How To Take a Road Trip With Your Dog

It’s no doubt that dogs are truly man’s – and woman’s – best friend. In a dog-obsessed culture, Fido’s role in the family is now greater than the traditional family Christmas photo, lawn ornaments, or beggars at the dinner table — although this one might still be true.

In fact, the line between dogs and children has become pretty blurred in many families. Many pet owners refer to themselves as “pet parents” or “dog moms”.  There are dog birthday celebrations that rival any child’s 1st birthday extravaganza, and millennials are purchasing homes so their dogs can have more space.

We love our dogs unconditionally and they’ve become an integral part of households both big and small. That’s why it breaks our hearts when we have to leave them behind when we travel. Fortunately, the travel industry has begun to meet the demands of “pawrents” who want to travel with their dogs.

Although not every pup has jet setting privileges, it’s still more accessible than ever to take your dog on a road trip. There’s no better kind of bonding experience than road trips — they encourage us to get active with our dogs, explore new places, and find ourselves in locations away from the tourist hot spots.

Road trips with our mutt are fun and make for memories that last a lifetime, but they can also be exhausting. An extended period of time spent in the car can wear on patience of a human passenger, and similarly does so for dogs. Your dog hanging out the window, standing on the center console, or attempting to squeeze into your lap is the equivalent to kids asking “are we there yet.”

Dogs can express restlessness in their own ways, so it’s important to prepare your pup and consider how you will plan your route.

To help you and family, dog included, hit the open road, CarRentals rounded up some of the top advice for how to take a road trip with your dog. It includes safety tips, an essentials checklist, and gear for the adventure junkie. Check out the helpful infographic below to learn how you and your pup can be prepared for your next adventure together.

When you travel with your dog, be sure to check out this list of dog-friendly hotels and other lodging options. Also, be sure to pack your pet first-aid kit, because you never know when you might need it. You can never be too prepared when you hit the open road with your mutt.

What advice do you have for taking a road trip with your dog? Share it in a comment below!