Traveling With Your Dog? Make Sure To Do These 6 Things Before You Go

Traveling with your dog can be an adventure, but hitting the road with your pup isn’t quite as simple as tossing a suitcase in the trunk. Like many humans, dogs thrive on routine, and you probably have your dog’s routine down pat at home. But when it’s time to hit the road, consistency is one of the first things to go, making travel stressful for both you and your pet. Luckily, a little planning goes a long way, and having the right tools can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve rounded up essential tips and travel must-haves (like calming treats and a travel-friendly dog food subscription from the human-grade dog food brand Ollie) to help ensure your pup stays happy, healthy, and well-fed wherever your travels take you.

1. Pack A Bag For Your Dog

Think of this as your dog’s carry-on: It’ll have everything your pup may need on the go, including collapsible bowls, toys, waste bags, a leash, and plenty of treats. Pack a towel or some wipes to prepare for messes along the way, and don’t forget your dog’s medications or important documents (like vaccination papers, which hotels or boarders may ask to see).

2. Secure Your Pup For Safety

When your dog is riding in the car, a pet seat belt or a harness is a must. Properly restraining your dog not only keeps them safer in case of sudden stops or accidents, but it minimizes distractions for the driver, too. Alternatively, you can travel with your pet in a durable, padded crate that’s strapped down, which may also minimize motion sickness.

3. Stick To Their Regular Feeding Schedule

Dogs have a sense of time (which is why they may get antsy around dinner when the clocks change for Daylight Savings), and feeding on your pet’s regular schedule supports healthy digestion and creates a sense of normalcy while away from home. To make mealtimes on the road easier, consider packing travel-friendly options. Ollie’s meal plans are perfect for this: their baked dog food doesn’t need refrigeration, and the Fresh recipes come in airtight containers you can easily toss in a cooler. The Fresh recipes come frozen and are designed to stay that way until 24 hours before feeding. However, once thawed, they can remain in a cold fridge (or fridge-like environment) for up to 4 days.

4. Stay On Top Of Hydration

Dogs should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. To keep your dog hydrated while traveling, pack a collapsible bowl or a water bottle designed specifically for pets. And don’t forget to stop regularly for hydration breaks, especially on long drives.

5. Keep Them Calm In The Car

Some dogs love a road trip. Others get super anxious. If your fur baby is one of the latter, start preparing them weeks or months in advance. Take practice trips to fun spots (like the park or their favorite friend’s house), so they don’t associate the car with stressful locations like the vet or groomer.

When it’s time to leave for your trip, make sure to bring your dog’s favorite comfort items for the ride. Dogs’ noses are 100,000 times more sensitive than ours, and the familiar smell of their favorite blanket, bed, or toy may be a big source of comfort. If they get separation anxiety from the back seat, you can also give them one of your worn T-shirts.

Finally, bring calming treats for the road. Ollie’s calming chews use a plant-based blend of chamomile, valerian root, L-tryptophan, and melatonin to help relax anxious pups on long trips.

6. Plan Ahead For Stops & Stays

Incorporate regular stops into your travel plans to ensure your pet has time to eat, digest, and use the bathroom. Unless your dog is a service animal, most locations don’t allow pets. Scope out pet-friendly parks, restaurants, and hotels in advance so your trip goes as smoothly as possible for both of you.

Pro tip: If you’re signed up for Ollie’s subscription dog food subscription you can adjust your regular deliveries while you’re gone. Ollie lets you skip boxes and change delivery frequencies — or you can update your address four to seven days in advance to have Ollie meals shipped directly to your travel spot. Just be sure to give your destination a heads-up to ensure a smooth delivery.