Holiday Season: Amazing Dog Travel Tips Every Owner Needs

The holiday season often means packing up and hitting the road to visit friends or family. If your dog is part of your family, leaving them behind isn’t an option, but traveling with dogs requires planning, structure, and patience.

Whether you’re taking a short car trip or flying cross-country, the right preparation can make travel smooth and enjoyable for both of you. Here’s how to make your holiday journey with your dog calm, safe, and stress-free.

1. Practice Travel Skills Before The Holiday

If your dog isn’t used to traveling, start small. Practice short drives and build up to longer ones. Keep sessions positive by rewarding calm behavior in the car.

The same techniques apply to crate or carrier training. Dogs who already view their crate as a safe space are far less anxious during trips. If your dog struggles with confinement or overstimulation, our Basic Obedience Training Program builds the structure needed for relaxed travel.

For more at-home prep, read our post on how to help your dog settle at outdoor cafes and events. The same calmness skills used in public apply perfectly during holiday travel.

2. Keep Routines Consistent

Dogs thrive on predictability. Even while traveling, try to maintain your dog’s feeding, walking, and sleeping schedule. Familiar routines help them feel secure in unfamiliar environments.

If staying with friends or family, set up your dog’s space before introducing them to new people or pets. Bring along their crate, bedding, and favorite toys to help them settle in quickly.

3. Safety First During Travel

Your dog’s safety should always come first when traveling. A loose dog in the car can become a danger to themselves or others.

Safe travel practices include:

• Use a secured crate, seat belt harness, or barrier.

• Never let your dog ride in your lap or hang out of the window.

• Stop for regular breaks to stretch, hydrate, and relieve themselves.

• Never leave your dog unattended in a parked vehicle.

4. Hotel and Accommodation Etiquette

If staying in a hotel or rental, confirm pet policies ahead of time. Bring extra waste bags and wipes for easy clean-up, and respect quiet hours.

Use the place command to help your dog settle calmly in new environments. Practicing this before the trip makes hotel stays much easier.

5. Plan for Emergencies

Even the best-planned trip can have surprises. Keep a list of emergency vets along your travel route, and pack a small first aid kit.

Also make sure your dog’s microchip and ID tags are up to date in case of separation.

Checklist: Holiday Travel Essentials for Dogs

• Crate, seat belt harness, or travel carrier

• Food and treats for the full trip

• Water and collapsible travel bowl

• Leash, collar, and waste bags

• Blanket or bedding that smells like home

• Vaccination records and ID tags

• Medications or supplements

• Pet-safe first aid kit

• Favorite toy or chew for comfort

Keeping these items handy ensures your dog’s comfort and safety while reducing stress on the road.

FAQ: Holiday Travel With Dogs

Q: How can I calm my dog during long car rides?
A: Keep car rides positive. Use calm praise, treats, and breaks every few hours. Training your dog to stay relaxed in a crate helps immensely.

Q: Should I sedate my dog for air travel?
A: Only under a veterinarian’s advice. Many dogs do better with crate familiarity and desensitization practice before flights.

Q: What if my dog gets anxious in new places?
A: Stick to routines and bring comfort items from home. Obedience commands like “place” and “heel” help ground your dog in new environments.

Q: How do I prevent motion sickness?
A: Feed smaller meals before travel and provide fresh air. Some vets recommend mild anti-nausea medication if needed.

Q: Can obedience training help with travel anxiety?
A: Yes. Dogs trained to remain calm under distraction adapt much faster to new sights, sounds, and environments.

Reliable Resource

For more tips on safe and enjoyable trips, the AKC’s complete guide to traveling with your dog offers expert advice for road trips and flights alike.

Final Thoughts: Calm Journeys Begin With Preparation

Traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right training, routines, and preparation, your dog can be a calm and reliable travel companion. Structure equals confidence, and confidence equals comfort, for both of you.

Ready to make travel with your dog stress-free? Contact us today and we’ll help you prepare for your next adventure together.