Traveling With Pets This Summer? Try These Road Trip Game-Changers

Road-tripping with your dog or cat can be a lot of fun, but it’s not always smooth sailing. Long hours in the car, unfamiliar surroundings, and limited potty breaks can leave your four-legged co-pilot feeling bored, anxious, stressed, or downright restless.

The key to a successful trip? A little preparation and the right gear. With some planning, you can keep your pet mentally and physically engaged, turning a potentially stressful ride into an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Here’s how to keep your travel buddy happy, calm, and entertained on the road.

Prepare Before You Depart

A successful road trip with your pet starts well before you pull out of the driveway. Here are a few things to take care of before you hit the road:

1. Burn off some energy: Before hitting the gas, make sure your pet gets a chance to burn off excess energy. A long walk, a game of fetch, or some active playtime can help them settle down once the ride begins.

2. Pack the right gear: Pack essentials, including food, water, bowls, toys, blankets, a leash, waste bags, litter box and litter, a pet first aid kit, towels (for wet/muddy paws), grooming supplies (like a brush or wipes), and any necessary medications.

3. Create a safe, comfy setup: Your pet’s travel space should feel like a safe, cozy nook—somewhere they can relax and feel secure for the ride ahead. For dogs, depending on your dog’s size and temperament, you can use a crash-tested crate, a secured pet seat belt harness, or a backseat barrier to keep them safe and contained. Add a familiar blanket or cushion to make the space cozy and calming. For cats, always use a well-ventilated, crash-tested carrier to keep your cat secure during the drive. Line it with a soft blanket or towel that smells like home to help them feel more at ease. Avoid letting your cat roam in the car, as this can be dangerous and distracting.

Break Out the Games & Activities

Keeping your pet entertained on the road doesn’t have to mean constant interaction— toys can do the heavy lifting. Look for options that are safe, low-mess, and mentally engaging to help your pet pass the time.

For dogs, puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys are a great way to keep their minds busy without needing your constant attention. Fill them with kibble or your pup’s favorite treats to keep them engaged. Chew toys are also a good option. They can help relieve stress and satisfy the urge to gnaw. Just steer clear of anything too messy or that could pose a choking risk.

For cats, soft crinkle toys, catnip toys, and kicker toys can provide comforting entertainment inside their carrier. You can also try a lickable treat mat or a treat ball filled with dry food to roll around during breaks (just be sure it’s something they’re familiar with and won’t get frustrated or scared by).

To keep things fresh and interesting for your pet, rotate toys during the trip.

Consider Tech and Entertainment Aids

Who says screen time is just for humans? A little tech can go a long way in keeping your pet relaxed and entertained during long stretches in the car.

For dogs, try calming playlists designed specifically for canine ears. Soft classical music or nature sounds can help reduce stress, especially for anxious travelers.

For cats, calming music may help too, but if your feline friend is more visually oriented, consider playing videos of birds, fish, or small critters on a tablet during rest stops or while they’re relaxing in their carrier. This can hold their attention and provide low-effort stimulation.

Maximize Break Time

Regular breaks during road trips are essential. Plan to stop every couple of hours to give your furry travel buddy a chance to stretch, move, and recharge.

• For dogs, rest stops are the perfect time for a leashed walk to stretch their legs and take a bathroom break. If there’s a secure, fenced area, play a game of fetch. Keep your dog leashed at all times when outside the car, unless you’re in a fully enclosed space. It’s not worth the risk of them running off in an unfamiliar environment

• For cats, breaks are trickier, but not impossible. If your cat is leash- and harness-trained, a short walk in a quiet, safe area can offer much-needed stimulation. If not, a break inside the car with the carrier door open (windows up, AC on) can still provide time to stretch and interact. Offer toys or wand play inside the car if space allows.

Also, be sure to keep your pet hydrated. Have fresh water readily available and offer it during rest stops. For those long stretches between breaks, a portable water dispenser makes it easy to give them quick sips.

Additional Tips for Road Tripping with Pets

While on the road, creating an environment and routine that feels safe, familiar, and predictable can help your pet feel more secure and less stressed during travel. Here’s how to make that happen:

• Stick to their usual schedule: Keep feeding, potty, and activity times as close to normal as possible.

• Avoid meals right before drive time: Feeding right before and while driving can increase the risk of motion sickness or accidents.

• Bring their favorite items: Bringing familiar things, like a favorite toy, blanket, pillow, or comfort object, can help your pet feel more secure and relaxed in a new environment.

• Try calming tools: Pheromone sprays or soothing music can help your pet relax and settle in for the ride.

Traveling with your pet is all about finding that sweet spot between keeping them safe and making the ride as enjoyable (or at least tolerable) as possible. Thoughtful planning can go a long way in making the trip smooth and comfortable for everyone in the car. Safe travels and happy trails (and tails)!

Read the original article on The Spruce Pets