Adventures Unleashed: Road-Tripping with a Dog

Traveling with My Pup Gertie:

Traveling with my 48-pound boxer mix, Gertie, has become one of my favorite ways to explore. She’s an adventure buddy and a loyal companion, so ensuring her comfort and safety on the road is always a priority. Here are my tips and tricks for planning a stress-free road trip with your dog.

Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodations

When planning trips with Gertie, I rely on two key resources to find pet-friendly stays:

• Airbnb: I look for properties that offer a yard or have access to a nearby park so Gertie has plenty of room to stretch her legs.
• BringFido: This website is perfect for finding pet-friendly hotels. It includes descriptions of pet amenities as well as traveler reviews that focus on the pet-friendliness of each location.

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Travel Gear for Dogs

I’ve put together the ultimate dog travel packing list based on my road trips with Gertie. These dog travel essentials help keep her safe, comfortable, and happy no matter where we’re headed. Here’s what I always pack for a road trip with a dog:

• Folding Camping Crate: Lightweight and made of canvas, it’s easier to transport than a heavy metal crate.
• Travel Doggie Memory Foam Bed: Perfect for hotel stays or Airbnb rentals.
• Ruffwear Front Range Harness: Nicely constructed, choice of colors, reflective, and best of all the leash hook placement doesn’t strain your dog’s neck and helps with pulling.
• Hands-free Leash: My go-to leash for adventures is a bungee-style featuring a hands-free option by looping comfortably around the waist, making it perfect for hiking or running with my pup. Plus, it’s super handy for securing to a bench or post when relaxing with her at an outdoor café.
• Furniture Covers & Comfort Blanket: Pet furniture covers help keep accommodations clean and Gertie’s favorite comfort blanket keeps her feeling cozy and safe.
• Food & Water Essentials: I pack a stainless dog water bottle dispenser, stainless easy-to-clean dog bowls, a silicone mat to prevent spills, and food portioned into food containers for convenience during short stays.
• Doggie Tote Bag: In her tote bag I pack food, collapsible bowls (tote comes with food containers and collapsible bowls), a doggie water bottle, treats, toys, any medications, a food scoop, and poop bags.
• Essential Supplies to Keep My Dog Clean: Items I keep in my car include a towel, pet grooming hypoallergenic wipes and doggie shampoo.
• Dog food (enough for the full trip) – I bring a larger bag for extended travel to avoid the hassle of tracking down Gertie’s usual food while on the road.

Safety First

Keeping Gertie safe on the road is a top priority. Here’s how I do it:

• Fi Smart Collar: This GPS-enabled collar tracks her real-time location, offering peace of mind in case she ever gets lost. I can also enable escape alerts, which notifies me if she leaves a designated safe area.
• Backseat Setup: I use a doggie sling mat to create a safe space in the back seat and prevent her from flying during sudden stops. It also helps keep my car cleaner!
• Vaccination Records: I ensure all her vaccinations are up to date and have digital copies stored in Google Drive for easy access if needed.

Exercise and Breaks Along the Way

Long road trips can be tough for dogs, so I plan plenty of breaks to keep Gertie active and happy:

• Dog-Friendly Stops: Gas stations like Buc-ee’s are great for their grassy areas and small fenced-in dog zones.
• Parks and Trails: I look for local parks or short hiking trails that are close to the freeway for quick exercise breaks.
• Playtime Gear: A folding (easy-to-pack) ball thrower is a lifesaver for getting her energy out when we find open spaces. I also love using glow-in-the-dark balls as they are easier to find in the dark.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with Gertie has made road trips even more enjoyable. With a little planning and the right gear, hitting the road with your pup can be a smooth and rewarding experience. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, the memories you make together will be worth every bit of effort. Happy travels!