Road Trip With Your Dog: What to Pack
From seat protection to snacks, here's how to make car journeys with your dog cleaner, calmer and safer.
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Road trips are better with a dog, as long as you plan a little. Here's what we pack.
Protect the back seat
A hammock-style seat cover catches hair, mud and drool, and stops your dog sliding into the footwell.
A seat cover is not a restraint. For safety, secure your dog with a crash-tested car harness or a crate that's strapped down.
A crate for hotels and visits
A folding crate gives your dog a familiar den in unfamiliar places and keeps them safe when you can't watch them.
The walking kit
Stops are a chance to stretch legs. Pack the harness you use at home and a pouch of treats for good behaviour at busy rest areas.
Food, water and comfort
- Bring their usual food; a sudden change on a trip can upset stomachs.
- Carry water and a bowl, and offer a drink at every stop.
- A familiar blanket or bed helps nervous travellers settle.
Weather gear
If you're heading somewhere cold or wet, a light coat keeps short-coated dogs comfortable on walks.
Before you go
- Check your dog's ID tag and microchip details are up to date.
- Plan stops every two to three hours.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for a few minutes on a mild day.