5 Tips for Traveling Cross Country with Pets

It’s that time of the year when you start daydreaming about your cross-country road trip. You’ve packed your travel essentials, mapped out your route, and now all that’s holding you up is accommodating your four-legged friend. Traveling with pets can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are five easy tips for having a fun adventure with your furry pal.

#1: Get the Dog in the Car

Maybe you have a pooch who loves long car rides and leaps into the car when you open the door. Or maybe you have a dog who is an anxious bundle of nerves and stress-sheds all over your backseat. Either way, one of the most essential parts of traveling with your pets is making sure you’re all comfortable during your journey.

For dogs in the car, try out one of these backseat slings. This gadget lets your pup be close to you in the driver’s seat but prevents them from climbing up into your lap while you’re driving. They can stretch out to nap and you don’t need to worry about your upholstery being coated in fur.

#2: Plan Lots of Stops

If you’re traveling with a pet, you’ll inevitably have to stop more often than you normally would. While you’re choosing your route, take note of places like parks and rest stops with grass where your dog can stretch their legs and take a potty break.

Here are some ways to make your pit stops fun and more manageable:

Take a Picnic – Stop at a local picnic area for lunch, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Your kids and pups can spend time blowing off steam in the park before getting back in the car.
Mobile Litterbox – For owners traveling with cats, invest in an easy-to-use portable litter box. Everyone will be more comfortable!
Include Sightseeing – Look for historic state sites along the way. Many outdoor sites allow entry to pets on leashes—that way, you can let your pet experience the fun of sightseeing, too (okay, maybe they don’t care about this landmark as much as you do, but they’ll appreciate getting out of the car for a bit).

#3: Dine in Style

Food and water dishes are some of the most bulky and inconvenient things to pack. For an easier travel experience, invest in a travel bowl for pets. Choosing a lightweight and collapsible bowl will save room in your trunk for other essentials and maybe even some goodies you pick up along the way.

Pets can often become carsick on the road, so consider skipping any midday meals and keep treats and snacks to a minimum. Make sure to give them plenty of water. Just like people, animals can become very dehydrated while traveling.

#4: CBD

If your furry friend suffers from anxiety on the road, CBD for pets is a great way to calm travel nerves. CBD is a safe and natural supplement for your pet, and can also help with the following:

Car Sickness – CBD is a great way to curb motion-sickness in traveling pets. It aids them in relaxation, so you will both have a more comfortable trip.
Aches and Pains – Just like with humans, CBD can help ease any aches and pains your pet may experience. This is particularly great for long car rides while cramped in the backseat.

In addition to CBD, consider investing in an anxiety vest for pets. This provides animals with a safe and secure feeling (like they’re being hugged).

#5: Bring Something From Home

Animals are keenly aware of the smells in their environments. To help make them feel more comfortable on the road, bring a blanket or toy from home. This will provide a familiar scent that they associate with their home base and can help alleviate the anxiety of being in a new place.

Also, don’t forget to bring along toys to play with. Once you’ve reached your destination, break out the frisbees, chew toys, and balls to give your pal some exercise.

Have Fun!

Once you’ve spent time planning and have all the tools in place, have a great time! Your road trip will be a blast when everyone, furry or otherwise, is relaxed and enjoying the journey. Remember, you are your dog’s best friend. As long as they are with you, they are ready to have a great adventure.