A road trip with your dog is more fun when you are not stopping at a store every few hours for something you forgot. Packing for a dog is not complicated, but it helps to think in categories. Use this list as a starting point and adjust it for your dog and your destination.
Food and Water
Bring enough of your dog’s regular food for the whole trip, plus a little extra in case of delays. Switching foods abruptly while traveling can upset a dog’s stomach, and you may not find the same brand on the road.
- Food in a sealed container, portioned by day if that helps
- Treats for training and rewards
- A gallon or more of water from home for the first leg, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Collapsible food and water bowls
- A spill-resistant travel bowl for the car
Health and Records
Keep copies of your dog’s vaccination records and any relevant health paperwork in a folder or on your phone. Some campgrounds, kennels, parks and hotels ask to see proof of rabies vaccination. If you are crossing state lines or international borders, rules can differ, so check the official requirements well ahead of time.
- Any medications your dog takes, in their original labeled containers
- Flea, tick and heartworm prevention if a dose falls during the trip
- A basic pet first-aid kit
- Your veterinarian’s phone number, plus the location of an emergency vet near your destination
Talk to your veterinarian before the trip if your dog has health conditions or gets carsick.
Comfort and Routine
Familiar items help dogs settle in unfamiliar places. A bed or blanket that smells like home can make a hotel room or rental feel safer.
- Bed, blanket or crate pad
- A favorite toy or two and a long-lasting chew your dog already handles safely
- A towel or two for muddy paws and wet coats
- Weather-appropriate gear, such as a light rain layer or cooling vest, depending on the forecast
Leashes, Collars and ID
New places are where dogs are most likely to get lost. Stops at rest areas, gas stations and trailheads are full of unfamiliar sights and smells, and a startled dog can slip away fast.
- Your dog’s everyday collar with a current ID tag
- A QR ID tag or tag with your cell phone number, which is more useful than a home phone when you are away
- A standard leash and a spare
- A well-fitted harness for walks, and a car restraint for driving
- A recent photo of your dog on your phone
Make sure your dog’s microchip registration is current too, and that the contact information on file is a number you will answer while traveling.
Cleanup Supplies
Being a considerate traveler keeps places dog-friendly. Pack plenty of waste bags, paper towels, an enzyme cleaner for accidents and a lint roller for hotel furniture. A seat cover or old sheet protects the car.
Before you leave, lay everything out and check it against the list. Then put the dog bag where you can reach it easily during the drive. The things you will need most often, like water, bowls, waste bags and the leash, should never be buried under the suitcases.
