Our rescue dogs are absolutely our pride and joy over here, and we have always aimed to keep them comfortable in all aspects of their lives. We learned so much from our two boys, Winston & Gizmo, over the years, especially when it came to travel with dogs. I was reminded of just how helpful these tips have been when we took Winston and our dogter, Ruthie B, on a weekend getaway to Fearrington Village with us not too long ago. Whether you are planning a quick day trip or a longer overnight adventure with your pups, here are our tips that help make travel with dogs smooth sailing.
How to Travel with Dogs: Everything We Have Learned from Our Rescue Pups (2026 Update)
Pre-Trip Prep: Exercise Is Everything
When we have taken our pups on longer road trips — like our trip to Asheville — we make a point to exercise them a bit more than normal the day before we leave or take them to their doggie day camp, and then take them on a solid two-mile walk before we load up the car. We have found the extra exercise beforehand really does help calm them down for the ride.
This is honestly one of the most important tips I can give anyone who is traveling with dogs. A tired pup is a happy road trip companion.
Set Up a Comfortable Space in the Car
We make a point of carving out space for them to lay down comfortably on their beds while being sure that they do not have too much room that they slide back and forth during the ride. Winston preferred being in the back by himself, while Gizmo would like to ride in the back seat where he could put his head on the center console. Ruthie is smaller than both of the boys were, so we have a car seat for her to ride in. Knowing your dog’s preferences and setting up the car accordingly makes a huge difference for everyone.
(Y’all, the side eye Winston gives when he was not getting enough space. Iconic.)
Plan Your Pitstops
For longer trips like Asheville, we plan a pitstop roughly halfway through to walk them around and give them some water. If we are heading somewhere closer, we will plan to go to lunch that has a large lawn so that they can stretch their legs and get some water before our next plans. Either approach works — the key is making sure they are not cooped up for too long.
Socializing on the Road
We have always loved any opportunity to bring our dogs along with us, and they have all grown to enjoy car rides over the years. While Gizmo was usually skeptical around new people, we learned that walking him away from crowds helped with his comfort level and built confidence in new places. We also really appreciate when people ask before petting our dogs — Winston was incredibly social and made a new best friend in about 30 seconds, while Gizmo preferred to be left alone. Ruthie is rather shy at first and definitely prefers to observe at first before asking for a pet.
What to Pack When Traveling with Dogs
Here is our go-to packing list every time we hit the road with the Grant pups:
- Leashes
- Slip leads (incredibly helpful for quick in-and-out stops at rest areas)
- Dog beds
- Anti-anxiety chews
- Favorite toys (Gizmo was absolutely devoted to his hedgehog & Ruthie has an emotional support duck she likes to carry on her walks)
- Blankets
- Extra towels
- Dawn dish soap (in case we need to clean anything up)
- Paper towels
- Reusable water bottles
- Dog Bowls + a Travel Dog Bowl if hiking // going on walks
Final Thoughts on Traveling with Dogs
Traveling with dogs does take a little more planning and intention than hitting the road solo, though, honestly? It is so worth it. There is nothing quite like pulling up to a destination knowing your whole little pack is along for the ride. Our dogs have made so many of our trips more fun, more memorable, and a lot more entertaining.
If you are just starting to travel with your dogs, my biggest piece of advice is to start small. A short day trip or a quick overnight is a great way to learn what works for your pup before committing to a longer adventure. Pay attention to how they handle the car, what helps them settle, and what they need most. Every dog is different, and the more you travel with them, the better you get at reading those cues and the more confident they will get.
The packing list above has been refined over years of road trips with our babies, and I am so glad we have it down to a system. Whatever you do, do not skip the slip leads — trust me on that one.
Sweet boys! Bella gets SO anxious when we go anywhere but at the same time she loves being in the car. She's so weird!
Oh my goodness! Just thinking of traveling with dogs makes me anxious! Sounds like a great trip though!
xo,
Sara Kate Styling
Such sweet babies!! Winds usually walks back and forth from my lap to the back seat. He will usually eventually settle on my pillow in the back seat. He doesn't mind car rides and I'm so glad he doesn't get overly anxious or sick.
I’ll have to check out these anxiety chews! Our dog, Millie, used to be okay with car rides, but one time we left her at my parent’s house while we traveled further on to Nashville, and she hasn’t been the same since. She’ll stand up and pant and shed like crazy because I think she’s scared we’re going to abandon her :( If you’re taking a long trip, it’s a good idea to find a place that is dog friendly when it comes for stopping somewhere to eat.
Aw, poor thing! Our boys have gotten better about car rides because most of the time they’re in the car, they’re going to doggie day camp. I hope those chews help! And great suggestion about the dog friendly spot to eat!