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Traveling with Your Dog: Tips for a Smooth Journey

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Traveling with your dog can be an incredible experience, but it does require some preparation.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, following these tips will ensure your journey is stress-free and enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. Bon voyage!

Ensure Your Dog is Comfortable with Travel

 

Before hitting the road, it’s important to make sure your dog is comfortable with the idea of traveling. Start by taking short car rides and gradually increase the duration to help your dog acclimate. If your dog shows signs of anxiety, consider using calming treats or sprays to ease their nerves.

Essential Packing List for Traveling with Your Dog

When packing for your trip, it’s crucial to include everything your dog might need. Here’s a checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything:

Bring the Basics – Checklist

  • Medical/Vaccine Record: Keep these handy in case of an emergency.
  • Leash & Collar/Harness: Essential for walks and securing your dog.
  • Food & Water Bowls/Carrier: Travel-friendly options can save space.
  • Calming Treats or Spray: Helps to reduce travel anxiety.
  • Grooming Wipes: Useful for quick clean-ups.
  • Food: Pack enough for the entire trip.
  • Treats: Keep some on hand for good behavior rewards.
  • Medications: Don’t forget any prescribed medications.
  • Dog Bed: Bring a familiar bed to help your dog feel at home.
  • ID Tags Ensure tags have up-to-date contact information.

Car Travel Essentials for Your Dog

To make your road trip as safe and comfortable as possible, consider these car travel essentials:

Car Essentials

  • Dog Seat Belt: Keeps your dog secure while driving.
  • Booster Seat (for smaller dogs): Allows your pet to see out the window.
  • Car Seat Cover: Protects your car’s interior from fur and dirt.

Accommodations: Finding Pet-Friendly Hotels

When booking a hotel, it's important to check the pet policy. Some hotels have restrictions on the size or weight of pets they allow. Always inquire about these details when making your reservation.

For a comprehensive list of pet-friendly hotels, check out this Pet Travel resource.

Pet Sitting Services at Your Hotel

If you’re concerned about leaving your pet alone while you’re out, consider using hotel pet-sitting services. Destination Sitters offers pet sitting in 20 U.S. cities, providing services like feeding, playing, walking, and cuddling with your dog right in your hotel room. This service allows your dog to maintain its routine and feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment, giving you peace of mind while you’re away.

Conclusion

Traveling with your dog can be a wonderful experience when you’re well-prepared. By following
these tips, you’ll ensure a smooth journey for both you and your pet. Happy travels!

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About the Author: Yvonne Wonder

As the founder and managing director of Destination Sitters, LLC, a national hotel and event babysitting service, and the mother of two children, I strongly believe that family comes first. I personally needed babysitting when I moved to San Diego 14 years ago. Like most parents, I assumed there were standards for temporary babysitting; in reality, there are no state standards or licensing requirements for temporary babysitting. The idea for Destination Sitters was born! I wanted to Give Parents Peace of Mind® when traveling with their children, so I created strict screening requirements for the sitters we refer. There is nothing like the peace of mind that comes from getting great professional help to care for your children, especially when traveling away from home. I and my partners, along with our office staff, have that one goal in mind with everything we do. Through the years of working with children, I have been inspired to write three books, and this blog for parents’ and children’s wellbeing. I believe the best way to teach a child is leading by example, with love, honesty, integrity, compassion, perseverance, and personal responsibility. Learning these values and teaching children that all women and men are equal will encourage them to dream big to be anything they want to be! An entrepreneur for over 35 years, I previously spent years running a construction and design company with two offices in California and built million-dollar estates and remodeled existing ones. For three and half years, I was one of the primary designers on HGTV’s Curb Appeal. I have also been published in books, magazines and newspapers, and have been a featured designer in multiple showcase houses.

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