
If you’ve ready to hit the road with your favorite furry companion and you’re wondering, “How do I prepare my dog for a long drive?”, this post is for you!
Embarking on a road trip with your pet can be an exciting adventure, but it’s essential to ensure their comfort and safety throughout the journey. Preparing your dog for a long drive requires some planning and preparation to guarantee a stress-free and enjoyable trip for both you and your pet.
When my husband and I moved from Pennsylvania to Minnesota, we had to make the drive with our dog Radar, and while we had taken him on car rides before, this was the longest one to date and certainly the most complicated. In general, he likes car rides but he does have anxiety and doesn’t like to be in the car for long periods of time.
Here are some of the important steps we took before hitting the road to ensure that we (as well as you and your pup) have a successful trip.
How Do I Prepare My Dog for a Long Drive?
Preparing your dog for a long drive is important, and the following tips will make sure both you and your pup have a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey.
1. Take a Practice Drive
Before heading out on a long road trip, it’s a good idea to take your dog on a practice drive or two to get them accustomed to being in a moving vehicle.
If your dog hasn’t been in a vehicle before, let them sniff around and get used to the inside of the car first. Then begin to take short trips and gradually increase the duration. This will help your dog overcome any initial anxiety and get used to being in a moving vehicle.
We took Radar on car rides regularly so that we could go hiking and visit friends and family. We knew he liked being in the car overall, but he would start to get antsy after about an hour or so. Knowing this ahead of time was helpful so we knew how he would react in the vehicle during our move.
It is also helpful to provide positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to create a happy association with car rides.

2. Visit the Vet
Before setting out on a long drive, it’s important to make sure your dog is in good health and up-to-date on vaccinations. Schedule a visit to your veterinarian and discuss your travel plans with them as they may recommend specific precautions or medications based on your dog’s individual needs.
This is also a good chance to ask about remedies for motion sickness, anxiety, or any other concerns that you may have about the upcoming journey with your dog.
3. Update Microchip Information
One of the most important steps before a road trip is to update your dog’s microchip information.
You probably aren’t expecting your dog to run away, but in the unfortunate event that he gets lost during the trip, an updated microchip with accurate contact details will help reunited you and your dog quicker.
This is another thing you can have your vet check when you visit, or you can contact your microchip provider to verify your dog’s information is up to date, including your current phone number and address.
4. Teach Essential Commands
Before setting off, it’s important to make sure your dog understands and obeys basic and important commands.
Chances are you’ve probably already worked on some of the common ones, such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” but if not, be sure to work on those before heading out on the road.
Commands like these are crucial for maintaining control and ensuring your dog’s safety during rest stops or any other time your pup is outside of the vehicle. Regular training or practicing leading up to the trip will reinforce these commands and help your dog remain calm and well-behaved in unfamiliar environments.

5. Pack all the Necessity Items
As with packing your own items for a road trip, make sure to include all your dog’s necessary things as well. These include a collar and leash, vaccination records, food and water, any medications, poop bags, and bowls, as well as some treats and anything else to maintain your dog’s routine while traveling.
Collar and leash: It’s important that your dog has a properly fitted collar with identification tags. You should also always keep your dog on a leash when outside the vehicle (unless at a designated dog park or off-leash area).
Vaccination records: Carry copies of your dog’s vaccination records, especially if you plan to cross an international border. Some pet-friendly accommodations may ask for these records as well.
Food and water: Pack enough food for the duration of the trip plus a little extra in case of any unexpected delays. Be sure to bring plenty of water as well.
Medications: If your dog requires any medications, be sure to pack a supply for the entire trip.
Treats: These can help keep your dog calm and well-behaved by providing positive reinforcement for good behavior. They can also be used as distractions or rewards during rest stops and can make your dog feel more comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.
Poop bags: As a responsible dog owner, it’s crucial to clean up after your dog, whether at rest stops or in other outdoor areas. Be sure to pack enough bags to last throughout your journey. It’s always a good idea to carry more bags than you think you might need just to be on the safe side.
Bowls: You can either bring the food and water bowls you use at home or buy specific ones for travel. There are many collapsible or travel bowl options out there, and these allow you to easily provide food and water during rest stops or longer breaks.
Extras: It’s also a good idea to bring a few extra things, like a favorite blanket or t-shirt with your scent on it, that will make your pup feel at home, whether in the car or in any accommodations that you are stopping at along the way.
6. Have a Pet Emergency Kit
Packing a pet emergency kit is important when preparing your dog for a long drive. Just like humans, dogs can experience unexpected accidents or health issues while on the road. Having a well-stocked emergency kit can help you address minor scrapes, bites, or injuries.
Your pet emergency kit should include essentials such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, a tick remover, and any necessary medications, as well as contact information for your veterinarian and emergency veterinary hospitals along your route.
7. Use a Crate or Harness
Using a crate or harness is a safe and secure way to restrain your dog during a long drive. Either of these options prevents your dog from roaming freely inside the vehicle. This minimizes distractions to the driver and will keep your pup safer if there is an emergency or if you would be in an accident.
Ensure the crate or harness is appropriately sized and properly secured to provide maximum comfort and safety for your dog.

8. Make Them Comfortable
Creating a comfortable environment for your dog is important. Place blankets or bedding in a crate or in the backseat, providing them with a cozy spot to rest and relax.
You also need to consider the temperature inside the vehicle and adjust as needed. Use sunshades on the windows to protect your dog from direct sunlight and to keep the interior of the car cool.
9. Plan for Car Sickness
Some dogs may experience car sickness during long drives. To help alleviate this, avoid feeding your dog a large meal before the trip. Instead, provide small, easily digestible portions and take breaks to allow your dog to get fresh air during the journey.
10. Protect Your Car Seats
To help protect your car seats from dirt, hair, and scratches, consider using seat covers or blankets. These will help keep your vehicle clean and make cleaning up easier after the trip, especially if you have a dog that sheds or drools a lot.
Radar is a short haired dog but he sheds a lot and also drools when he’s anxious. Having a blanket in the back was a life saver and made tidying up after the trip much easier.
11. Bring Cleaning Supplies
Accidents happen (both potty mishaps and vomit) and it’s important to be prepared for them. Cleaning supplies such as paper towels, disinfectant wipes, and stain removers can quickly clean up any messes and maintain a fresh and clean environment for both you and your dog.
12. Make Lots of Stops
During a long drive, regular stops are a must to attend to your dog’s needs.
Stop for food, water, bathroom breaks, and exercise. Allow your dog (and also yourself) to stretch their legs. Go for short walks or have some playtime.
These breaks not only provide physical relief but also help minimize restlessness, stiffness, or discomfort for both you and your pet.

13. Keep Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for your dog’s well-being, especially during a long drive. Always carry fresh water and a travel bowl to offer your dog regular access to clean drinking water. Encourage them to drink during rest stops to prevent dehydration.
14. Find Local Dog Parks
Dog parks provide a great opportunity for your dog to stretch their legs, socialize with other dogs, and burn off some energy.
It’s important to give your dog regular exercise and playtime, and finding a local dog park along the way is a great option to keep this routine going while on a long drive.
A quick break at a dog park will also let your dog get out of the car and run around, reducing restlessness during the remainder of the drive.
15. Watch Out for Wildlife
While stopping at a rest area to take your dog for a quick walk, be alert for wildlife. Be sure to keep your dog leashed and close by to minimize any chance of encountering animals.
Not only could your dog run off and chase the animal, but they could also get seriously injured by the animal or hit by a car while pursuing the critter.
Radar loved to chase wildlife, so it was always important to make sure he was leashed when he wasn’t in the car. He would absolutely have bolted at the first sighting of a fox or a deer.
16. Have Entertainment
To keep your dog entertained and occupied during a road trip, bring along their favorite toys and interactive treats. Chew toys, puzzle toys, and interactive feeders can help alleviate boredom and provide mental stimulation.
Another option is to search pet-friendly attractions or parks along your route where you can take breaks and allow your dog to explore new environments.
17. Keep Stress Down
Long drives can be stressful for some dogs, especially those prone to anxiety. Consider using items like a Thundershirt, which provides gentle pressure to help calm your dog. Calming supplements or prescribed medications like trazodone can also be beneficial if recommended and prescribed by your veterinarian.
Also, it’s a good idea to bring certain items from home, such as your dog’s bed, blanket, or something that carries their scent, to provide a sense of comfort and familiarity.

18. Keep up a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, so maintaining a schedule that’s similar to the one you have at home can be helpful while on the road. Stick to regular feeding times and take breaks so your dog gets their daily exercise and playtime. Maintaining a routine helps reduce stress and keeps your dog grounded amidst the change and unfamiliarity of the journey.
19. Find Pet-friendly Hotels and Restaurants
If you plan to stay somewhere overnight during your road trip, research and book pet-friendly accommodations in advance. Many hotels and some VRBOs offer options which allows a comfortable stay for both you and your dog.
There are also pet-friendly restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a meal together without leaving your dog unattended.
20. Find Vets at Your Destination
It’s a good idea to research local veterinary clinics or emergency pet hospitals along your route, especially near any planned stops and also at your final destination. Having this information readily available will help you quickly access care for your dog if needed.
21. Be Patient
One of the most important things you can do to help prepare your dog for a long drive is to be patient. Dogs can experience restlessness, anxiety, and discomfort during the journey, especially when they’re not used to traveling long distances. Getting upset at your dog won’t help you or your pet.
Be patient with your dog as well as yourself, and provide reassurance and comfort when needed. Takes breaks when you can, and give yourself extra time for travel in case you need to stop for a longer period of time.
22. Make Travel a Positive Experience
Most importantly, do everything you can to make travel a positive experience! Associate the car with pleasant activities by providing treats, praise, and rewards for good behavior during the drive. Make it fun and enjoyable for both of you, and you and your furry companion will both have a wonderful time.

What Do I Pack for a Road Trip with My Dog?
When setting out on a road trip with your dog, these are a few essential items that are important to pack.
- Collar and leash
- Travel crate or harness
- Food and water
- Any prescribed medications and supplements
- Medical records and vaccination records
- Blanket, bed, or other items to keep them comfortable
- Toys and treats
- Waste bags
- First aid kit
- Cleaning supplies
- Sunshades
- Veterinarian phone numbers, both current vet and emergency numbers at your destination
FAQs: Taking a Long Drive with a Dog
How often should I stop on a road trip with my dog?
It’s recommended to stop every 2-3 hours for short breaks to let your dog stretch their legs, have a chance to go to the bathroom, and have a drink of water. However, depending on your dog’s age and health, you may need to make more frequent stops.
How do I keep my dog calm on a road trip?
To keep your dog calm during a long drive, gradually introduce them to the car and create a comfortable space with familiar items, such as a favorite blanket or a piece of your clothing with your scent. You can also use calming aids, such as a Thundershirt.
How do I travel with a puppy on a road trip?
Traveling with a puppy requires a bit more planning than with an older dog.
Start by getting your puppy used to the car ahead of time and using an appropriately sized carrier or crate that is secure and comfortable for your pet. Plan for more frequent stops to allow your puppy to stretch their legs and relieve themselves, minimizing the risk of accidents in the car.
Also, be sure to bring some interactive or chew toys to keep your puppy mentally stimulated and prevent them from becoming bored or destructive during the journey.
How do I find pet-friendly hotels?
Finding pet-friendly accommodations can be challenging, but sites like Hotels.com and VRBO offer the option to filter for places that accept dogs.
With Hotels.com, simply enter the area you are looking to stay, and once the search results are displayed, on the left-hand side, choose the pet-friendly filter to list only pet-friendly accommodations.
With VRBO, under the Travelers section, you can check a box that will filter available properties that allow animals. This makes it easy to only see locations where you can stay with your dog.

Conclusion: How Do I Prepare My Dog for a Long Drive?
Preparing your dog for a long drive is important, both for their safety and comfort as well as to make the drive enjoyable for both of you. With careful planning and attention to your dog’s needs, both before leaving as well as during the journey, you can ensure that your dog remains safe, comfortable, and happy throughout the long drive.