When kids weren’t in my future, I became a devoted dog mom who never leaves her babies behind. As a road trip enthusiast, I’ve learned how to make travel smooth and fun for my dogs.
I also know the world to our girls is as big as we make it so they never miss an adventure.When we have to be to Florida and back in 52 hours – you bet I’m up for the challenge, which also means the girls are rock stars by now.
Key Travel Tips for Dog Moms:
Preparation
Knowing where we are going and staying is so important. We book pet-friendly Airbnbs and prefer Drury Hotels for our stays.
When booking the hotel, make sure you tell them you are bringing your pets and be honest about their weight.
We also travel with our vet records and do pre-grooms to keep the hair minimal. Nothing is worse than rolling down the window in a new town and dog hair hitting your smiles!
Pre-plan your stops. We are obsessed with our favorite fuel stations and give the girls a bathroom break every 5 hours. They’re well traveled so we can go longer between but we started with stretch breaks every 2 hours.
We also feed a fresh diet so ensuring we have food prepped and water from our home is super important. We take gallon jugs to make sure they get water they’re used to.
Before leaving, pack an extra bowl, extra leash, first aid kit, and ensure the dogs have their ID tag on. It is also a good idea to have emergency paperwork on their kennels with veterinarian contact information and someone who can help with the dogs if something happens; It’s usually Aunt Jacquelyn for us!
Car Preparation
The car preparation is just as important. While we like to travel with kennels, sometimes we don’t. Honestly I like them to be comfortable. So we create a “crate” within the car with portable gates.
Secure all bags so they can’t roll around, lay seats flat and cover with their kennel blankets.
Always control the temperature for the dog. When we were car shopping, I didn’t think rear control was important- now it’s the only thing I want. Help move air with battery powered fans and never get the car too warm.
Also, for the safety of your dog, never leave them in the car alone. This means my husband has to do a quick Bucc-ees lap then I go. If I’m on the road alone I video call someone and leave a device in the car so the girls aren’t alone.
On the Road
While on the road, keeping the dogs safe is just as important as our own so we offer water regularly, but not too much and give them frozen Kongs, Yoggi Pots and chews, too.
For the safety of the dog, every time you stop, make sure they have a good “wait” command and leash your dog before opening the car door.
Another pet peeve of mine is letting the dog hang their head out the window while going 70 mph. It’s like a horse in the horse trailer, just don’t. If we’re in town going from stop light to stop light, I will let them have their head out the window.
Find safe, dog-friendly and well lit rest areas for their exercising and always pick up after your dog.
If you have to leave the dog in the vehicle, make sure it is temperature controlled and you parks somewhere where you can see the dog at all times.
It is important to stick to the dog’s schedule so making sure you’re feeding and exercising on their normal schedule is critical.
As always, monitor for signs of stress or tiredness and adjust plans, if needed.
Once you arrive, locate the closest emergency vet service and save their phone number just in case. Most importantly, have fun!
From the plains of Oklahoma, the beaches of Flordia and the streets of New York City, there isn’t a road-trip I’ve taken with the dogs that I’ve regretted. Take them with you!
When you get home, make sure to wash bedding, ease back into familiar routines and plan the next trip.
Remember: The world is as big as you make it for your dogs. Adventure awaits!
Poodle hugs until next time,
Kennedy + Poppy
poppylaurel.com 
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