Hitting the road for the first road trip of the sping is always an exciting time, but most of the time you feel like you need to leave your furry friend behind if you’re traveling long distances. However, this week we are here to tell you that your fur babies can join in on the fun! Yes, you will have to do some preparations and planning ahead, but that means there is no time like now to start! So take a peek at our tips and tricks below and start preparing your next getaway! Before you hit the road, be sure to schedule a test drive so you can have confidence knowing you won’t run into issues down the road! 

Before you leave to make sure to pack: 

Lead, Collar, Leash, and ID tag: The last thing you want to happen is your dog to getaway in a place he doesn’t know, but be prepared for the worst. Make sure you have everything you’ll need to keep your dog from escaping, and everything you’ll need in case they do. 

Food, water, bowls: Bring more than you think! The last thing you want to do on vacation is run to the grocery store to find dog food. Tell yourself the same thing you did when you overpacked clothes…YOU MIGHT NEED IT! 

Blankets and baggies: Bring blankets for bedding, and warmth. Bring waste disposable bags for parking lot rest stops (You wouldn’t want to accidentally step in that, would you?) 

Old washcloths: For those pups that get down in the dirt, don’t stress about your car seats, just bring washcloths to clean off messy paws

Crates and restraints: Some dogs love the car! They jump right in, stick their head out the window, and let their ears fly! But unfortunately, that’s not a good idea. Even if your dog is usually a happy traveler, it isn’t safe for them to roam freely throughout the car, in the case of an accident. 

The crate isn’t going to work for your dog? Try this out!

• A harness that is fastened to a seat safety belt
• It provides the dog some freedom but restrains the dog in an accident.
• Be sure to buy a harness that’s specifically designed to be used with safety belts.

Break time is important: You might be down to take on a long drive little to no breaks but your dog isn’t. Plan on taking frequent stops like you would if you were traveling with a small child. Letting your dog out for potty breaks and to run around will burn off some pent-up energy, making you and your dogs ride my easier! 

Check with the vet: If this is your dog’s first trip you might want to talk to your vet and see if there is any medication that can help with motion sickness and anxiety.