Preparing for Holiday Travel with your Dog ✈️

The holidays are around the corrner—which usually means suitcases, road trips, flights, and plenty of excitement. And if you’re like me, leaving your dog behind isn’t even an option. Our pups are part of the family, so of course they’re coming along for the adventure! 🤷‍♀️

That said, traveling with a dog isn’t always as simple as tossing their leash in the car. With a little planning, though, you can keep the trip fun, safe, and as stress-free as possible—for both you and your travel companion. Here are some tips I’ve learned (some the hard way!) about prepping for holiday travel with dogs.

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1. Start with the basics: where are you going?

Before anything else, check that your destination actually welcomes dogs. Hotels, Airbnbs, even some family homes have rules you might not expect. Trust me, it’s way less awkward to ask before than to show up with a wagging tail and get told “NO DOGS ALLOWED‼️”

If you’re flying, every airline has its own pet policy. Some let small dogs ride in the cabin, while others require cargo travel (some even have weight restrictions). You’ll want to read the fine print early so there aren’t any last-minute surprises. 🤯

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2. A quick vet check goes a long way 🩺

Your dog doesn’t need a full physical, but it’s smart to make sure they’re travel-ready. A quick check-up, up-to-date vaccines, and paperwork (especially if you’re flying or crossing state lines) will save you stress. While you’re there, ask your vet about motion sickness 🤢 meds or calming 😴 aids if your pup gets nervous in the car or while flying 🛩.

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3. Pack them their own “suitcase”👜

I always joke 🤣 that my dog travels with more stuff than I do—and it’s not far from the truth. A dedicated bag for your pup makes life so much easier. Include:

• Food and a few extra meals🥫(because travel is unpredictable)

• Collapsible bowls for food and water💦

• A leash, harness, and poop 💩 bags

• Favorite toy🧸or blanket for comfort

• Any meds 💊 they take

• Their crate or carrier if needed

Pro Tip: bring a little bottled water from home if your pup has a sensitive stomach. New water sources can sometimes upset their belly.

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4. Safety Firat ⛑️ Always!

For car trips, don’t just let your dog roam free in the backseat. A crash-tested harness or crate keeps them safe—and keeps you from getting distracted while driving 🚗

For flights, book nonstop if you can. It shortens the whole ordeal and reduces the number of transitions for your pup. And no matter how you’re traveling, make sure their ID tag🔖is up-to-date and visible.

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5. Keep their routine as normal as possible

Holidays throw schedules out of whack, but your dog will feel calmer🧘‍♂️if you stick to their usual feeding and potty times. A quick walk 🐕‍🦺 before hitting the road helps burn off some energy too (and makes the car ride way more peaceful).

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6. Plan fun stops along the way

If you’re driving, look up dog-friendly rest areas or parks ahead of time. It turns bathroom breaks into mini adventures instead of stressful pit stops. Your dog gets exercise, you stretch your legs, and everyone hops back in the car happier.

Pro Tip: Many Love's Travel Stops have dog parks and Off Leash areas for dogs. Check their website for locations to plan your pit-stops 🛑.

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7. Do a “practice run” if needed

If your dog hasn’t been on a long car ride before, start with shorter drives in the weeks leading up to the holidays. Same goes for the crate—let them get used to it at home so it feels safe and familiar on travel day.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with dogs during the holidays takes a little extra effort, but honestly? It’s so worth it. Seeing them curled up under the tree🎄at Grandma’s house or running around a new backyard is part of what makes the season special. With a bit of prep, you and your pup will both be ready to enjoy the trip—and make holiday memories together.