How to Make Traveling With Your Dog Less Stressful
Written by Dr. Mamman Job
Registered Veterinary Surgeon | Veterinary Council of Nigeria
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Traveling with your dog can be a wonderful experience, but it can also turn into a stressful day if your dog isn’t prepared for the journey. A dog that normally loves going for walks may become nervous in the car, refuse to settle in a new place, or become restless when surrounded by unfamiliar sights and sounds.
The good news is that traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be difficult. A little preparation can make a big difference. Getting your dog comfortable with the vehicle, using safe travel equipment, maintaining familiar routines, and planning regular breaks can all help make the trip easier.
Your dog’s age, health, temperament, and previous travel experience also matter. A confident adult dog may settle quickly, while a nervous rescue dog or a puppy may need several short practice trips before a longer journey.
Here’s how to prepare for a smoother and safer trip.
Start Preparing Before the Trip
One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make is waiting until travel day to introduce their dog to everything involved in the journey.
If your dog isn’t used to car rides, start small.
Let your dog spend a few minutes sitting in the parked vehicle with you. Once they’re comfortable, take a short drive around the neighborhood. Gradually increase the length of the trips over several days.
This gives your dog a chance to learn that getting into the car doesn’t always mean something frightening or unfamiliar is about to happen.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends short practice rides for dogs that aren’t accustomed to traveling by car.
Make the Car Feel Familiar
Bring something your dog already knows, such as a familiar blanket or toy. Familiar smells can help make an unfamiliar environment feel less strange.
Don’t introduce a completely new crate, harness, or travel routine for the first time on the morning of a long journey.
Give your dog time to become comfortable with the equipment beforehand.
Use a Proper Restraint
Your dog shouldn’t be allowed to wander freely around the car while you’re driving.
An unrestrained dog can distract the driver and may be injured during sudden braking or a collision. A properly secured crate or a suitable dog travel harness can help keep your dog contained.
The American Kennel Club recommends using a crate or a seat-belt-attached harness for dogs traveling in vehicles.
If you’re using a crate, it should be appropriately sized and securely positioned. Your dog should have enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Never allow your dog to ride on the driver’s lap.
It’s also best to keep dogs out of the front passenger seat when there is an active airbag. AAVMA Store
Plan Regular Breaks
Long stretches in a car can be uncomfortable for people, and they’re not easy for dogs either.
For longer journeys, plan regular stops where your dog can:
- Stretch their legs
- Drink water
- Use the bathroom
- Walk briefly
- Settle down before continuing
Keep your dog on a leash during stops, even if they normally have excellent recall. An unfamiliar rest area can contain new smells, traffic, other animals, and unexpected distractions.
A dog that normally comes when called may react differently when frightened or excited.
Keep Water Available
Bring enough fresh water for the entire journey and use a travel bowl or another container your dog is comfortable drinking from.
Don’t assume you’ll always find a suitable water source when you stop.
Keeping your dog hydrated is particularly important during warm weather. The AVMA recommends providing pets with access to fresh water and taking extra precautions in warm conditions.
Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone in a Hot Car
This deserves special attention.
Never leave your dog unattended inside a parked vehicle, even if you think you’ll only be gone for a few minutes.
Opening the windows slightly doesn’t make this safe. Vehicles can heat up quickly, creating dangerous conditions for pets. The AVMA specifically advises never leaving a pet in a car, including when the vehicle is parked in the shade or the windows are cracked.
If a stop doesn’t allow you to take your dog with you, plan ahead and find a safer alternative.
Keep Your Dog’s Routine as Normal as Possible
Dogs often cope better with travel when some familiar parts of their daily routine stay the same.
Try to maintain roughly the same:
- Feeding schedule
- Bathroom routine
- Medication schedule
- Bedtime routine
- Exercise pattern
You don’t need to follow your normal schedule down to the minute. The goal is simply to give your dog some familiar structure in an unfamiliar situation.
For example, if your dog normally eats after a morning walk, try to keep that order while traveling rather than suddenly changing everything at once.
Pack a Dog Travel Bag
Before leaving, make a checklist so you aren’t relying on memory.
Food and Water
Pack:
- Your dog’s usual food
- Fresh drinking water
- Food and water bowls
- Treats
- A food-storage container
- Any medications or supplements your veterinarian has recommended
Avoid making major dietary changes during a trip unless there is a specific reason to do so.
A sudden food change can cause digestive problems at a time when you already have enough to deal with.
Identification and Important Documents
Bring your dog’s identification information and relevant health records.
A recent photograph can also be useful if your dog becomes separated from you. The American Kennel Club recommends traveling with identification, a recent photo, and copies of health and vaccination records.
For international travel, requirements can include specific vaccinations, tests, treatments, microchip requirements, and health certificates depending on the destination. These requirements can change, so check the official government requirements for your destination and speak with your veterinarian well before traveling.
Comfort Items
Consider bringing:
- A familiar blanket
- A favorite toy
- Leash and collar
- Harness
- Waste bags
- Towels
- Basic grooming supplies
- Cleaning supplies
- Your dog’s regular bed if practical
You don’t need to pack the entire house. Focus on the things your dog uses every day.
Help Your Dog With Motion Sickness
Some dogs become nauseated during car journeys.
You might notice:
- Excessive drooling
- Lip licking
- Restlessness
- Whining
- Vomiting
- Refusal to settle
If your dog regularly gets carsick, speak with your veterinarian before the trip. Your veterinarian can help determine whether motion sickness, anxiety, or another issue may be involved and whether medication is appropriate.
Don’t give your dog human medication simply because it worked for you.
It’s also sensible to keep cleaning supplies and spare towels within easy reach if your dog is prone to vomiting.
What If Your Dog Is Anxious?
Travel anxiety can show up in different ways.
Some dogs whine or pace. Others become unusually quiet, pant heavily, tremble, hide, or try to escape from their restraint.
Don’t punish your dog for being frightened.
Instead, make the experience more predictable.
Start with short practice trips. Use familiar equipment. Keep your voice calm. Reward relaxed behavior when appropriate.
If your dog’s anxiety is severe, talk to your veterinarian before the journey. A veterinarian can help you decide whether additional behavioral support or other measures are appropriate.
The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that gradual acclimation to travel equipment can help reduce stress, particularly for air travel.
Traveling by Air With Your Dog
Air travel requires more preparation than a typical car journey.
Start by checking the airline’s current pet policy before booking. Airlines can have their own requirements concerning carriers, pet size, cabin travel, documentation, and other conditions.
For international travel, your destination may also have government requirements that are separate from airline rules.
Get Veterinary Advice Early
Don’t leave health certificates and other paperwork until the last minute.
Some destinations require specific documentation within particular timeframes. USDA guidance, for example, recommends contacting an accredited veterinarian early when traveling internationally from the United States because destination requirements can involve vaccinations, tests, treatments, and health certificates.
If your dog is very young, elderly, overweight, has an existing health problem, or has a short-nosed breed, discuss the planned trip with your veterinarian.
Short-nosed dogs can have increased risks during air travel, particularly under stressful or hot conditions.
Don’t Sedate Your Dog Without Veterinary Guidance
Sedating a dog for travel isn’t something to decide on your own.
The AVMA advises against tranquilizing pets for air travel because of potential health and safety risks.
If your dog becomes extremely anxious during travel, speak with your veterinarian about safer options.
Make Your Destination Dog-Friendly
The journey isn’t the only part that needs planning.
Before leaving, check whether your accommodation actually accepts dogs and whether there are restrictions on size, breed, number of pets, or areas where dogs are allowed.
When you arrive, give your dog some time to explore calmly.
Don’t immediately take them into a crowded event or unfamiliar environment after a long journey.
Set up a quiet area with their bed, water, and familiar belongings.
If you’re staying with friends or family, explain your dog’s routine and any rules that help them settle.
What to Do During a Long Road Trip
A long trip becomes easier when you break it into manageable sections.
Before leaving:
- Give your dog an opportunity to use the bathroom.
- Check that their restraint is secure.
- Have water available.
- Keep food and essential supplies within easy reach.
- Make sure your phone is charged.
- Know where you’ll stop along the route.
During the trip, check on your dog regularly.
If they seem uncomfortable, don’t simply assume they need to “get used to it.” Pull over somewhere safe and assess what’s happening.
Never let your dog ride with their head outside the window. Debris and wind can injure the eyes, ears, or nose.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Letting Your Dog Roam Freely in the Car
Even a well-behaved dog can become a distraction or be injured during sudden braking.
Taking One Huge Practice Trip
If your dog dislikes the car, jumping straight into a six-hour journey can make the problem worse. Start with short, manageable trips instead.
Forgetting the Dog’s Normal Food
Travel isn’t a good time to experiment with a completely new diet.
Bring enough of the food your dog already tolerates well.
Packing Everything Except Identification
Food and toys are useful, but identification is essential. Make sure your dog’s identification details are current before leaving.
Ignoring Destination Requirements
Especially for international travel, requirements can involve paperwork, vaccinations, testing, and health certificates. Check official requirements early rather than assuming your dog’s routine vaccinations are all that is needed.
Leaving Your Dog in the Car
This can become dangerous extremely quickly, particularly in warm weather. Don’t do it, even for a short errand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I make traveling with my dog less stressful?
Start preparing before the trip. Take short practice rides, introduce travel equipment gradually, bring familiar items, maintain your dog’s routine, and plan regular breaks. If your dog has severe anxiety or motion sickness, speak with your veterinarian before traveling.
How often should I stop when driving with my dog?
There isn’t one exact schedule that suits every dog. For a longer journey, plan regular stops for water, bathroom needs, and movement. Puppies, older dogs, dogs with medical conditions, and dogs that become restless may need more frequent breaks.
Should my dog wear a seat belt in the car?
Your dog should be appropriately restrained rather than allowed to move freely around the vehicle. A suitable travel harness attached to a seat belt or a properly secured crate can help.
What should I bring when traveling with my dog?
Bring your dog’s usual food, water, bowls, leash, collar or harness, identification information, medications, health records when appropriate, waste bags, and a few familiar comfort items.
For longer trips, also consider towels, cleaning supplies, and a basic emergency kit.
Can I give my dog something to calm them during travel?
Don’t give your dog medication or sedatives without veterinary advice. If your dog becomes highly anxious during travel, talk to your veterinarian before the trip about appropriate options. The AVMA specifically warns against tranquilizing pets for air travel without appropriate veterinary guidance.
Is it safe to let my dog stick its head out of the car window?
No. Although some dogs seem to enjoy it, flying debris can injure their eyes, ears, or nose. Keep your dog safely restrained inside the vehicle instead.
Can I leave my dog alone in the car while I get something?
No. A parked car can become dangerously hot, even when the weather doesn’t seem extreme. The AVMA recommends never leaving pets unattended in a vehicle.
What documents does my dog need to travel?
That depends on where you’re going and how you’re traveling. Domestic and international destinations can have different requirements, while airlines may have their own rules. Check the official requirements for your destination and airline well before the trip. AAPHIS+1
Final Thoughts
Traveling with your dog becomes much easier when you prepare for your dog’s needs instead of treating the journey as something you can figure out along the way.
Start with short practice trips, use a safe restraint, bring familiar food and belongings, plan regular breaks, and keep your dog’s routine as predictable as possible.
For air travel or international journeys, give yourself plenty of time to check airline and destination requirements and speak with your veterinarian when appropriate. Rules can vary considerably between destinations and can change over time. AAPHIS+1
Most importantly, pay attention to your individual dog. If they are frightened, sick, unusually tired, or struggling with the journey, don’t assume they simply need to tough it out. A calmer trip usually starts with understanding what your dog needs and preparing for it before you leave.
Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and American Kennel Club (AKC).
This article provides general educational information about traveling with dogs. Travel requirements and your dog’s health needs can vary, so consult your veterinarian and the relevant authorities or transportation provider for advice specific to your situation.
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