Hit the Open Road: Pro Vanlifers Share Their Top Tips for Road Tripping With Dogs

Hit the Open Road: Pro Vanlifers Share Their Top Tips for Road Tripping With Dogs - Packing the Perfect Pooch-Friendly Road Trip Kit

Hitting the open road with your furry best friend can make for an amazing adventure, but it does require some special preparations. Getting your dog road trip ready means packing all the essentials they'll need to stay happy, healthy, and comfortable along the journey.

The first rule of thumb when preparing your pup for a road trip is not to skimp on the creature comforts. Their usual bedding, blankets, toys and treats will help make unfamiliar surroundings feel more like home. Depending on space, consider bringing their crate for added security and familiarity. Be sure to account for climate controls too. If you'll pass through varying weather, pack a cooling mat or sweater to keep your dog at their ideal temperature.

Of course, the number one priority is meeting all of your dog's basic needs. Bring at least a week's supply of their regular food and medications. Portable food/water bowls and a foldable water bottle allow quick pit stops for eating and hydration. Stock up on poop bags so you can properly dispose of waste at rest areas. A compact first aid kit tailored to common canine needs like bandages, Benadryl, tweezers, and styptic powder provides peace of mind in case of minor injuries.

Don't forget the creature comforts that make road tripping with humans more pleasant too. Chew toys, natural calming aids, a travel-size clipper for nail trims, and wrinkle relaxer spray keep pups pampered and preened. The right accessories like a back seat cover, seat belt harness, and window sun screens increase in-car coziness.

Finally, paw protection is a must. Dog shoes safeguard sensitive paws from hot asphalt, rough terrain, and road debris. A doggy life jacket gives added safety near water. And a tick/flea collar, daily brushing, and pet-safe sunscreen protects your pup when exploring the great outdoors.

Hit the Open Road: Pro Vanlifers Share Their Top Tips for Road Tripping With Dogs - Tips for Keeping Your Pup Happy and Healthy on the Road

A road trip may spell adventure for us, but for our furry companions it can be confusing and stressful if we don’t take steps to make them feel secure. Keeping your dog happy and healthy on the road requires understanding their needs and making simple adjustments to your travel routine.

The number one tip from seasoned road-tripping dog owners is maintaining regular schedules as much as possible. Dogs appreciate consistency, so sticking to their usual meal, walk and sleep times creates stability amid travel chaos. If you anticipate delays, bring extra food so you can feed on time. Schedule potty breaks every 2-3 hours at minimum, allowing enough time for them to relieve themselves fully. Bring their bed or a familiar blanket and try to schedule overnight stops in pet-friendly lodging.

Monitor your dog closely for signs of travel stress like whining, panting, shaking and loss of appetite. Have calming aids on hand like Jackson Galaxy’s Spirit Essences and give lots of positive reinforcement when they show nervous behaviors. Keeping the temperature comfortable, hydrating well, and resting when needed are also key to reducing anxiety.

Don’t forget that mental stimulation is as tiring as physical for our pups. Rotating favorite toys, playing travel games like “find the treat”, and providing chews like Himalayan Yak Cheese will prevent restlessness. It also helps to cover crates and limit direct window views which can overstimulate. Give them a Kong stuffed with peanut butter or puzzle toy for in-transit entertainment.

When stopped, get those zoomies out! Scope out dog parks along your route and make time for fetch, hiking, and free running. Don’t forget the doggy life jacket near water. Visit new places slowly, allowing them to acclimate to new sights, sounds and smells without being overwhelmed. And be sure to keep up with their exercise and potty routine at every stop.

Hit the Open Road: Pro Vanlifers Share Their Top Tips for Road Tripping With Dogs - Finding Pet-Friendly Destinations and Accommodations

Once you’ve prepped your pooch for the open road, finding pet-friendly stops is the next challenge. With a little research, you can discover destinations and lodgings that roll out the red carpet for four-legged travelers. Plotting these dog-welcoming pit stops into your route keeps the trip exciting for canine companions. As experienced vanlifers and pet owners like @ouropenroad share, “finding accommodations, trails, beaches and restaurants where our fur family is welcomed is our top priority in route planning.”

Many travelers rely on apps like BringFido, GoPetFriendly and DogFriendly to uncover the most paw-some attractions. These sites allow you to filter by things like off-leash parks, trails, dog beaches, and pet events so you can make the most of your time together. Knowing your dog’s needs helps narrow the options too. A high energy herding breed needs more rigorous hikes while a senior pup may prefer Photography: Beatriz Pérez Moya / @beatrizpmoya gentler boardwalk strolls. If your pup loves water, seek out dog-friendly beaches and lakes. For social butterflies, search for popular dog parks and pet-friendly patios.

When it comes to overnight stays, you have options ranging from pet-friendly hotels to RV parks to free camping on public lands. Danielle Davis of @danielleloveslife says “we always book accommodations ahead of time as we’ve been stranded before.” Hotels like La Quinta, Motel 6 and Best Western often allow pets while Hilton and Marriott have designated pet-friendly properties. For max freedom, choose campgrounds like Harvest Hosts, touring plans like Roadtrippers, or apps like The Dyrt. Always call ahead to confirm policies - some charge size/number limits and fees.

Hit the Open Road: Pro Vanlifers Share Their Top Tips for Road Tripping With Dogs - Road Trip Essentials: Must-Have Items for Traveling with a Dog

Hitting the open highway with your canine co-pilot is an amazing adventure, but it requires some key supplies to keep your pup safe, healthy, and happy along the journey. As experienced road trippers like @ouropenroad share, having the right gear makes all the difference in enjoying responsibly-planned travels with pets. While checklists vary based on the type of trip and breed of dog, these items are road trip essentials for most four-legged travelers.

A sturdy, well-ventilated carrier secured with a doggie seat belt allows safe transit and comfortable napping. Pet travel gear companies like Sleepypod offer crash-tested options that provide protection in the case of an accident. An adjustable clip-in harness adds security when in the seat. Absorbent and waterproof liners keep their crates clean if carsickness strikes.

Hydration is hugely important, so portable bowls and a foldable water bottle for refilling allow constant access to fresh water. Long road trips mean plenty of potty breaks, so poop bag dispensers stocked with biodegradable bags let you cleanly take care of business at rest stops. Pet first aid kits provide bandages, gauze, tweezers, Benadryl and other vital supplies for minor scrapes.

Prevent overheating with a cooling jacket, vest or mat. Protect paws from hot asphalt and debris with durable dog shoes. Use a calming vest to ease anxiety and dog-safe sunscreen to prevent painful burns. A doggy life jacket gives added protection near water.

Of course, food and medication are must-haves. Bring at least a week’s supply of regular dog food and medications in moisture-proof, spill-proof containers. Stock chews like Himalayan Yak Cheese and puzzle toys for mental stimulation. Pack their bed or a familiar blanket for cozy overnight stays.

Finally, identification is key. Make sure their collar sports clearly engraved ID tags with your current contact information. Get them microchipped and register the chip details in a national pet recovery database. Pack copies of medical/vaccination records required by many boarding facilities and vet clinics you may visit.

Hit the Open Road: Pro Vanlifers Share Their Top Tips for Road Tripping With Dogs - Entertaining Your Canine Companion During Long Drives

Boredom is the enemy of every road tripper, dog and human alike. As @ouropenroad cautions, "nothing ruins a road trip faster than a restless, anxious pup." Preventing restlessness keeps your dog happy and ensures they don’t become a distraction. Luckily, experienced pet travelers have plenty of tips and tricks for entertaining canine companions during long hauls.

Hit the Open Road: Pro Vanlifers Share Their Top Tips for Road Tripping With Dogs - Best Vehicles for Traveling Cross-Country with a Dog

When it comes to picking the perfect set of wheels for a cross-country road trip with your furry co-pilot, experienced travelers agree the vehicle itself makes a big difference in comfort for both human and hound. I polled some well-traveled pet owners, who share their top tips on selecting a dog-friendly ride equipped for extended journeys.

For starters, high clearance is a huge help for accessing off-road trails and camping spots. Branden Nelson of @followthefreedomtrail says "we chose our 4x4 Sprinter van for this reason." Larger camper vans like Mercedes Sprinters, Ram ProMasters, and Ford Transits offer standing room plus space for a dog crate and gear storage. Their diesel engines boast plenty of power for climbing mountain passes while hauling your home on wheels. Smaller options like Pleasure-Way Traverse B-vans maximize mileage with the versatility of a minivan body on a truck frame.

Rugged adventure rigs like Sportsmobiles are the ultimate dog transports, according to overlanders like @ouropenroad. Nicole shares, "a 4WD van allows us to reach beautiful remote destinations together. The extra ground clearance and diesel power give confidence driving forest roads to trailheads." Truck camper tops and slide-in pop-up campers turn pickups and SUVs into pet-friendly mini-motorhomes. Some overlanders even bring pets in Airstream travel trailers towed by heavy duty pickup trucks.

Vehicle climate control is vital when crossing varying temperatures zones. Danielle Davis of @danielleloveslife says, “we chose a van with AC to keep our pup cool crossing the hot southern states.” Dual pane windows, vent fans, screens and insulation maintain comfortable temps. Families like @rideandseek opt for spacious 24-foot motorhomes. Emily explains, “the indoor/outdoor access was ideal for our high-energy Australian Shepherd to move freely.”

Safety is also critical when transporting precious cargo. Sturdy safety harnesses secured to seat belt systems are a must. Catherine Hogle of @escapefamilystyle says, "tethers reduce driver distraction and protect dogs in an accident." Non-slip surfaces like rubber mats provide traction inside. Child safety locks keep furry escape artists secure. And pet monitoring cameras like Furbo let you check-in when parked outside.

Hit the Open Road: Pro Vanlifers Share Their Top Tips for Road Tripping With Dogs - Planning Potty Breaks and Exercise for Your Road-Tripping Dog

When it comes to road tripping with your dog, frequent potty and exercise breaks are non-negotiable. As outdoor enthusiasts like @wilderness_pup remind us, “no one wants to be stuck in a car for hours on end, especially an energetic dog.” Planning ahead for regular stops keeps your pup healthy and well-behaved on the road.

Experienced pet owners agree: factoring in potty breaks every 2-3 hours is key, even if your pooch has a cast-iron bladder. Danielle Davis of @danielleloveslife explains, “we stop every few hours to let our dog fully relieve herself, stretch her legs, and get water. This prevents accidents and anxiety while keeping us alert.” Be sure to pack waste bags for cleanup during stops.

Knowing your dog’s potty patterns helps time stops, as housebroken adult dogs can “hold it” up to 10 hours in ideal conditions. But aging, medical issues, excitedness and unfamiliar environments mean more frequent pauses. Pups feel most comfortable with a consistent routine, so stick close to their usual meal and potty schedule.

Long periods crated or in the car can lead to stiff, sore joints and muscular issues, warns veterinarian Sara Ochoa. Thus road trips require vigilance about physical activity. Experienced pet travel blogger Emily Fata of @rideandseek recommends determining your daily mileage goal then mapping out 3-4 scenic stops conducive to exercise.

“We let our high-energy herding dog run freely several times a day to stay healthy and happy,” shares Emily. Scope out spots beforehand like pet-friendly hiking trails, beaches, parks and campgrounds. Pack the essentials like a leash, collapsible water bowl and poop bags.

If stopping more often than every few hours, opt for brief leg-stretch breaks. Ten minutes of sniffing, walking and full-speed zoomies in a safe area does wonders for your dog’s physical and mental state. End each break with a potty cue like “go potty” to keep them regular.

While driving, offer toys and chews like Himalayan Yak Cheese to provide mental stimulation. However, avoid feeding immediately before crating for long periods, as this can cause digestive upset and accidents. Staying well hydrated is also key to continued potty regularity.

Hit the Open Road: Pro Vanlifers Share Their Top Tips for Road Tripping With Dogs - Road Trip Safety: Protecting Your Pup on the Open Road

While the open road promises adventure, much of that thrill comes from the inherent risks involved. When it comes to vulnerable four-legged explorers, those dangers demand added caution. As Kristen Fuller, DVM, explains, "unrestrained pets are a dangerous distraction which also risk injury or death in a crash." Thus preparing for road trip hazards is crucial when traveling with a dog.

Danielle Davis of @danielleloveslife considers pet protection her top road trip priority. "We use a crash-tested crate secured by seat belts for safety and to prevent distraction while driving," shares Danielle. Sleepypod mobile carriers boast crash test ratings, allowing your pup to nap in security. Sturdy harnesses attach to seat belt tethers designed specifically for canine travelers, minimizing driver distraction and preventing pets from becoming dangerous projectiles in an accident.

Veterinarian Julie Buzby also stresses the importance of climate control. Don't assume your dog can regulate their temperature like humans - heat stroke is all too common. Cooling vests, shade tarps and ventilation are road trip musts. Schedule travel during cooler hours and watch closely for overheating. In hot climates, Catherine Hogle of @escapefamilystyle suggests, "battery-powered fans, refrigerated platform beds, even DIY AC units using dryer vents" to maintain safe temperatures.

Mindful driving is your pet's first defense against injury, so stay focused and well-rested. Plan routes avoiding heavily congested areas when possible. Leave plenty of following distance to brake gradually in case of sudden stops. Use pet cameras to monitor without distraction; pull over if they need attention.

Protect pets when parked as well. Avoid leaving them alone in vehicles, which heat rapidly even in mild weather. Walk them before errands and leave the AC running if needed. ID tags, microchipping and GPS collars like Fi keep dogs secure if separated from you. Pad sharp corners and secure cargo that could shift during transit.

Careful route planning provides peace of mind. Spring Moser of @funkypupster suggests mapping out emergency clinics and 24-hour vets along your route in case of illness or injury. Pack a pet first aid kit and medications. "Knowing the nearest animal hospital locations helps us manage unpredictable risks," she says.