The Complete Guide to Traveling With Dogs

You know the look. That guilty, soulful stare your dog gives you the second a suitcase appears on the bed. It’s enough to make you cancel your travel. But you don’t have to leave them behind.

Taking your dog along changes the dynamic of a trip completely, usually for the better.

Sure, it involves more logistics than throwing a toothbrush in a bag, but watching your pup experience snow or sand for the first time? Totally worth the extra hassle.

Travel Based on Trip Length

Packing for a quick afternoon hike is a breeze compared to gearing up for a month-long road trip. You wouldn’t pack the same way for a coffee run as you would for an expedition, and the same logic applies to your dog.

1. Short Trips (Day Trips or Weekend Getaways)

It’s easy to think, “Oh, we’re just going an hour away, it’ll be fine.” That is usually when things go wrong. We tend to let our guard down on familiar turf. Even for a quick weekend escape, safety has to be non-negotiable.

Photo by Lauren Guardala on Unsplash

Car Safety Essentials

• Seatbelt Harness: A sudden brake can turn a loose dog into a projectile. A simple click-in harness keeps them (and you) safe without costing a fortune.
• Crate: Some dogs actually prefer being crated. It’s their safe space. Just strap it down so it doesn’t slide around on every curve.
• Barriers: If you have a Great Dane or a restless Lab, a mesh or metal barrier between the seats keeps them from trying to help you drive.

Comfort on the Road

Photo by Gary Samaha on Unsplash

Motion sickness is no joke. Fresh air helps a lot, so crack a window. But resist the urge to let them hang their head all the way out. We’ve all seen it, and it looks fun, but a bug hitting an eye at 60 mph causes real damage.

And this goes without saying, but never leave them alone in the car. It takes minutes for a car to turn into an oven, even on days that don’t feel that hot.

Packing for Short Hauls

You don’t need a checked bag for a day trip, but a “go-bag” saves sanity.

• Water: Thirsty dogs are cranky dogs. Bring a bottle and a collapsible bowl.
• Leash and Collar: Make sure the tags are readable. If they dash off after a squirrel, you need that phone number to be visible.
• Poop Bags: Bring the whole roll. You do not want to be the person searching for a leaf in a public park.
• First Aid: A scrape on a paw can ruin a hike fast. Some antiseptic spray and a bandage are good to have on hand. Learn how to make a DIY pet first-aid kit here.

2. Long Trips (Multi-Day or Extended Travel)

Heading out for weeks? Now we are talking about serious prep. Crossing state lines or borders adds layers of red tape that you can’t ignore.

Veterinary Preparation

Start this process a month out. Seriously, don’t wait until the week before.

• Vaccinations: Rabies rules are strict. If that paperwork isn’t perfect, you aren’t crossing the border.
• Microchip: Collars get lost. Microchips don’t. Double-check that your registration info is up to date so they can actually find you.
• Health Certificate: International travel often demands a specific form signed by a vet right before you leave.
• Parasite Prevention: Going somewhere warm? Heartworm mosquitoes might be waiting. Going into the woods? Ticks are everywhere. Talk to your vet about the risks at your destination.

International Rules and Paperwork

Europe is generally dog-friendly, but you need a Pet Passport. The rabies shot usually has to be at least 21 days old, so spontaneous trips are tough.

The UK, Ireland, and Malta are even stricter. They often require a specific tapeworm treatment given by a vet just days before arrival. Get this wrong, and your dog stays behind. Always check the embassy site yourself.

Packing for the Long Haul

Dogs are creatures of habit. Strange hotel rooms can freak them out.

• Food: Bring their normal kibble. Switching diet in the middle of a trip is asking for an upset stomach (and a messy hotel carpet).
• Bedding: Don’t wash their blanket before you go. That familiar “dog smell” comforts them in a new place.
• Medication: Count out their pills and add a buffer week. Delays happen.
• Grooming: Pack a towel. You will eventually encounter mud, rain, or a beach, and you’ll be glad you have it.

Accommodation Checks

“Pet-friendly” can mean anything from “dogs are royalty here” to “dogs are allowed in this one specific dark room.” Call them. Ask about weight limits. Ask if you can leave the dog unattended (usually, the answer is no).

And be a good guest. If your dog barks non-stop when you leave, you’re going to have a problem with management.

Travel by Transportation Type

The “how” matters just as much as the “where.” Trains, planes, and boats all have their own quirks.

1. Traveling by Ferry or Ship

Ferries can be great, but they can also be confusing.

Onboard Accommodation

• Pet-Friendly Cabins: Some lines have cabins with linoleum floors. These sell out instantly, so book early.
• Kennels: Big ferries often have a kennel deck. You can go down and visit, check water, and give a few pets during the crossing.
• In Your Car: Short hops might mean the dog stays in the car. Make sure there’s enough air, but not enough gap for an escape artist.

Photo by Sehjad Khoja

Safety and Potty Breaks

Ask a crew member immediately where the relief area is. It’s usually a small sandbox on a windy deck. It’s weird, and your dog might hate it, but it’s better than an accident. Keep them leashed, as decks are slippery.

Also, watch out for seasickness. A light meal beforehand is smarter than a full bowl.

2. Traveling by Train

There is something nice about the rhythm of a train, and dogs often sleep right through it. But space is tight.

Photo by Спиридон Варфаламеев from Pexels

Size Matters

• Small Dogs: If they fit in a bag, they usually ride for free or cheap. The bag goes under your feet.
• Large Dogs: Many trains allow them, but they need a ticket, a leash, and often a muzzle. It protects them as much as anyone else in a crowded aisle.
• Restrictions: Some high-speed trains (like the Eurostar) are a firm “no” for pets. Always check.

Etiquette on the Rails

The floor is their spot, not the seat. Keeping them quiet keeps you from getting kicked off.

Train stops are short. There is no time for a potty break until you arrive. Walk them hard before you board. And bring water—train air is incredibly dry.

3. Traveling by Airplane

Flying is stressful. There is no way around it. It requires the most prep and has the strictest rules.

Photo by Vanishing Point Images on Unsplash

Cabin vs. Cargo

• In Cabin: Tiny dogs (usually under 8kg with the bag) can go under the seat. They have to stay in the bag the whole time. It’s cramped, but they are with you.
• In Hold (Cargo): Bigger dogs go in the cargo hold. It’s pressurized and temperature-controlled, but it’s loud and lonely. You have to book this way in advance.

The Right Crate (IATA Standards)

If they fly cargo, the crate has to be Fort Knox.

• Bolts: Metal bolts only. Plastic clips pop open.
• Size: They need to stand without ducking and turn around easily. Airlines measure this.
• Bowls: Two empty dishes bolted to the door.

Credit: LE SURE Soft Collapsible Dog Crate

Health and Breed Restrictions

If it’s too hot or cold on the runway, the airline won’t load the dog. It’s for their safety.

Snub-nosed breeds: Pugs and Bulldogs often can’t fly cargo. Their breathing just can’t handle the stress and air changes.

Feed them lightly about four hours before the flight. A massive run before the airport helps them sleep through the worst of it.

Tips to Managing Travel Anxiety

Travel disrupts everything your dog knows. New smells, weird noises, no routine. It’s normal for them to be nervous.

Start your training weeks in advance. Buying a crate the day before is a recipe for panic. Instead, make it the best seat in the house by throwing treats in there early on. Take short drives around the block just to show them that the car doesn’t always mean a trip to the vet.

Try natural aids to take the edge off. Pheromone sprays mimic the scent of a nursing mother. It sounds odd, but it works for many dogs. Thundershirts apply gentle pressure like a constant hug, and tossing your dirty gym shirt in the crate works wonders. You smell like safety to them.

Talk to your vet about medication. If your dog shakes uncontrollably or vomits the moment the car moves, you might need help. There are meds for nausea and anxiety, but be careful with sedation for flying. It can interfere with breathing at altitude.

Keep their routine as normal as possible. Feeding and walking them at the same times gives them a sense of order in the chaos. A tired dog is a good traveler, so wear them out before you go. And watch them closely. If they start panting heavily or acting off, take a break immediately.

Traveling with a dog is messy and requires patience, but sharing a sunrise on a new trail with your best friend? That makes every bit of planning worth it.

Fluffy Editorial

Fluffy Editorial is our in-house team of writers and dog nerds. We research every topic carefully, talk to professionals when needed, and focus on sharing honest advice we’d follow with our own dogs.

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