A Pup-Friendly Journey: How to Prepare for the Ultimate Road Trip
December 19, 2024
When vacation time nears, many may make arrangements for their pup to stay with a loved one or at a care facility, though these aren’t the only options. 38% of consumers aged 18-34 told Morgan Stanley researchers that they often travel with their pets. “It’s a telling indication of the prioritization that people have for their pets,” noted Morgan Stanley retail analyst, Simeon Gutman. While many may book their pup on a flight with minimal difficulty, car travel can bring a variety of challenges into play — especially if it’s your first road trip with a furry companion. From the safety considerations that are a must to how you can plan for a comfortable journey, a road trip with Fido can become second nature.
From proper restraint to practice trips
Safety is a crucial aspect of car travel, regardless as to how long your trip will be. While it may seem like a good idea to let Fido ride shotgun or even let him lay in the backseat, this can lead to injury in the event of an accident — and can even cause an accident due to distraction. As such, a proper dog crate is noted to be an excellent way to keep your dog safe while in the car, the American Kennel Club (AKC) notes. The AKC recommends several features to look for when in search of the ideal travel crate, from size (as the crate must be large enough for the dog to stand, turn, and lie down), durability, and ventilation, to highlight a few valuable aspects. It’s also crucial to secure the crate properly in your vehicle, which will prevent any unnecessary movement.
Beyond the equipment, practice makes perfect when it comes to the travel process. One of the best ways that you can prepare your pup (and yourself) for a lengthy road trip is through shorter practice trips, whether to a nearby friend’s house, the park, or a simple drive around the neighborhood. Not only will this enable you to run through the entirety of the travel process, but will provide a sense of comfort through routine for yourself and Fido. This can also be particularly beneficial for pups who have anxiety when it comes to the vehicle. “A lot of dogs are afraid to go for a ride in the car because the only time they go anywhere is when you take them to the vet or to get groomed,” says Colby Lehew, the owner of Dogletics, a dog training and walking company based in Chicago. The creation of positive experiences and associations with your vehicle is just one recommendation that the Daily Paws article highlights — a task that can be achieved with practice rides.
Packing for your pup
What you pack is integral as to whether a Fido-friendly road trip goes well or not. Thankfully, the essentials can be broken down into different categories, from essentials to comfort items and those that are travel-friendly. Essentials encompass medication, food, and water. In regard to food, The Spruce Pets notes that the best solution is to get a 10-pound sealable food bin, in which medications can be packed within the spare space inside the bin. “You should also include a Ziploc bag containing vet records, food bowl, water bowl, and collapsible travel water bowl.” Comfort items, like a familiar toy and treats as well a sweater or jacket are additional considerations, especially if your pup is anxious about the car ride, while travel-specific items (such as travel waste bags) can make a difference, too.
It’s important to realize that the vehicle itself can further contribute to how safe and comfortable you and your pup are along the way. This is especially important in regard to space, which makes SUVs an optimal choice. If you don’t already have an SUV, you may wish to purchase or lease one, especially if there are many more Fido-friendly road trips planned for the future. SUVs are ideal for road trips, as they feature plenty of interior and cargo space. This makes the SUV ideal for families as well as travel where plenty of luggage will be involved. Reviews of popular SUVs can prove to be immensely helpful for prospective owners, as they bring to light the pros and cons of today’s models and can help determine which may be the best fit. With modern features that elevate the driving experience — such as voice assistance, safety features, and heated seats — first-hand reviews can provide valuable perspective.
Pet-friendly stops are essential
Time spent out on the open road can be enjoyable for humans and furry friends alike, though can become tedious after a while. As such, regular breaks are essential for a comfortable journey. Just like humans, your dog can greatly benefit from routine bathroom breaks, and time to simply stretch their legs. One of the best things you can do (especially if you’re on a lengthy road trip) is to plan out pet-friendly stops along the way. Dog-friendly parks and rest stop areas are ideal, and it’s essential to determine whether a location is pet-friendly or not beforehand.
If your road trip is particularly lengthy, a hotel stay may be in order. One Forbes article by Lea Lane highlights several essential questions to ask in advance before you book a room for yourself and your pup. For example, some hotels may only allow cats or dogs, and may even have restrictions in regard to breed and weight. It’s also important to inquire about pet fees, which are typical for pet-friendly hotels. In some cases, however, you may come across a hotel that embraces pet-friendliness. Lane highlights a particularly unique stay that can be found: “The Sedona Inn, for example, was constructed with wood and tile flooring throughout to accommodate four-legged visitors, and has over 1,000 square feet of pet-friendly patio space,” the article notes, and goes on to point out a special ‘welcome basket’ for pets that include a blanket and treats on arrival.
At first glance, a pet-friendly road trip can appear like a challenge, especially if you’ve never embarked on a journey with your pup before. From the essential items to the breaks along the way, there are multiple ways that you can put Fido at the forefront of the trip for a safe and memorable excursion.
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