You’ve mapped out your route, loaded up your favorite snacks, and queued up the perfect playlist. The open road is calling—but before you buckle up and start your adventure, have you thought about how your pet will handle the trip?
For some pets, a car ride is the highlight of their day. For others, it’s a stressful ordeal full of strange sights, sudden stops, and that mysterious force that makes their stomach flip every time the car turns. Long-distance road trips bring even more challenges: hours in a confined space, unfamiliar rest stops, and the potential for carsickness or anxiety. But with the right preparation, your pet can be a happy (and calm) road trip companion.
Comfort is Key: Making the Car Feel Safe
Imagine being placed in a strange, moving room for hours without knowing where you’re going or when you’ll stop. That’s how many pets experience car travel—especially if they’re not used to it. One of the best ways to prepare your pet for a long journey is to help them feel comfortable in the car ahead of time.
For dogs, this might mean gradually increasing their car rides in the weeks leading up to the trip, making each ride a positive experience with treats, praise, and short breaks. Cats, who often associate car rides with vet visits, may need extra encouragement—placing their carrier in the car for short periods, giving them a cozy blanket that smells like home, or even doing “practice trips” around the block.
Motion Sickness & Anxiety: Helping Your Pet Feel Their Best
If your pet starts drooling excessively, licking their lips, or whining as soon as the engine starts, they might be experiencing motion sickness. Some pets, like people, just have more sensitive stomachs when it comes to car rides. To reduce discomfort, avoid feeding your pet a big meal right before you hit the road—a light meal a few hours before travel is best.
For pets with anxiety, consider bringing along familiar comforts—their favorite toy, a soft bed, or even a piece of clothing that smells like you. If your pet is particularly nervous about travel, talk to your veterinarian before the trip; they may recommend calming supplements or medications to help ease their stress.
Rest Stops: More Than Just a Bathroom Break
While you might be able to power through a six-hour drive without stopping, your pet can’t. Regular breaks are essential for their comfort and well-being. Dogs need time to stretch, relieve themselves, and drink water. Even cats, if traveling in a secure carrier, can benefit from a quiet break where you offer water and check in on them.
Choose pet-friendly rest stops where you can safely let your dog out on a leash. Never open a carrier in an unfamiliar location unless you’re in an enclosed space—scared pets can bolt unexpectedly. And while it might be tempting to leave the AC running and dash into a store, never leave your pet alone in the car—temperatures can rise dangerously fast, even on mild days.
What If Something Goes Wrong? Preparing for the Unexpected
Even the best-planned trips can come with surprises. Your pet could get car sick despite your precautions, a rest stop might be noisier than expected, or your hotel might not be as pet-friendly as advertised. That’s why it’s crucial to pack a pet travel kit with essentials like:
- A copy of your pet’s vaccination records (some hotels and parks require proof)
- A collar and ID tag with updated contact info
- Extra food, water, and collapsible bowls
- A leash, waste bags, and pet-safe wipes
- A familiar blanket or toy for comfort
- Any necessary medications
Before you leave, look up emergency veterinary clinics along your route—just in case. It’s always better to be prepared and not need it than to scramble in an unfamiliar area.
Making the Journey Enjoyable
At the end of the day, your pet is part of your adventure, and the goal is for both of you to enjoy the journey. Take time to offer them reassurance, be patient if they need extra breaks, and—if possible—choose routes with pet-friendly stops where they can get a little fresh air and exercise.
By planning ahead, you’re setting up your pet for a safe, stress-free road trip experience. And who knows? By the time you reach your destination, your pet might just be ready for their next big adventure!