Once everyone feels better, gradually increase your activity level. Keep an eye out for signs of breathing problems or discomfort.
Pack for Your Pets
Deciding what to pack for your pets can be hard. You want to bring everything they need to be comfy, but there’s limited space for your stuff, too! Here’s a list to help you pack:
- Food and water bowls – Get portable ones for when you’re out and about, and spill-proof ones for the car or RV.
- Enough food for the whole trip, plus a bit extra, and a can opener for canned food.
- All your pet’s medicines, vitamins, and supplements, with extra in case of delays.
- A travel litter box and litter for your cat.
- Treat pouch and treats for training.
- Your pet’s bed and a few toys for comfort.
- A blanket or sheet to cover furniture in hotels or rentals.
- Paper towels, wet wipes, a lint roller, and cleaner for messes.
- An old towel for rainy days or after swimming.
- Waste bags for cleaning up after your dog.
- A first aid kit for pets, or make your own.
- Flea and tick repellent and pet sunscreen.
- An extra leash, maybe a long one if you’ll be hiking or in unfenced areas.
If you’re going to the best dog-friendly national parks in Canada or on a big pet-friendly road trip, remember to take it slow and enjoy the journey! Rushing around can make your trip stressful, so don’t plan too much.
