Holiday Travel With Dogs: A Safe, Calm Guide for Triangle Pet Owners
Thanksgiving is Thursday, Nov. 26. Christmas is Friday, Dec. 25. New Year's Day is Friday, Jan. 1. If your dog is coming along for any of them, a little planning goes a long way.
This guide covers the basics: safety, comfort, stress tips and a few fun ideas. It's written for Raleigh, Durham and Cary families, but it works for any road trip.
First: take your dog or leave them home?
Not every trip suits every pet. Long drives, crowded houses and unfamiliar rooms are a lot for some dogs. The AVMA suggests asking whether your pet needs to come at all, and considering a sitter or boarding if not (AVMA).
If your dog is staying home, Hooman on Demand offers in-home daytime pet sitting: three 30-minute visits a day for $93/day. See pricing for details. Walks are an option too.
One thing to say plainly: we do not offer overnight stays. If your pet needs someone there overnight, look at a boarding facility or an overnight sitter.
If a sitter sounds right, book your free meet & greet.
Safety on the road
Restrain your dog. Loose pets can get in the driver's way and can be hurt in a sudden stop. The AVMA recommends a crash-tested harness that works with your seat belt, or a secured crate sized so your dog can stand, turn around and lie down (AVMA). A walking harness is not the same thing.
Back seat, not front. Keep dogs out of the front passenger seat if your car has airbags. Never let a dog ride on the driver's lap.
Keep heads inside. Open windows can send dirt and debris into eyes, ears and noses.
Cats travel in carriers. Keep them in one for the whole trip, including stops.
Never leave your pet alone in the car. This is true in summer and in winter. The AVMA says a parked car can reach unsafe temperatures quickly, and a cold car is risky too. Cracking a window doesn't fix it. If you can't bring your dog inside with you, plan your stops so someone stays out with them, or use a drive-through.
ID and records.
- Make sure the collar and tags show current phone numbers.
- If your dog is microchipped, check that the registry has your current contact details. If not, ask your vet about it.
- Pack proof of vaccinations, any medications and your vet's phone number.
- Look up an emergency vet near your destination before you go.
Road-trip packing checklist
- Leash, collar and ID tags (plus a spare leash)
- Crate or seat-belt harness
- Food for the whole trip, plus a little extra
- Water and a travel bowl
- Waste bags
- Medications and vaccination records
- Familiar bed or blanket and a favorite toy
- Treats
- Towels, and a recent photo of your dog
- A basic pet first aid kit
Comfort for the ride
Practice with the crate. Let your dog get used to the crate or harness before the trip. A familiar blanket or toy inside helps (AVMA).
Take bathroom breaks. The AVMA suggests stopping about every two hours so dogs can exercise and relieve themselves. Keep them leashed and tagged whenever they're out of the car.
Go light on meals. A smaller meal before you leave, and small portions on the road, are easier on a dog's stomach. If your dog gets carsick, talk to your vet before the trip.
Watch the temperature. Check on your dog often. Pay attention to panting, shivering or restlessness. Use air conditioning or heat as you would for yourself, and keep direct sun off a crated dog.
Stress tips for you and your dog
- Do a short practice drive. Start with a trip to a park, then build up. This is especially helpful for dogs who rarely ride.
- Keep your voice calm. Dogs read our mood. If you're tense, they notice.
- Don't rush. Leave extra time. A relaxed start is easier on everyone.
- Keep routines where you can. Try to hold to normal meal and walk times.
- Ask your vet about calming aids. If your dog is anxious, talk with your vet first. Don't start any supplement or medication on your own.
- Plan the first night. Set up the bed and water right away, take a leashed walk around the new place and give your dog time to sniff and settle.
If you're staying with family, give your dog a quiet room to retreat to, especially when guests are coming and going. Keep doors and gates in mind, since an open door in a busy house is a common way for dogs to slip out.
Hotel and destination basics
- Call ahead. Policies differ. Ask about pet fees, size or breed limits, any paperwork and where dogs are allowed (AVMA).
- Ask about relief areas and the nearest place to walk.
- Don't leave your dog alone in the room if the hotel doesn't allow it. If you must step out, ask what the policy is first.
- Keep the leash on in unfamiliar places, including hallways, parking lots and the yard at a relative's house.
- Flying? Airlines each have their own pet rules for cabin and cargo. Check the airline's current policy before you book, and talk with your vet.
Fun ideas for the trip
Travel days are better with a few good stops.
- Walk at rest stops. Many have a pet area. A short leashed walk helps both of you.
- Pick a scenic break. Plan a trail or park stop along the route.
- Add a holiday walk. Explore a new neighborhood on a leash after the big meal.
- Look up dog-friendly places at your destination before you go.
Staying local, or hosting visitors? Try these Raleigh-area ideas:
- Dog-friendly day trips from Raleigh
- Umstead State Park with dogs
- Dog-friendly greenways in Raleigh
- Dog-friendly holiday events in Raleigh
Frequently asked questions
How often should I stop on a road trip with my dog?
The AVMA suggests about every two hours for exercise and bathroom breaks. Some dogs, such as puppies and seniors, may need more.
Is it safe to let my dog ride in my lap or in the front seat?
No. A lap is unsafe, and airbags can be a risk in the front seat. Use a harness or crate in the back.
Can I leave my dog in the car for a quick stop?
No. The AVMA advises never leaving a pet alone in a parked car, whatever the weather or how short the stop.
Should I give my dog a calming product for the trip?
Ask your vet first. They can advise based on your dog's health and history.
What if I'd rather leave my dog at home?
That's a fine choice for many dogs. Hooman on Demand offers in-home daytime visits. We do not offer overnight stays, so for overnight care consider boarding or an overnight sitter.
Do you have tips for traveling with a cat?
Use a carrier for the whole trip and bring a familiar blanket. Bring a travel litter box and keep the carrier closed at stops. Many cats prefer to stay home with visits, so ask your vet.
Need help while you travel?
If your dog is staying home, we'd be glad to meet you both. Book your free meet & greet or call (984) 212-2524. Hours are 7am to 9pm.
Safe travels from all of us at Hooman on Demand.