A Dog Mom’s 7 Tips for Traveling with a Dog

Traveling with a dog can be a gratifying and memorable experience, but it also requires careful planning and consideration to ensure the safety and comfort of both you and your furry companion. Whether you're hitting the road for a weekend getaway or embarking on a cross-country adventure, these essential tips for traveling with a dog will help make your journey enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your canine friend.

1) Research & Prepare for Your Destination

Before you embark on your journey, it's essential to take care of a few pre-travel preparations to ensure a smooth experience. If you’re crossing a border, keep in mind that countries differ in their rules and regulations for allowing your pup entry. Some countries require a “pet passport” and formal paperwork from your vet, while others mandate a quarantine period and high fees. Before booking your trip, research the rules of your destination thoroughly to ensure you and your pup can comply with all the requirements. Regardless of where you’re visiting, ensure your dog has proper identification, including a collar and tag that displays your up-to-date contact information. Make room in your suitcase for your dog’s essentials, including food, water, bowls, leash, collar and ID tag, waste bags, bedding, and any medications. If you’re traveling light, prepare to visit a pet store in your destination to stock up on everything your pup will need. And don’t forget to pack your dog’s favorite toy! Barkley’s favorite toy? A golden retriever plush that doubles as her pacifier.

Pro tip: If you’re traveling abroad, check with the embassy or consulate (or government websites) of the country of your destination for the most accurate information.

2) Plan Your Transportation

Depending on your mode of transportation, there are specific considerations to keep in mind. Road trips are a great way to avoid paperwork and minimize travel-related stress. Secure your pup safely in a crate or with a seatbelt, and take frequent breaks to allow your dog to stretch their legs, go to the bathroom, and hydrate. If you’re flying, check with airlines for their pet policies and requirements. Most airlines have specific regulations for pet travel, including health documentation and size, breed, and crate specifications. Research and understand the requirements well in advance of your trip so you can know what to expect and prepare accordingly. Opt for a direct flight whenever possible to minimize stress and time spent in transit.

3) Choose Dog-Friendly Accommodations

When booking accommodations, opt for pet-friendly hotels and research their pet policies and any additional fees or restrictions beforehand to avoid any surprises upon arrival. My absolute favorite pet-friendly hotel brand is Kimpton, whose policy is “if your pet fits through the door, we’ll welcome them in.” Their pet-friendliness doesn’t end there though – they offer pet-bed loaners, food and water bowls, and a concierge list of nearby pet-friendly restaurants, parks, groomers, and pet boutiques.

Insider tip: Book your next trip with me for access to a number of Fora perks at Kimpton properties, including daily breakfast, hotel credit, guaranteed late checkout, room upgrades, and more!

4) Prioritize Comfort and Safety

Your dog's comfort and safety are paramount during travel. If your dog experiences anxiety during travel, consider using calming aids such as pheromone sprays, natural supplements, or prescription medications as recommended by your vet. Keep your dog entertained with toys or puzzle feeders to keep them occupied and distracted during long journeys. Be mindful of the environment and cautious of unfamiliar surroundings that may pose risks, such as wildlife, rough terrain, or toxic plants, and stay informed of weather conditions, travel advisories, and any regulation changes that could affect your journey.

5) Get Your Pup Acclimated

Barkley’s and my favorite routine when we get to a new destination is to go for a long walk before settling into our hotel. Seeing and sniffing around the new surroundings while meeting other dogs and people helps her get acclimated to and comfortable with the new environment. Meanwhile, try to stick to your other routines as much as possible (e.g., feeding times, number of walks, bed time). Dogs are creatures of habit, so maintaining an element of regularity for your dog helps provide comfort and stability during what can otherwise be a stressful and unpredictable experience. Plus, sticking to your routine can help your dog understand that the same behavioral boundaries and rules they learned at home apply when you’re traveling, too.

6) Explore Pet-Friendly Activities

Choose pet-friendly activities that accommodate your dog's needs and preferences. Whether it’s hiking in a national park, strolling through a city, or lounging on a pet-friendly beach, research and plan activities that both you and your dog will enjoy. Should you want a dog-free day to explore the pet-unfriendly attractions in your destination, I recommend finding a doggy daycare or a dog-sitter in the area to keep your dog occupied and entertained. Barkley and I have found our fair share of wonderful doggy daycares and Rover sitters across the globe. After going our separate ways for the day, the reunion of an exhausted dog and a fulfilled traveler is the ultimate win-win. And as the old saying goes, a tired dog is a good dog!

Pro tip: My three favorites resources offering guidance on dog-friendly activities worldwide are:

• BringFido.com to locate (and see reviews of) dog-friendly restaurants, hotels and activities

• AllTrails.com to explore a database of 400,000+ trails across the globe and filter for dog-friendly trails (among a heap of other helpful information including trail length, average completion time, elevation gain, recent conditions, reviews, photos, offline maps, and more)

• DogPack app for a map of dog parks, dog-friendly areas and dog businesses

7) Be Mindful of Others & Practice Good Etiquette

Respect the rules and regulations of the places you visit. Keep your pup leashed in public areas unless otherwise specified, and clean up after your dog responsibly. While you and I may love our loyal companions, not everyone may feel the same way. Be considerate of others' space and comfort, especially in shared accommodations or public spaces. Keep in mind that human relationships with dogs vary across cultures, so do your best to be aware of and sensitive to the varying human-canine boundaries to which others are accustomed.

Traveling with your dog can be an enriching experience filled with unforgettable bonding moments and adventures. With careful planning and consideration for your dog’s needs, you can ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey for both you and your loyal companion. So pack your bags, leash up your pup, and get ready for an unforgettable travel experience together!