Dog Travel Essentials

Throughout our years of bringing our pup along on our journeys, whether it's a road trip or a stop at nearby trails or cafes, we've compiled a list of dog travel essentials and useful tips that have been real lifesavers during our adventures.

WATER

This one seems obvious, but we have run into way too many people on the trails with dogs in real distress because they didn't bring water for their pet. The weather does not need to be hot for your dog to get into a danger zone. These days, I try to bring extra water bottles in my bag to give to other dogs in need. Collapsible bowls are also a great thing to keep in your car at all times. And remember to touch the ground in hot weather before making your dog walk on it. Even dirt trails and sand can burn to the touch.

DOG FIRST-AID KIT

It's the kind of thing you might never need but will be glad you have if you do. Trails offer amazing views but can lead to falls or other unexpected injuries, and it helps to have something within reach you might be able to use in an emergency. There are many kits on the market, but if you want to make your own, the American Kennel Club has a pretty good list of thing to consider packing.

RESCUE SLING OR HARNESS

This is probably more relevant to those of us with larger dogs, but I know attempting to carry an injured 80 pound dog to safety on a trail is way more than I could manage alone. It's wise to have a plan if something happens and you need to transport your dog to safety—especially if you’re by yourself.

CAR SAFETY HARNESS

It doesn't matter if we're going 500 miles or 5 minutes from home; my dog is getting buckled into his seatbelt just like the rest of us. It's safer for both him and us, and you'll never regret taking the extra step to keep your dog secure while traveling.

ID/MICROCHIP

My dog is great about staying close to us, but I still make sure he is on a leash, has his ID on a separate collar from the secured leash, and is microchipped. Even the best-behaved dog can do something unpredictable, especially in areas with wildlife (of which we have a ton in California!), and the last thing I want is for a day of fun to end in tragedy.

TICK AND FLEA PREVENTION

Make sure your dog is up to date on all protection. Ticks are plentiful here. Proof? My husband and I both, in separate incidents, were diagnosed with tick-borne illnesses we picked up on hikes. We also have mosquitoes, so make sure you are using some type of heartworm prevention, too.

FLOATATION JACKET

Unless you're planning to spend time out on the water, this is probably unnecessary. We have taken our dog to the ocean and there are even a few boats in the area that allow dogs, so it seemed like a good idea to have something to help keep him safe should he fall or jump in without us. The one we have has a handle on top to make it easy to grab him if needed, but we’ve never had to test it out.

HUNTER VEST

We use this when hiking in areas that hunters might be looking for game. Our dog could easily be mistaken for a deer in a forest setting, so it's just an extra precaution for hitting more isolated trails during hunting season. Again, this could be overkill, but it was something I hadn’t thought of before I found one.

TRAVEL BED OR MAT

This has really been a lifesaver for our dog now that he has hip issues and arthritis. I bring this with us for restaurants and vacation rentals so he doesn't have to sit on hard surfaces. Though our dog has age-related considerations now, I'm sure it's something he'd have appreciated in his youth, too. I only wish we’d discovered them sooner.

EMERGENCY VET LIST

Before we venture out, I try to map out where the closest vet and 24-hour emergency vet can be found on the chance we need them. If you’re going on a long road trip, you may even want to plan for areas you’re passing through. A pet emergency is stressful enough without trying to locate where to go in the middle of a panic. And not all vets provide emergency services, so it’s good to know which do and how fast you can make it there.

FOOD

Dogs often have sensitive stomachs, and keeping their food type consistent can go a long way in keeping them healthy and happy. This is especially true for those on special diets. Make sure you measure out what you think you need for your trip, and then add a day or two more in case something unexpected happens. I’m usually of the mindset that it’s better to overpack than underpack.