Traveling with Dogs: Tips for an Unforgettable Adventure

We had been on the road for 12 hours when we arrived in Sedona, Arizona, having never even stopped to eat. A mistake in our itinerary took us far out of our way, and I was completely depleted when my companion and I stumbled into our motel room. Yet she issued no judgments as I sat on the floor, quietly crying from exhaustion while finally eating some pizza from a restaurant next door. She just waited patiently, staring at my food until I offered her one of my crusts.

That’s one of the great joys of traveling with dogs. No matter what goes wrong, they’re just content you brought them along.

Fortunately, traveling with pets is on the rise, and the marketplace is adjusting to make room, with a widening selection of pet-friendly lodging, restaurants, and activities. Moreover, bringing a dog on a plane is becoming more common and less expensive than it once was, redefining what travel with dogs can look like.

What I’ll remember most about Sedona is spending time with Sophie. However, travel with dogs is not as simple as putting them in the car and hitting the road. It takes preparation, planning, and flexibility, but when done correctly, it can lead to wonderful experiences you never could have anticipated.

Preparing for the Worst, Hoping for the Best

Kyle Ferari-Muñoz, a 31-year-old student and political fundraiser, travels frequently with his 3 pups. ‘We travel with the dogs about 90 percent of the time,’ Ferari-Muñoz says. Although he and his husband have established a reliable routine, a lot of that success comes from thorough preparation.

• Knowing each airline’s dog policies is essential, as is choosing a preferred airline for better customer support.
• It is advisable to check the location of animal relief areas at the destination airport.
• Packing a small clean-up kit in your carry-on can help address unforeseen messes.

‘It’s important to realize that travel can be stressful—even for pets like mine, who travel frequently—and for every pet owner to understand what is suitable for their pet,’ Ferari-Muñoz advises. Learning your dog’s likes, dislikes, limits, and tolerances before setting out will ensure everyone has a positive experience.

Planning Makes Perfect

Ashley Halligan, founder of Pilgrim Magazine, emphasizes the importance of planning for road trips with canine companions. ‘I try to route my journey to include as many stops as possible at dog-friendly parks,’ she notes.

Additionally, Halligan suggests keeping the car well-stocked with treats, pillows, and extra water. Flexibility is key; instead of pre-booking every hotel, she looks for ‘dog-friendly accommodations’ in areas where she wants to spend more time. Various resources exist to help find dog-friendly options.

Many hotels charge nightly pet fees and may not have replacement items for any pet-related gear you may have left at home. Therefore, planning ahead, even while traveling, can help minimize pitfalls.

‘A major consideration when traveling with a dog is finding a setting that works for both you and your pet,’ the team from Getaway advises. ‘A dog might not enjoy being on the top floor of a high-rise with no outdoor space, even if it seems like a great destination to you.’

Roll with the Punches

Halligan has been traveling with her dog, Jack Cousteau, since 2015 and has struck a good balance between spontaneous adventures and caring for Jack’s needs. This balance has led to exciting explorations.

‘Having a dog by my side has given me the courage to detour to places that I might not have considered otherwise,’ she shares. Jack’s companionship has opened up opportunities to visit tucked-away locations and remote areas.

Ultimately, traveling with dogs, like pet ownership itself, requires a certain level of flexibility. When plans change, you may need to prioritize your pet’s happiness over your own desires. This could mean more frequent stops during road trips, booking a second seat on a plane, or dining at an outdoor spot because it’s the only one available for pets.

That trip to Sedona was challenging, yet I have no regrets about exploring a remarkable place with a travel companion unfazed by our detour. Planning a vacation around a pet may bring its own challenges, but they pale in comparison to the love a dog can provide on the road.