Travel Tails: Stress-Free Tips for Road Trips and Holidays with Your Dog

Sep 12, 2025

From quick car rides to holiday getaways, traveling with your dog can be a joy—or a headache. With the right preparation, though, your pup can be a happy co-pilot instead of a stressed-out passenger. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or a longer holiday stay, these tips will help ensure smooth travels for both of you.

Car Comforts: Safe and Smooth Rides

For most pups, the adventure begins the moment they hop into the car. But long rides can quickly become uncomfortable—or even dangerous—without the right setup.

Travel Beds & Crates: A cozy travel bed or crash-tested crate keeps your dog secure and comfortable. Dogs love having a familiar “den” space where they can snooze during the drive.
Seat Covers: Protect your car from fur, dirt, and muddy paws with waterproof seat covers. These not only save your upholstery but also give your pup a defined space in the car.
Harnesses & Seat Belts: Safety first! A doggy seatbelt harness prevents sudden jolts or your pup roaming around the car. It also keeps everyone safer in the event of a sudden stop.

Pro tip: Make pit stops every 2–3 hours for bathroom breaks, water, and a quick stretch. A well-rested pup is a well-behaved pup.

Packing Essentials: Don’t Leave Home Without Them

Just like you’d never leave for a trip without snacks and a water bottle, your dog has their own set of essentials. Pack these items ahead of time so you’re never caught unprepared.

Food & Treats: Bring enough food for the entire trip, plus a little extra in case of delays. Stick with your dog’s usual food to avoid tummy troubles.
Water & Bowls: A collapsible travel bowl and bottled water are lifesavers on the road. Avoid giving dogs unfamiliar water that could upset their stomach.
Toys & Comfort Items: A favorite toy or blanket from home can provide comfort and familiarity in new environments.
Health Kit: Include poop bags, grooming wipes, flea/tick repellent, and any daily medications. A small pet first-aid kit is also smart to have on hand.
Calming Aids: If your dog gets anxious, consider calming chews, pheromone sprays, or even a snug anxiety vest to help them stay relaxed.

Think of your dog’s travel bag as their own little suitcase—it should cover their comfort, safety, and happiness.

Pre-Trip Prep: Training for Stress-Free Travel

If your dog isn’t used to traveling, don’t expect them to suddenly love a 6-hour car ride. A little preparation goes a long way.

Practice Runs: Start with short car trips around town to get your pup used to the motion and sounds. Reward calm behavior with treats and praise.
Reduce Motion Sickness: Dogs prone to nausea may benefit from withholding food a few hours before travel, keeping the car cool, and providing a window view. Talk to your vet if motion sickness is a recurring problem.
Positive Associations: Make the car a fun place. Feed meals in the parked car, let them chew on a favorite toy, or take a drive that ends at a dog park.

Training your dog to view travel as an adventure instead of a stressor makes holidays and road trips much smoother.

Pet-Friendly Stays: Finding the Right Spot

Once you arrive at your destination, where you stay makes a huge difference in your dog’s comfort.

Research Ahead: Look for hotels, rentals, or campgrounds that are pet-friendly. Confirm policies on size limits, fees, and how many dogs are allowed.
Room Comforts: Set up your dog’s space with their bed, toys, and water bowl right away to help them settle in.
Respect Rules: Keep your pup leashed in common areas and clean up diligently—this ensures future travelers with pets are welcomed too.

A pet-friendly stay doesn’t just benefit your pup; it makes your trip less stressful knowing your dog is safe, comfortable, and welcomed.

Holiday Travel Safety: Keeping Routines Steady

Traveling during the holidays can be especially chaotic—new people, new smells, new schedules. To keep your dog grounded:

Stick to Feeding Times: Even if your schedule changes, try to keep your dog’s meal times consistent.
Exercise Daily: A long walk before long car rides or family gatherings can burn off extra energy and reduce restlessness.
Quiet Zones: Create a calm retreat space for your pup if gatherings get overwhelming. A crate or quiet room with their favorite blanket can be a lifesaver.

Dogs thrive on routine, so the more familiar you can make their day-to-day life—even while traveling—the calmer and happier they’ll be.

Rescue Angle: Helping Rescue Dogs Feel Secure

For rescue dogs, travel can feel especially stressful. Many have experienced instability before finding their forever homes, so thoughtful preparation makes all the difference.

Go Slow: Give rescue dogs extra time to adjust to new environments. Keep initial trips short and build up to longer ones.
Bring Comfort Items: Familiar blankets, toys, or even an item of your clothing can help ease their anxiety.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behavior with treats and gentle praise to help them build confidence.

Remember: patience and preparation can transform travel from a stressful ordeal into a bonding experience—especially for pups still learning to trust.

Traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right gear, preparation, and mindset, your pup can enjoy road trips and holidays as much as you do. After all, adventures are better when shared with your four-legged best friend.

Heading out on an adventure? 🐾 Check out Doggo Shop’s range of travel-friendly gear—from seat covers to calming aids—to make your journey smooth and stress-free for both you and your pup.