Summer is here, and that means road trips, camping weekends, and long drives to visit family. If your dog is coming along for the ride, a little preparation goes a long way. The difference between a stressful trip and a smooth one comes down to planning.
Here is everything you need to know to keep your dog safe, comfortable, and well-behaved on your next road trip.
Before You Hit the Road
The best road trips start days before you leave. Take care of these essentials first.
Visit your vet. Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and any medications. Ask for a copy of their health records to bring with you. If you are crossing provincial or international borders, you may need a health certificate and/or proof of vaccination.
Update your dog’s ID. Check that their collar tag has your current phone number. Confirm your contact details in their microchip registry. In an unfamiliar place, proper identification is the fastest way to reunite with a lost dog.
Practice short drives first. If your dog does not ride in the car often, start with short trips around town. Gradually increase the distance so they get comfortable with the motion, sounds, and routine of car travel. This is especially important for puppies and rescue dogs.
Pack a dog travel kit. You do not want to search for a pet store in the middle of nowhere. Pack these essentials:
- Enough food for the entire trip, plus two extra days
- Portable water bowl and a few litres of water from home (new water sources can upset sensitive stomachs)
- Leash, harness, and a spare collar with ID tag
- Poop bags (more than you think you need)
- Any medications your dog takes
- A favourite toy or blanket that smells like home
- First aid kit with gauze, antiseptic wipes, tweezers (for ticks), and your vet’s/ local emergency vet’s phone number
- Recent photo of your dog on your phone (in case they get lost)
- Crate or travel carrier if your dog uses one
- Crash-rated seatbelt for the vehicle
Safety in the Car
Your dog needs to ride safely, just like every other passenger. An unrestrained dog in a moving car is a risk to everyone.
Use a crash-tested harness or crate. A dog seatbelt harness keeps your dog secure and prevents them from flying forward in a sudden stop. A crate or carrier strapped in with a seatbelt works well for smaller dogs. Choose a product that has passed crash testing.
Never let your dog ride in the front seat. Airbags can seriously injure or kill a dog in a collision. The back seat is always the safest spot.
Keep windows mostly closed. Dogs love to stick their heads out the window, but debris, insects, and sudden stops make this dangerous. Crack the window enough for airflow, but not enough for your dog to fit their head through.
Never leave your dog in a parked car. On a 25°C day, the inside of a car can reach 40°C in just 10 minutes. Even with the windows cracked, a parked car can become deadly in minutes. If you need to stop somewhere your dog cannot come, one person should stay with the dog outside the car.
Rest Stops and Breaks
Plan to stop every two to three hours, or more often for puppies and active dogs.
Let your dog stretch and walk. Every stop should include at least 10 to 15 minutes of walking on leash. This helps with stiffness, anxiety, and bathroom needs. Always keep your dog on leash at rest stops, even if they have excellent recall. Unfamiliar smells and sounds can trigger unpredictable behaviour.
Offer water at every stop. Dogs can get dehydrated in the car, especially in warm weather. Offer fresh water at every break, even if they do not seem thirsty.
Stick to their feeding schedule. Feed your dog at their normal meal times, but give them at least an hour to digest before getting back in the car. Feeding right before driving increases the chance of car sickness.
Watch for signs of car sickness. Drooling, panting, restlessness, lip licking, or vomiting are all signs your dog feels carsick. If this happens, pull over and let them walk on solid ground for a while. For dogs prone to car sickness, ask your vet about medication before the trip.
Keeping Your Dog Calm on the Drive
Some dogs love car rides. Others find them stressful. Here is how to help an anxious traveller:
Bring familiar items. A blanket from home, their regular bed, or a worn shirt of yours can provide comfort through scent. Familiar smells help your dog feel safe in an unfamiliar environment.
Play calming music. Studies show that classical music and reggae can reduce stress in dogs. Skip the heavy metal playlist for this trip.
Maintain a calm energy. Your dog picks up on your emotions. If you are tense, frustrated, or rushed, your dog will feel it. Stay calm, speak in a relaxed tone, and keep the atmosphere in the car positive.
Use a ThunderShirt or calming wrap. Gentle, constant pressure can help some anxious dogs feel more secure. Put it on before the trip starts so your dog associates it with calm, not stress.
Dog-Friendly Accommodations
Plan your overnight stops in advance. Not every hotel, motel, or campsite allows dogs.
Book pet-friendly accommodations early. Call ahead to confirm their pet policy, size restrictions, and any extra fees. Some places charge a nightly pet fee or require a deposit.
Bring a crate for the room. Even if your dog does not sleep in a crate at home, a familiar crate gives them a safe space in an unfamiliar room. It also prevents damage if you need to leave them briefly.
Respect the property. Pick up after your dog outside. Bring a sheet or blanket to cover hotel furniture. Keep your dog off the beds unless the hotel says otherwise. Good behaviour from dog owners means more places stay dog-friendly for everyone.
Never leave a stressed dog unattended and loose in a hotel room. An anxious dog in an unfamiliar room can bark nonstop, damage property, or injure themselves trying to escape.
Crossing the Canada-U.S. Border with Your Dog
If your road trip takes you south of the border, plan ahead for your dog’s crossing requirements.
Heading into the U.S.: Dogs entering the United States must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate. Some states have additional requirements. Check the CDC and USDA websites before you travel. Effective August 2024, the CDC also requires dogs to have a microchip and complete an online import form.
Returning to Canada: Dogs coming back into Canada need proof of a current rabies vaccination. Puppies under three months old may have different requirements. Check the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) website for the latest rules.
Carry all paperwork in the car. Have your dog’s rabies certificate, health records, and microchip number easily accessible. Border agents may ask to see them.
Road Trip Behaviour Checklist
A well-trained dog makes every road trip easier. Before you go, make sure your dog can reliably:
- Walk on a loose leash (essential for rest stops and unfamiliar areas)
- Respond to basic commands: sit, stay, come
- Settle in one spot without constant attention
- Greet strangers calmly without jumping
- Stay calm around other dogs on leash
If any of these are a work in progress, professional training before your trip can make a huge difference. knowing what to do takes the stress out of travel for both you and your dog.
Make It a Trip You Both Enjoy
The best part of travelling with your dog is sharing the adventure together. With the right preparation, your dog can be the perfect road trip companion: calm in the car, well-behaved at rest stops, and happy to explore new places by your side.
If your dog struggles with car anxiety, travel-related stress, or any behaviour that makes trips difficult, your local Bark Busters trainer can help. We work with you in your home to build the skills your dog needs for real-life situations, including travel.
Every Bark Busters training program comes with our Written Lifetime Guarantee, so you will have support before and long after the trip is over.
Find your local Bark Busters trainer and start preparing for your best road trip yet.