According to the American Pet Products Association, 87% of dog parents who travel do so by car. It’s not hard to understand why. Boarding costs have climbed, pet-friendly hotels are more available than ever, and for many, the idea of leaving their dog behind for a week simply isn’t an option.
That said, bringing a dog on a road trip takes more preparation than most people expect. Heat, distractions, unfamiliar environments, and unplanned stops can all create problems. However, with a little planning ahead of time, you can avoid any issues when traveling with your furry best friend.
Whether you’re heading out on a multi-day trip for business or just a long weekend away, here’s what to do before you leave the driveway.
5
Restrain your dog on every trip, not just long ones
Most pet parents still aren’t doing this
A joint survey by AAA and Kurgo found that 83% of dog parents acknowledge that an unrestrained dog in a moving vehicle is dangerous, yet only about 16% actually use any form of restraint. The most common reasons given include thinking their dog is calm enough not to need one, assuming short trips don’t count, and simply never having considered it in the first place.
The physics, however, don’t make exceptions for calm dogs or quick errands.
As noted in safety studies, an unrestrained 10 lbs. dog in a crash at 50 mph can become a projectile, exerting roughly 500 lbs. of impact force. A larger dog weighing 80 lbs. in a 30 mph collision can generate an astronomical 2,400 lbs. of force, severe enough to fatally injure your dog and severely injure human passengers.
The Center for Pet Safety conducts crash testing on pet restraint products and is a reliable resource for finding options that have been evaluated under real-world conditions. A crash-tested harness, a secure travel crate, or a durable barrier that keeps your dog in the cargo area can all be good options, depending on your vehicle and your dog’s breed and size. Whatever you choose, always attach the restraint to a harness rather than a collar, as the force of a sudden stop can cause neck injuries.
If you are looking for a pet-friendly vehicle for travel, the 2026 Subaru Outback is worth a test drive. Its flat load floor and sizable cargo area make it one of the more practical options for fitting a pet crate. The three-row Subaru Ascent is another pet-friendly vehicle, with an optional second-row bench or captain’s chairs.
- Material Type
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Double-wall rotomolded polyethylene
- Target Species
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Small Breeds like English Cockers, Cavalier Kings, Dachshunds, Mini Poodles, Mini Schnauzers
Premium small dog crate designed for travel, training, and everyday transport with rugged, high-performance construction for active dogs.
4
Parked cars are dangerous, even on a calm day
Cracking the windows makes almost no difference
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that interior vehicle temperatures can rise about 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes and more than 40 degrees within an hour, even with the windows cracked. Even on an ideal 70-degree day, temperatures inside your vehicle can reach 110 degrees.
Unlike us humans, dogs can’t cool themselves through sweat. Panting is their primary cooling mechanism, but it becomes ineffective when the air temperature exceeds their normal body temperature, which sits between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit for a healthy dog. Once a dog’s body temperature climbs above 104 degrees, it’s in dangerous territory. At 107 degrees, organ failure becomes a concern.
Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs face an even greater risk because of their compressed airways.
Even a quick stop for gas or food carries a risk of heat exposure. If you can’t bring your dog inside where you are, ask a friend or family member to stay with your vehicle while you run in, or vice versa.
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3
Plan your stops around your dog, not your GPS
A settled dog is a safer trip for everyone
The CDC recommends frequent stops on road trips with dogs for bathroom breaks, stretching, and rehydration. A good rule of thumb from most veterinarians is to stop every two to three hours so your dog can get a drink and move around (and that more frequent stopping schedule benefits you as much as it does your dog).
The aforementioned AAA and Kurgo survey also found that 65% of dog parents admitted to at least one potentially distracting behavior while driving with their dog, including petting the animal, feeding them treats, or reaching into the back seat. A dog that has been walked and settled before getting back in the vehicle is less likely to demand your attention at highway speed.
To make the most of your rest stops with your pup, make sure to have a travel bag with water, a collapsible bowl, waste bags, and a familiar toy or blanket before you take off. The scent of their toys and blankets can help reduce anxiety during longer stretches between stops.
If you’re traveling with a larger dog or multiple dogs, a three-row SUV like the 2027 Kia Telluride offers cargo flexibility to keep gear and your dog’s space organized. With 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 46.3 cubic feet with it folded, there’s room for a crate, your luggage, and anything else your trip requires inside the Telluride.
- Material Type
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Water-Resistant Oxford Polyester Fabric
- Product Dimensions
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15 x 7 x 13 inches; 2.29 lbs.
Keep gear accessible with this dog travel bag for supplies featuring pockets, dividers, and a poop bag dispenser for quick access. Includes two BPA-free collapsible 7”x3” dog bowls with 24oz capacity and two leak-proof 7”x5” food containers.
2
Research pet-friendly accommodations
Pet-friendly hotels are more common than ever, but the rules vary
According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association, roughly three out of four hotels across luxury, mid-scale, and economy categories allow pets. That’s encouraging for dog parents who need to be on the road, but the fine print still deserves some attention before you confirm a reservation.
Weight and breed restrictions are common, and some properties that call themselves pet-friendly still have limits that might exclude your dog. Pet fees can range from a flat nightly charge to a one-time cleaning deposit, and some hotels may require both. If you are not sure what the hotel’s policy is, call ahead and ask the concierge before you get on the road.
Websites like BringFido and GoPetFriendly can help you plan a route that accounts for your dog during your trip, suggesting pet-friendly lodging and rest stops along the way. If your trip runs through a national park, beach, or a campground, check whether dogs are allowed, as public lands may have leash laws or seasonal restrictions.
A smaller pickup like the Honda Ridgeline is a capable choice for a trip to the great outdoors, with rear seat space for a dog in a secured harness and a lockable in-bed trunk that keeps your gear separate from the cabin.
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1
Talk to your vet before a long trip
Your vet can flag risks you may not have thought about
This is the step most pet parents skip, but it’s worth making time for.
Your veterinarian can confirm if your dog is healthy enough for your upcoming trip and update any vaccinations that might be due. In addition, your vet can help you understand the region-specific risks (if any) at your destination, including tick exposure and bodies of water with harmful algal blooms.
If your dog has never traveled long distances before, your vet can discuss options for managing motion sickness or travel anxiety. For dogs more prone to anxiety, your vet may suggest behavioral strategies, calming aids, or medication to make the trip more comfortable. Likewise, the AVMA recommends bringing your dog’s health and vaccination records with you.
Enjoy the trip with your best friend
Traveling with a dog will take some coordination, especially if you are about to set out on a long trip, but most of what can go wrong is easily preventable. Having a secure travel crate, a confirmed reservation, and a quick conversation with your vet goes a long way toward making sure the whole trip is something both of you enjoy.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
