Essential Summer Travel Tips for Dog Parents

You don’t have to be a lifelong dog person to want to get it right. Maybe this is your first summer with a dog. Maybe you just adopted your new best friend and you’re wondering how on earth people travel with dogs and make it look so easy. Or maybe you’re realizing that taking your dog with you on adventures sounds amazing if only you knew where to start. We see you. And, you’re in the right place.

From heat stroke risks to overlooked packing essentials – we’ve done the research and are passing on what we’ve learned along the way. So whether this is your first summer trip with your dog or your tenth, let’s make sure this one’s smooth, safe, and unforgettable (in a good way). Here’s the advice we wish someone had handed us before we took a 5 hour road trip without dog water bowls and extra water. Not something we will ever do again. On that note – here’s our first bit of advice:

Dog Heat Stroke Warning: Dongs Don’t “Tough It Out”

Heat stroke concerns are not you being dramatic. It’s science. And it happens fast. Dogs can’t sweat like we do – they cool off mostly by panting and through their paw pads. That’s it.

Here’s what you need to know:

• A dog’s normal body temperature is 101–102.5°F. Anything over 104°F? Emergency.
• Heat stroke can set in within 10–15 minutes in a hot car or in direct sun, especially for flat-faced breeds like Frenchies or bulldogs.
• In 2022, the ASPCA reported that over 50% of heat-related pet deaths involved a parked car…even with the windows cracked.

Don’t make the mistake of leaving your car running with AC blasting while running into a gas station “for a minute.” Turns out, the AC may shut off automatically when the doors are locked. Trust us – there is nothing like coming back to a panting, frantic furbaby who is suffering because you “didn’t know.” Never again.

5 Must-Haves for a Safe, Happy Dog Road Trip

1. Portable Water + Collapsible Bowl

Hydration is non-negotiable, especially on hot travel days. A lightweight, no-spill water bottle and collapsible bowl mean your pup can drink anytime, anywhere — even during a quick rest stop potty break on the side of I-40.

2. Secure Crate or Seat Belt Harness

Your dog shouldn’t roam free in the car (even if they look cute doing it). A crash-tested crate or safety harness keeps them secure in case of sudden stops — and keeps you both safer. Bonus: less distracted driving.

3. Comfort Item from Home

A blanket that smells like home or their favorite stuffed alligator? Bring it. Familiar scents reduce anxiety in new environments and a calm pup is everyone’s travel win.

4. Poop Bags + Cleaning Wipes

You will need these. At the rest stop. In the hotel parking lot. Possibly in the backseat. Bring more than you think. (Pro move: stash a roll in your glove box and your suitcase.)

5. Backup Leash + ID Tags 

New places = new temptations to dart or explore. Make sure your dog’s tags are updated with your current phone number, and always bring a backup leash because leashes, like phone chargers, disappear when you need them most.

Essential extras for car travel:

• Travel with a digital thermometer (the kind with a flexible tip).
• Pack a reflective sunshade for the windshield and a cooling vest for the dog.
• Schedule walks and hikes before 10am or after 6pm. The rest is shade, chill, or fetch in the A/C.