Holiday Travel Tips for Dogs

As the fun holiday season approaches, your calendar may start filling up with trips, festive gatherings, and other exciting plans that may require traveling with your furry family member by your side. Whether you’re going by plane or car, preparing ahead of time can help make for a smooth travel experience. Keep reading for tips you can add to your safety measures this holiday season.

PACK AN ESSENTIALS BAG

Think of this bag as your personal carry-on; pack the essentials that your pup may need at any given moment. This should include food in a reusable bag, their favorite treats, a collapsible bowl to save space, their medication, medical papers/vaccination records, ID tags, a portable water bottle for quick access to water to maintain hydration, an extra leash, a couple of rolls of doggy poop bags, and more. Whether in a car or on a plane, having this ready can be a big help while you’re on the go.

Looking for just the right bag? We’ve got you covered! The Dogtopia Travel Bag keeps items organized with food storage compartments, an easy-access bag dispenser, and two 15-ounce collapsible bowls. Plus, you can wear it as a backpack or slide it on your roller luggage handle.

BRING FAMILIAR ITEMS WITH YOU

Does your dog have a favorite toy or sleep with a specific blanket? Bringing these items along while traveling is a great way to ease anxiety and make unfamiliar environments feel more familiar. Plus, these calming reminders can be useful when you’re busy and can’t always give cuddles and belly rubs.

If you’re spending the holidays in a different home, your dog may be exposed to new sights and smells. Familiar items can offer the scent and texture they’re used to, which can help maintain a comfortable mindset and create a relaxing overnight stay.

TRY A MIND-STIMULATING GAME

Similar to some distraction methods you might try with children while traveling, your furry family member can also benefit from something to take their mind off the trip and help pass the time. A treat puzzle or a small snuffle mat, for example, can help keep them occupied in the car or while in their carrier on the plane, as a novel activity can offer mental stimulation, which can help lower their stress levels. Before choosing which activity to bring, be sure it is safe to travel with, easy to clean, and is quiet (your travel companions will thank you).

PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER

For many, the holidays are synonymous with cold weather, so bringing the right gear is key. An insulated jacket with reflective material and secure, non-slip booties can keep your pup warm, safe on rough surfaces, and noticeable in low visibility, such as in a snowstorm.

Because dog paws are sensitive to the cold and sidewalk de-icing salt, which could cause dry and irritated paw pads, bringing protective paw balm with you can be a great doggie travel essential, helping maintain moisture and avoiding discomfort in wintry conditions.

If you are traveling to cold destinations or are driving in winter weather, keep an eye on the temperature, as weather changes can happen quickly. When the temperature dips to 40°F, you should keep an eye on your furry friend if you’re outdoors. Meanwhile, 20°F and below is potentially life-threatening cold, so you should avoid prolonged time outdoors with your pup. Various factors play into how cold can affect your dog (i.e., breed, age, size, etc.), so planning what gear to bring ahead of time can help prepare you for any weather condition.

SECURE YOUR DOG FOR A SAFE CAR RIDE

Traveling by car for the holidays? Keeping your dog secure while driving is essential, as there are several safety concerns when dogs are unrestrained. While pups can’t wear regular seatbelts like the rest of us, there are harness options that can work with your vehicle’s seatbelts.

A harness should be comfortable for your pup. Always make sure it’s a good fit so it’s secure but not restrictive; your dog shouldn’t be able to wiggle their way out, but you should be able to fit two fingers underneath the harness. Additionally, review the harness’s material to check and see if it is crash-tested, which can offer greater confidence in its safety capabilities.

Travel safety is important to us at Dogtopia, which is why we teamed up with Sleepypod to offer pet parents the Clickit Sport car harness. This harness uses state-of-the-art technology to provide incredible safety and comfort. Plus, it has been crash-tested at U.S., Canadian, and E.U. child safety standards and independently tested by the Center for Pet Safety as one of the safest car harnesses for an auto collision.

BOOK A VET VISIT BEFOREHAND

Having your veterinarian confirm that your pup is fit to travel can offer reassurance that they’re feeling their best. For instance, if they have the initial stages of an ear infection, knowing beforehand can ensure that it’s cleared up before flying, as ear pressure can cause worsening symptoms.

Scheduling a vet visit also allows you to check that your dog’s vaccination and health records are up to date, which may be necessary documentation when traveling. Always check with your airline and the destination you’re visiting for specific requirements.

Speaking of vets, if you’re traveling out of town, look for emergency or urgent vet clinics in the area you’re visiting as a precaution. Researching clinics in a high-stress moment can be much more taxing than if you have chosen a clinic beforehand.

FAMILIARIZE YOUR DOG WITH A TRAVEL CARRIER

A travel carrier can be very helpful during trips, providing a secure, enclosed space where your dog can feel less overwhelmed by the bustle around you. However, travel day shouldn’t be the first time you try it out. Getting them used to a carrier while you’re in a familiar environment like your house can help ease them into the experience. Try adding their favorite toys inside or some tasty treats so they can associate it as a familiar and positive experience rather than stressful.

Finding the right carrier size is key, not only to make sure it fits your dog but that the size is airline approved. Always be sure to check with your airline beforehand to avoid any issues. If you’re looking for a travel carrier, the Sleepypod Air fits the bill! It offers the most space for in-cabin air travel and meets rigorous safety test standards.

TAKE BREAKS WHEN TRAVELING BY CAR

Long road trips can be challenging for humans to endure in one go, and it’s no different for your furry family member. If possible, plan some stops every couple of hours for doggie stretch breaks and a chance for them to go to the bathroom. Before you pop out of the car, ensure your dog’s collar has an ID tag and your leash is secure. Microchips are an excellent way to provide permanent identification, increasing the chances of a safe return if your dog ever gets lost.

Adult dogs often require at least three to five potty breaks a day. However, certain factors can cause them to go more frequently, such as age, weight, medication, breed size, and health conditions. Taking breaks can help ensure you’re not making them wait too long to go potty, which could lead to health risks associated with their bladder or kidneys.

CAN’T TRAVEL WITH YOUR DOG?

Bring them to Dogtopia for a fun staycation! No matter how much you may want your dog there with you, there are events or trips where you can’t bring your pup. That’s why we offer a comfortable and fun home-away-from-home environment for your furry family member. You can rest assured knowing they’re in safe, trusted hands while you’re away.

Our team helps dogs maintain their activity level throughout the day through fun activities in daycare that keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Plus, you can watch it all happen on our webcams! No matter where you travel to this holiday season, you can check in on your pup through our playroom livestreams, available on Dogtopia’s app and website.

Contact a Dogtopia near you to reserve your pup’s boarding stay today!

This blog was reviewed/edited by Dogtopia’s Director of Health & Safety Lorraine Rhoads, an experienced animal biologist and environmental scientist.