Road Trip With Your Dog Checklist — Quick Reference

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a guide for pet parents

Road Trip With Your Dog Checklist

Safety, supplies, stops, and sleep, at a glance, for an easy drive with your dog.

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Safety, supplies, stops, and sleep, at a glance, for an easy drive with your dog.

Safety

  • Crash-tested harness, secured crate, or back-seat barrier
  • Keep your dog out of the front seat
  • Never leave your dog in a parked car

Pack

  • Food, travel bowl, and enough water for the trip
  • Leash, waste bags, and a familiar bed
  • Vaccination and vet records, and any medications
  • A recent photo and proof of microchip
  • Pet first-aid kit and a 24-hour vet near your destination

On the road

  • Stop every 2 to 4 hours for a walk, water, and a bathroom break
  • Feed lightly and a couple of hours before departure
  • Keep the car cool and well ventilated
  • Book pet-friendly overnight stops in advance

Plan your overnight stops before you leave rather than searching late at night with a tired dog.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Use a crash-tested harness, a secured crate, or a back-seat barrier, keep your dog out of the front seat, and never leave your dog in a parked car.

Food, a travel bowl, and enough water for the trip, a leash, waste bags, and a familiar bed, vaccination and vet records and any medications, a recent photo and proof of microchip, and a pet first-aid kit.

Stop every 2 to 4 hours for a walk, water, and a bathroom break, feed lightly a couple of hours before departure, and keep the car cool and well ventilated.

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