Dog Car Travel Tips: How to Keep Your Pup Safe and Happy on the Road Fellow Dog Parent, May 18, 2025May 18, 2025 Dog car travel tips are something every pup parent should know before hitting the road. Whether it’s a short ride to the vet or a long-distance trip, traveling with your dog in the car takes a little preparation to keep them safe, comfortable, and calm. This guide covers everything you need to know — from pre-trip routines to calming tricks, safety setup options, and gear that actually helps. Let’s make car rides a fun experience for both you and your dog! Save 1. Dog Car Travel Tips to Prepare Before You Leave Dogs thrive on routine, so prepping in advance makes a huge difference in their comfort during car rides. Walk Before the Drive Give your dog a good walk before heading out. Let them burn some energy and go potty. A tired dog is more likely to relax during the trip. Don’t Feed Right Before You Go Feeding your dog right before travel can lead to motion sickness. If possible, feed them at least 2–3 hours before the drive. Pack a Travel Kit Preparing a small travel kit is one of the easiest dog car travel tips that makes a big difference on the road. Having the right items ready helps keep your pup safe, clean, and comfortable, especially on longer drives. Here’s what to include: Water & collapsible bowl Leash & waste bags Towel or blanket Favorite toy Vet records or vaccination proof Want a full checklist? Check out our guide on dog travel essentials for a complete breakdown of helpful travel gear. Adjust Their Routine Before the Trip If you have an early departure, adjust your dog’s routine the day before. Feed them dinner slightly earlier, take an evening walk, and make sure they get a good night’s rest. Tired, well-fed dogs travel better than those who are stressed from a rushed morning. Know Your Destination’s Pet Policies Before traveling, research your destination’s pet rules. Are dogs allowed in your hotel? Will you be visiting parks or attractions that allow pets? The more you know in advance, the fewer surprises you’ll face on the road. You’ll also want paper towels or wet wipes in case of accidents. 2. Safe Setup Tips for Dog Car Travel How you transport your dog in the car matters a lot — for their safety and yours. Choose the Right Restraint Dogs should never ride loose in the car. Options include: Dog seat belt harness: Clips into your car’s seat belt buckle Crash-tested crate: Ideal for safety and security, especially on longer trips Car booster seat: Great for small dogs to elevate them and help with anxiety Back seat hammock barrier: Keeps the area clean and prevents jumping into the front seat Whichever option you use, make sure it’s secure and lets your dog sit or lie comfortably. Let’s go deeper on each of the main restraint options and how to choose the right one. Harnesses vs. Crates vs. Booster Seats Harnesses: Great for dogs who like to sit up or lie down. Look for ones that are crash-tested and attach to your car’s seat belt system. Make sure they fit snugly but don’t restrict breathing. Crates: Especially useful for anxious dogs. Crates create a familiar den-like space that can reduce visual triggers. Soft-sided crates are easier to move, but hard-sided ones are better for safety. Booster Seats: Best for small dogs under 20 lbs. They allow your dog to look out the window, which can help with motion sickness. Ensure the seat is securely fastened and includes a safety strap. Where Should Your Dog Ride in the Car? The safest place for your dog is in the back seat, ideally secured in the middle away from airbags. Front seat airbags can be fatal to dogs, especially small breeds. Save 3. How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Car Rides Even the chillest dog can get nervous in the car. Helping your dog stay calm is one of the most important dog car travel tips, especially if you’re going on a longer road trip or driving through busy areas. Car rides can be overwhelming — there’s motion, new smells, unfamiliar sounds, and lots of visual stimulation. If your dog gets anxious during car travel, these calming strategies can make a big difference. Bring Familiar Scents Dogs rely on their sense of smell more than any other sense. Bringing a blanket, bed, or toy that smells like home can give your dog a feeling of security. If your dog has a favorite plush toy or crate mat, make sure to include it in their travel space. For crate-trained dogs, placing a used t-shirt that smells like you inside their crate or booster seat can also help ease separation anxiety. This is especially helpful when traveling with a dog in a car for the first time or if your dog is still adjusting to longer drives. Use Dog-Calming Music Believe it or not, some dogs respond really well to background sounds. Dog-calming music is specially designed with soft tones and slower rhythms to reduce anxiety. You can easily find playlists on YouTube, Spotify, or even dedicated dog music apps. If your dog doesn’t react to music, try playing low-volume white noise — like the sound of rain or waves. It can help drown out unsettling traffic noises like sirens or loud engines. Using music is one of the simplest dog car travel hacks that can help relax an anxious pup, especially when combined with other calming tools. Try Calming Treats Natural calming treats can work wonders for nervous dogs. Look for treats or chews with ingredients like: Chamomile L-theanine Melatonin CBD (check legality in your area and always confirm with your vet) These ingredients promote relaxation without making your dog drowsy. Keep in mind that not every dog reacts the same way, and dosage is key — so start small and monitor your dog closely. For longer car rides or if your dog suffers from car anxiety, this can be a great addition to your dog car travel checklist. Avoid Loud Noises Dogs can be startled easily by unfamiliar sounds. Honking horns, loud music, and construction zones may cause stress, especially during stops or slow traffic. One of the more overlooked tips for traveling with a dog in a car is to be mindful of what your dog is hearing. Avoid blaring music, roll up the windows in busy areas, and reassure your dog with calm, steady speech if needed. Some owners find success by using noise-reducing products like “calming caps” that gently limit vision and sound exposure for highly anxious dogs. Give Them a View Some dogs feel calmer when they can see outside. A window view can distract them from car movement and keep their mind busy watching the world go by. Dog booster seats and hammock-style seat covers with mesh windows are great tools for this. They give your dog a clear view while still keeping them restrained and safe. However, not all dogs enjoy visual stimulation. If your dog seems more nervous looking out the window, opt for a cozy crate or covered carrier to block their view instead. Knowing your dog’s preferences is key — one of the best dog car travel tips is simply observing and adapting. Consider a Trial Run If your dog is new to car travel, don’t wait until the day of your road trip to find out how they react. A trial run gives you insight into how your dog responds to different triggers: Do they whine? Do they get carsick? Do they bark at passing cars or people? Do they pace or try to escape their restraint? Plan a short, low-pressure drive — maybe around the neighborhood or to a nearby dog-friendly park. Use this opportunity to test their harness or crate, observe their comfort level, and reward calm behavior. These trial runs help build positive associations with car travel and let you fine-tune your setup. It’s one of the most underrated dog car travel hacks that can prevent issues later. 4. Control the Temperature Dogs overheat quickly in warm cars and can get cold fast with direct AC. Here’s how to manage it right. Check the seat temp before your dog hops in Use sunshades on side windows Run the AC or fan before and during the trip Never leave your dog in the car unattended — even for a “quick second” Temperature regulation isn’t just about comfort — it’s about safety. Hot Weather Tips Always check the pavement temperature before walking your dog to or from the car. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Never leave your dog in a parked car — even with windows cracked. Within 10 minutes, temperatures can soar to deadly levels. Cold Weather Tips Bring an extra blanket or jacket for your dog if they’re short-haired or a small breed. Use heated seat covers (covered with a towel) if traveling in cold weather. 5. Dog Car Travel Tips for Planning Breaks on Long Drives Just like us, dogs need breaks on long trips — for water, stretching, and potty. Ideal Break Frequency: Every 2–3 hours Or sooner if your dog is young, anxious, or has a small bladder Find a pet-friendly rest stop or grassy area, and always leash up before opening the door. Signs Your Dog Needs a Break Pacing or restlessness Whining or barking Excessive yawning or licking Trying to climb to the front Give them a 10–15 minute break to walk, sniff, and stretch their legs. Offer water and a quick cuddle to reassure them. Road Trip Tip: Map Dog-Friendly Stops Use apps like BringFido or Google Maps to locate pet-friendly rest stops, parks, and pet stores along your route. Some gas stations even have fenced dog relief areas. 6. Dog Car Travel Tips for Motion Sickness Some dogs get queasy in cars. If you notice drooling, yawning, or whining — they may be carsick. Tips to help: Let them face forward Use a booster seat if they’re small Keep windows cracked for airflow Try vet-recommended remedies like ginger or Dramamine (only under guidance) Motion sickness can be mild or severe — and it’s not just a puppy thing. Behavioral Signs Excessive drooling Lip licking Panting Vomiting Refusing to get in the car next time Solutions Ginger capsules or treats (ask your vet first) Natural remedies like peppermint oil (diffused in low amounts, not applied directly) Prescription meds from your vet (like Cerenia or Dramamine) 7. Train for Dog Car Travel in Advance Start with short, positive rides before jumping into a long road trip. Practice Sessions: Let them sit in the car without going anywhere Take short 5–10 minute drives Reward with treats after each ride Gradual exposure is key, especially for adopted dogs or rescues with limited car experience. Step-by-Step Car Training Sit in the car together with the engine off. Praise and reward. Turn on the engine. Sit for a few minutes with calm reassurance. Take a 5-minute drive around the block. Slowly increase drive time, keeping it positive and low-stress. Never punish fearful behavior. Stay patient — training may take days or even weeks. 8. Entry and Exit Safety Tips for Traveling with Your Dog in the Car Always leash your dog before opening the door — even if they’re usually obedient. Cars are unfamiliar environments, and even well-trained dogs may bolt or get disoriented. Consider: Using a car door barrier Training your dog to wait before jumping out Exiting in quieter areas instead of busy parking lots More dogs get lost near cars than you might think. Use a Slip Lead in New Places Slip leads are quick to get on and off and reduce the risk of your dog slipping out of a collar. Great for road trips or unfamiliar stops. Block Escape Routes Open one door at a time and train your dog to “wait” until released. Keep windows closed unless they’re secured by a pet-safe mesh guard. 9. Bonus: Tips for Puppies or Nervous Dogs Young or nervous pups need extra care. Use a covered crate to block out overwhelming sights Add a t-shirt that smells like you Limit the number of passengers or noise in the car Keep first trips short and sweet Patience and repetition are key. Your dog will associate the car with positive things over time. Young dogs are like kids in the backseat — they need distractions and comfort. Puppy-Specific Tips Feed a small snack before the ride to prevent nausea Bring a chew toy to redirect nervous energy Use a soft carrier with mesh sides so they feel secure but not trapped Praise calm behavior during and after the drive Senior Dogs Older dogs may have joint pain or reduced mobility. A low-entry crate or car ramp can make getting in and out much easier. Add orthopedic padding for long rides. Save Final Thoughts: Make Dog Car Travel Safe and Stress-Free Traveling with your dog in a car doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right dog car travel tips, you can turn any ride — whether it’s a short errand or a long road trip — into a calm, safe experience for both of you. From choosing the best way to transport your dog in the car, to helping them stay calm with music, familiar items, and short breaks, a little planning goes a long way. The key is to make each trip positive and predictable. Whether you’re using a crate, booster seat, or a dog seat belt, your pup’s safety should always come first. As you and your dog build a routine around car rides, things will only get easier. And with the right approach, your next road trip with your furry friend could be the most fun adventure yet. Dog Car Travel Tips – FAQ Section What is the best way for a dog to travel in a car?The safest option is a crash-tested crate or a dog seat belt harness. These prevent injuries and distractions while keeping your dog secure. What essential items should I pack for my dog travel?Water, bowl, leash, poop bags, blanket, toy, towel, and vet records. Don’t forget any meds your dog takes regularly. What is the best transport for a dog in a car?It depends on the dog’s size and temperament. Crates are ideal for long trips, booster seats work well for small dogs, and seat belts are great for medium-large breeds. What is needed for a dog to travel?Beyond gear, your dog needs comfort, safety, hydration, bathroom breaks, and a calm environment. Dog Travel Tips First-Time Dog Parents Small Dog Living best way to transport dog in cardog car traveldog car travel tipsdog motion sickness helpdog owner tipsdog parent tipsdog parentsdog road trip checklistdog travel anxiety solutionsdog travel bagdog travel essentialsdog travel safety tipsfirst time dog ownerhow to calm a dog in the carroad trip with dogsafe car travel for dogstraveling with a dog in a car