Tips for Traveling With Your Pup

When planning your next getaway, bring your dog along for the adventure!  While we do enjoy matching pet owners with pet sitters so you can travel freely, Rover.com also knows how fun it is to travel with your pup.

Check out these travel tips!

Are You Traveling in Style?

If you like packing all of your favorite things for your trip (your favorite pillow, blanket, etc), consider packing your dog’s favorite things too.  This will depend on your available packing space, but here are some things to keep in mind:

• Pack bedding with familiar smells.  Your pup is comforted by familiar items especially when it comes to bed time.  Bring at least one blanket or pillow that your dog loves to sleep with so she is happy with her sleeping arrangements.  If you’re flying, you’ll need to bring the dog kennel too.  It’s worth purchasing a light-weight travel carrier that can also double as your dog’s bed during the trip.

• Pack favorite treats.  There will be lots of opportunities to reward your pup for listening and being patient along the way, so bring a bag of your dog’s favorite treats or make your own dog treats. There are dozens of easy house made recipes online.

• Pack toys!  You don’t want to have a bored dog on your hands.  Bring along a chew toy as well as a toy that your dog can enjoy playing fetch or tug-of-war.

Are You Traveling Light?

If your dog is easy to please, you don’t need to bring much more than the essentials!  Ideas for your minimalist adventure:

• Pack the least amount of food to get you to your destination and a collapsible water bowl.  Then, buy a small bag of food wherever you land for the week.

• Many dogs will be amused by anything lying around, so skip packing the toys.  Grab a stick for fetch or give your dog an empty plastic water bottle to chew on.  Bring a small towel in case your dog finds a mud puddle to splash in.

• If your dog will sleep anywhere you do, there’s no need to bring bedding!

Regardless of how you travel, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before and after you jump in the car or board the flight.  A tired dog is a happy dog.  Finally, don’t forget your camera.  You’re going to have dozens of moments for cute doggie pics to take along the way!

Written by Tracy Vicory-Rosenquest, Rover.com community member.  Rover is the nation’s largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.