The Complete Guide to Dog Travel and How to Make it Pleasant for Your Pooch

How to Prepare Your Pooch for a Trip! 🙌

If your pup is like most dogs, they don’t care where you go as long as they are with you. 💕🐶 But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some things you should do to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

Pets are not just a part of the family, they are also our best friends. We love them and care for them like they're our first borns. They deserve to be taken care of in the same way that we take care of ourselves. That's why we want to make sure that they have a comfortable and enjoyable time when we take them on a trip.

A pet is most likely to experience anxiety when it is away from its usual surroundings and routine. It can be very difficult for dogs to adjust to new places, people, sounds, smells and animals in the environment. That's why it's important that you take your pet’s needs into consideration before you go on a trip with him or her. Let’s be 💯 prepared here! 


How to Choose the Best Dog Carrier or Bag For You and Your Pooch

When it comes to picking the best dog carrier or bag for you and your pup, there are a few factors that you need to take into consideration. These include the size of your dog, what kind of carrier or bag you're looking for, how often you plan on using it, and where you'll be going with your dog.

The first thing that should be considered is the size of your dog.

If you have a large breed like a Great Dane, then you'll need a larger (or largest) carrier or bag than if you have a smaller breed like a Yorkie. What kind of carrier or bag are you looking for? Are you looking for something small and compact that can be easily stored in your purse? 😜Or do you want something larger so that your pup can stretch out and sleep comfortably?

For sure, you want to make sure that the carrier is large enough for your pup to feel comfortable in it. You must make sure that the carrier has enough room for if your dog needs to go potty or be able to drink water during its journey.

Another thing you need to think about is your own comfort, and the ease of transport. Is it easy for you to carry? Does it have any straps on it? Or wheels? Is it made out of a material that would irritate your pet’s skin? What about yours? Does it fit where you need it to go (train, bus, car)?

Next, decide if you want a carrier that is more suited for short trips or long trips. Also, be aware of the amount of hauling, whether you are jumping in a car and into a train station, or for instance walking through an airport terminal to get to your gate. Depending on the size of your dog, you may want to consider a backpack or a sling to carry your pooch in. A soft-sided carrier with wheels would be best for most sized dogs. These carriers are easy to carry and will fit in most cars. If you're going on a long trip, you might want to consider having several options available. 

Prepare Your Dog for Travel Ahead of Time

When your dog is a part of the family, you want to make sure that they have the best time possible on a journey. Prepare your pup for travel in advance so that they can have a safe and enjoyable trip. A few recommendations:

  1. Make sure your pet is comfortable with their carrier. You can start by letting them explore it before leaving it assembled. Keep the carrier out around the house so they can walk around and in it!
  2. Make sure that the carrier is properly ventilated and has enough space for them to move around.
  3. Bring snacks, treats, and toys along with you in case they get bored or hungry during the trip. Reward your pup for good behavior and obedience so they can associate the experience with positive feelings.
  4. Bring water and food along with you as well just in case they get thirsty or hungry during the trip.
  5. Bring poop bags and plastic bags in case of accidents
  6. Don’t forget to bring a leash. This way, you can have control over your pup when they leave the carrier (if in one) and have the comfort to explore new places.

Dogs are naturally curious and adventurous creatures. They love exploring new places and getting to know new people!

5. Bring Necessary Supplies with You and Pack Lightly

A pet owner should never travel without the necessary supplies and equipment needed to care for their pet. This includes, but is not limited to, food, water, medicines, a carrier or crate and a leash. For a bigger dog, bring him/her extra food to stay sustained.

Packing lightly is also a very important aspect of traveling with your pet. For example, you may want to leave behind any heavy items that you cannot carry, which isn’t urgently needed by your dog.

Don’t forget to bring some extra supplies with you. You never know!

Some things that you might want to pack are:

  • Leash and collar
  • Food and water bowls
  • Doggy bags
  • Extra snacks
  • Tons of toys
  • A towel or blanket to keep them cozy

What are the Best Ways to Keep Your Dog Calm on the Road?

The best way to keep your dog calm in the car is to take them for a walk before you get in the car. Get your dog in a good mood before getting in the car and during the ride by playing with them and giving them treats. Allow them ample time outside after each stop before getting back into the car again. These tips will let them know that they are going for a ride and will help them feel more comfortable.

If you want to play with your dog while driving, then make sure that the toy is not too big or too small for their mouth. Bigger toys can be thrown out of reach by sudden movements of the car while smaller toys can be swallowed or choke on it if they chew on it too hard.

The most important thing that you can do when traveling with a dog is to make sure that your dog is comfortable in the car. If you can find a comfortable iteration of a seatbelt harness for your dog, this will allow them to feel more secure and safe while they are riding in the car.

Create a safe space for your puppy to ride in the backseat. If your dog is not used to riding in a car, it may be helpful to bring a blanket or pillow for them to lay on during the trip.

While moving, play soothing music or white noise for them to listen to during the ride. This will help keep their mind from racing from one thought to the next which can make them anxious and nervous.


We hope this post helps with your next trip or journey! Have questions? Feel free to reach out to us at info@gonetothedogs.co