7 Safety Tips for Traveling with Your Dog for the Holidays

The holiday season is a wonderful time to travel and make lasting memories with loved ones, including your four-legged family members. If you’re planning to hit the road with your dog this year, it’s important to ensure their comfort and safety every step of the way. To help you and your furry companion enjoy a stress-free journey, we’ve put together seven dog travel safety tips when traveling with your dog during the holidays. These tips will show you how to keep your dog safe during holiday travel and offer advice for traveling with an anxious dog, ensuring a stress-free journey for both of you.

1. Check with your vet
   Before you set off, schedule a wellness check with your veterinarian to confirm your dog is healthy enough for travel. Make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date and ask your vet about any destination-specific recommendations, such as preventive medications for ticks or fleas. Taking these steps will help you feel confident that your pup is ready for the journey ahead.
   
   In addition, discuss your travel itinerary with your vet—including the length of the trip, climate changes, and any planned activities. Your vet can advise on motion sickness remedies, recommend travel-friendly foods, and provide copies of medical records in case of emergencies. If your dog has any chronic conditions or is elderly, ask about special precautions or whether travel is advisable. It's also a good idea to check into local emergency vet clinics at your destination.

1. Secure your dog properly
   If travelling by car, always use a crash-tested dog travel harness or a secured crate for a safe road trip with your dog. Dog car safety is essential, never let your dog roam freely in the vehicle. If you’re flying with a dog, check airline pet policies in advance and use an airline-approved crate to keep your dog safe and comfortable during the flight.
   
   For added comfort, line the crate or harness with a familiar blanket or bedding. Practice short trips in the car ahead of your holiday travel so your dog gets used to the restraint system. If traveling by air, acclimate your dog to the crate a week or two before you leave—feed treats inside it and allow your pet to explore it calmly. Also, research pet-friendly airlines and book direct flights whenever possible to minimize stress and risk during layovers.

1. Update ID and microchip info
   Update your dog microchip and ID before traveling. Make sure your dog’s registration has current contact information in case you get separated. Double-check that your phone number and address are visible and legible on the tag.
   
   Carry a recent photo of your dog—both digital and printed—so you can quickly share information if needed. If traveling out of state or internationally, research local regulations for pet identification. You might also want to register your travel plans with your microchip provider so they can help if your dog goes missing far from home. Lastly, consider buying a GPS collar for added peace of mind, so you can easily track your dog’s location if they wander off.

1. Pack a dog travel kit
   Wondering what to pack when traveling with your dog? Preparing your dog for a road trip means bringing all their essentials, plus a little extra for unexpected needs. When preparing your dog travel kit essentials, make sure your pet travel checklist includes food, treats, bowls, medications, vet records, waste bags, a leash, and a familiar toy or blanket to reduce stress.
   
   Add items like a collapsible water bowl, pet-safe wipes, grooming supplies, and a first aid kit tailored for dogs. Include any prescription medications, supplements, and instructions for administering them. If your dog is on a specific diet, pack enough food for the entire trip plus a little extra, as local options may vary, and introducing new foods could upset their stomachs. Don’t forget copies of vaccination records, in case you need them for boarding, hotels, or emergencies.

1. Plan pet-friendly stops
   Research pet-friendly travel tips, rest areas, parks and pet-friendly attractions along your route ahead of time. Confirm that hotels or rentals welcome pets and ask about amenities like walking trails or dog parks.
   
   Schedule regular breaks for going potty, drinking water, and stretching. Always keep your dog leashed in unfamiliar areas. Bring extra waste bags and clean up after your dog to be courteous to others. Consider mapping out emergency veterinary hospitals along your route for added safety.

1. Never leave your dog alone in the car
   Even in winter, temperatures can become unsafe quickly, and holiday travel areas can be unpredictable.
   
   Cars can quickly become too cold or too hot for pets, even in mild weather. Theft is also a risk, especially in busy travel areas. If you must step away, always bring your dog with you. Plan your stops so you can include your pet in activities, or travel with a companion who can stay with your dog while you run errands. Look for pet-friendly restaurants, shops, and attractions to minimize the need to leave your dog unattended.

1. Prepare for holiday hazards
   Be aware of holiday hazards for dogs, such as toxic foods, decorations, and plants like poinsettias and mistletoe. Keep dogs away from festive foods, gift ribbons, tinsel, and decorations that can be toxic or cause choking.
   
   Secure Christmas trees and keep electrical cords out of reach to prevent accidents. Remind friends and family not to feed your dog table scraps, especially chocolate, onion, grapes, and foods containing xylitol. Always supervise your dog around children and guests to prevent them from eating or playing with hazardous items.
   
   Learn more about holiday hazards in our earlier blog post, 15 Dangers Lurking in Your Home During the Holiday Season that Could Harm Your Dog.

By taking these precautions and planning ahead, you can ensure a safer, happier holiday journey for both you and your dog. Preparation helps minimize stress and keeps your furry friend healthy, comfortable, and included in every adventure. With a little extra effort, your trips will be more enjoyable and memorable for everyone—four-legged family members included.