Travelling with a Puppy in the Car: 7 Essentials for a Safe Trip

Serena Faber Nelson Founder & Pet Lifestyle Writer

Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over.

Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.

If you’re about to go travelling with a puppy in the car for the first time, you’ll want to make their first experience a positive one!

When we recently brought home Butters, our new puppy, we had a two-day car journey ahead of us. So the pressure was on to make our car his home away from home! With the right puppy essentials and safety precautions covered, we had the perfect trip.

Here’s everything you need to know to keep your puppy safe and happy on the road.

RELATED: Puppy Must-Haves: The Ultimate Checklist for Puppies (2024)

Safety Tips: Travelling with a Puppy in the Car

Before we get to the recommended pet travel gear you’ll need, here’s a few golden rules for ensuring your puppy’s safety during car rides:

• Acclimate your puppy: Introduce your puppy to the car gradually before a big trip. Start with short drives to help them feel comfortable.
• No loose puppies: Always secure your puppy in a designated safe area, whether it’s a harness, carrier, or car hammock. A loose puppy can be a distraction and a hazard.
• Plan for frequent stops: Puppies have small bladders and big energy reserves! Schedule regular stops for bathroom breaks, hydration, and a little stretch.
• Keep temperatures comfortable: Never leave your puppy alone in a hot or cold car. Always check the temperature and ensure proper ventilation.
• Pack a puppy travel kit: Beyond essentials like food and water, bring along comforting items like a favorite blanket or toy to reduce anxiety.

7 Essentials for Travelling with a Puppy in the Car

Here’s a breakdown of the must-have puppy products that kept Butters safe, comfy, and content during our road trip:

1. Car Seat Hammock

First up, you’ll want to get a waterproof pet car seat cover. There are so many to choose from these days it’s insane.

When deciding, it’s important to create an environment your new puppy will be comfortable in for their first car trip. They need to be able to sit, turn around, and sleep in this space—and be free from falling or rolling around too much.

We used a half hammock car seat cover that easily attached to the front and back seats, forming a little den for our pup. It protected our car upholstery in case of accidents and offered a secure yet comfy space for Butters. By adding a soft bed inside, he had a safe, cozy space to call his own for the journey.

Why it’s a must:

• Prevents your puppy from falling into footwell gaps
• Easy to install and clean
• Creates a secure, comfortable spot

2. Car Harness & Seat Belt Attachment

Gone are the days when Fido could roam about the cabin…and while photos of puppies asleep on the console look adorable, they’re actually a dangerous projectile waiting to happen.

We opted for a soft chest plate harness, with a seat belt attachment. This setup allowed Butters a little freedom to move around while keeping him securely in place during sudden stops or accidents.

HANDY TIP: Measure your puppy before travelling to make sure you have the correct harness size.

3. Snack Duo Bottle with Travel Bowl

The Snack Duo is a little gem that kept our dog fed, watered, and on the road with no worries. The design is simple yet genius: one half stores treats or food, while the other holds fresh water.

With a handy pop-up bowl clipped on, your puppy always has somewhere to eat and drink without spills or fuss.

Why it’s a must:

• Combines food and water storage in one
• Easy to use and spill-proof
• Perfect for long and short trips

4. Dog Lead

While it sounds obvious, many people forget to bring a lead when taking their dog in the car!

Whether it’s for a quick bathroom break or a longer walk during a pit stop, a dog lead keeps your puppy secure and safe when outside the vehicle.

5. Towel & Wet Wipes

Whether it’s muddy paws, travel sickness, or toilet accidents, these items will save the day! We swear by Well & Good Puppy Grooming Wipes  for cleaning up messes quickly and easily.

6. Waste Bags

Picking up after your dog is a fact of life, and there’s no better time to start than when they’re a puppy!

Keep waste bags on hand at all times to stay prepared – we recommend Earth Rated poop bags.

7. First Aid Kit

Last but certainly not least, a first aid kit offers peace of mind that even if you’re stuck on a freeway, you have the tools you need to help your pup with minor or major injuries.

Whether you make your own DIY dog first aid kit or purchase a pre-made kit like this Amazon best-seller, it’s an essential item that could save your puppy’s life.

Last word: Keep it paw-sitive!

With these puppy travel safety tips and recommended products, you’ll be all set to hit the road with your new best friend.

Remember, it’s all about making your puppy’s first car trips comfy, secure and enjoyable, so they associate the car with fun happy times.

Check out our top pet travel essentials and free packing checklist for everything you need on your next adventure!