Traveling with Your Dog? Here’s Our Top Tips for A Great Experience

Summer is in full swing, and with the warm weather and longer days, it’s the perfect time for adventures with your dog! In 2023, traveling while working remote has become the norm and doing it with your pup can be a tail-wagging time. Not only do you get to explore new places together, but you’ll also create lasting memories with your furry friend by your side.

However, we also know how hard it is to navigate the ins and outs of traveling with your dog. You might be thinking where do I even start, how do I make sure my pup is safe and comfortable on the journey, and what are the essential things I need to know?

So, we put together a list of our top dog traveling tips for you to feel confident in bringing Fido along on all your adventures. Whether you’re planning a much-needed vacation or embracing the nomadic lifestyle of #vanlife and working remotely, you’ll want to have your bags and treats packed by the end!

Plan Ahead

Vet Prep: Schedule a pre-travel appointment with your veterinarian to have healthy and safe travels. During this visit, ensure that your dog is up to date on vaccinations, including those required for specific regions you plan to visit. If you’re wondering about which vaccinations your dog needs and where, check out our full dog vaccine guide.

Pack Dog Essentials: Make a checklist of all the essential items your dog will need during the trip. This includes food, water, treats, medication, leash, collar with ID tags, waste bags, bedding, and toys. Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit for any unforeseen situations.

Plan for Rest Stops and Exercise: Just like humans, dogs need regular breaks and exercise during long journeys. Plan for frequent rest stops where your dog can stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and hydrate. Research dog-friendly parks or rest areas along your route where you can take short walks or play fetch to keep your dog active and happy.

Dog-Friendly Accommodations & Regulations

Hotels: When it comes to finding dog-friendly hotels, it’s essential to do your research in advance. Many hotels now offer pet-friendly accommodations, but each establishment may have its own set of rules and regulations. Look for hotels with designated pet areas, dog-friendly rooms, and special amenities. Remember to inquire about any additional fees or size restrictions that may apply.

Airbnb Regulations: Whether you’re a travel nurse on a long-term assignment or a digital nomad exploring new destinations, Airbnb can be a fantastic option for dog-friendly accommodations. To ensure a smooth experience, take a few moments to review the host’s pet policy and house rules before booking. It’s also recommended to reach out to the host directly, inform them about your pets, and inquire about any specific restrictions that may apply. Additionally, you can make it easier by searching on Airbnb’s “Pet-friendly Vacation Rentals” site.

Co-working Spots: For those embracing the nomadic lifestyle of #vanlife or working remotely, finding dog-friendly co-working spaces can be a game-changer. These shared workspaces offer a productive environment and often have facilities to accommodate your furry co-worker. Look for co-working spaces that have pet-friendly policies, such as designated pet areas or dog-friendly workstations.

Training Your Dog for Van Life

Embarking on a trip with your dog is an exciting experience. To make sure your travel is enjoyable and stress-free, it’s essential to prepare your furry friend with proper training. Here are some dog training tips to consider before hitting the road:

Obedience Training: Teach your dog basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, and leave it. These commands will not only keep your dog safe but also make facing new environments a breeze.

Leash Skills: Make sure your pup is a pro at walking on a leash. Practice leash walking and discourage pulling by rewarding them for walking beside you. A confident and well-mannered walking partner will make strolling through new parks, trails, and city streets a fantastic experience.

Socialization: Introduce your furry friend to various people, animals, and environments. This will help them become social butterflies, ready to greet new friends with a wagging tail.

Crate Comfort: Yes, we know that many puppies dread their crates in early stages of training. However, having a crate can make your travels easier, as well as prevent stress for your dog. With the right approach and training, your dog’s crate becomes their safe space, a familiar haven that remains constant no matter where your adventures take you.

Need training help? At DGA we are here to support you every step of the way in training your dog for your next unforgettable travel experience. With our expertise and personalized training programs, we can ensure that your dog is well-prepared and behaves their best for your travels ahead.

Read more below to see what our clients have to say about their DGA experiences.

What Our Clients Have to Say

“One major thing that I’ve noticed with [Penny] is just how calm she is in situations where she historically has been really antsy or didn’t have self-control. [Dog Gone Amazing] did a really great job preparing her for these types of situations.”

Kristi’s Dog Travel Tip: Make sure you have a specific spot for your dog’s food and water. When traveling, try to keep consistent with your dog’s schedule so they know what to expect every day.

Kristi & Penny
DGA Client

Click here to read  Penny’s DGA transformation story.

“We did the 14-day Board and Train. [Dog Gone Amazing] taught Maze how to walk with the e-collar, prong-collar, and off-leash. Prior to that, we could barely walk her because she would pull like crazy because she had no recall. Now, it’s nice when we are traveling because we feel super comfortable having her off-leash or we know we can walk her and be in control the whole time!

Right after we did her board train, we took her to Canada, and we got compliments everywhere we went on how well trained she is.”

Monica’s Dog Travel Tip: When arriving at a new place or location, bring your dog to get used to the surroundings and establish a new routine so they can get comfortable.

Monica & Maze
DGA Client