Road trips are popular vacation alternatives for anyone wanting to travel freely, see numerous places, and save some money. They can also easily be tailored for your and your family’s needs. However, a family road trip requires a lot of planning, especially when road tripping with your dog.

Keep reading to see our full list of tips for road tripping with your dog! You may even want to consider dog boarding at a facility like Fon Jon Pet Care’s facility. While road trips are generally a preferred alternative to other types of travel with dogs, travel in general can be stressful for your beloved furry friend. Leaving him in the hands of experts that you know will care for him and treat him like family is an option you may want to consider.

Chart Your Course

Arguably, a road tripper should already have a route and a destination in mind. Road tripping with your dog should cause you to take that road plan one step further. Look for safe, pet-friendly places where you can stop. Plan for walks and potty breaks, preferably in places where your pet can truly stretch. Good options might be dog parks or rest stops.

Safety and Security

Pets should always be carefully watched when away from home. Even pets that are accustomed to walking without a leash must be tethered to their owner any time they are outside of the vehicle. An animal can react unexpectedly when placed in unfamiliar environments. It is not uncommon for dogs to run away simply because they are scared or confused. This may lead to them becoming lost or injured. Likewise, an animal that is scared of strangers may suddenly lash out.

Food and Water

Road tripping with your dog is not complete without a well-packed ice chest. You will need plenty of food and snacks for the road for you and your dog. Bring along enough bottled water for the bulk of the trip as well as a collapsible water dish. Don’t forget food, treats, and other comfort items that may help your dog feel at ease when in the car or while taking a break outside.

Dog-Friendly Locations

You may wish to stop at hotels, restaurants, amusement parks, or any number of spots that make vacations fun. Taking time before the trip to do a bit of research will tell you which of these places allow pets and in what capacity. Many hotels allow furry companions on the premises with a deposit. Restaurants often allow well-behaved animals in outdoor seating areas. Amusement parks may have pet care options onsite. National parks sometimes have areas that are specifically geared toward traveling with animals. All of this information should be easy to find by visiting the site’s webpage in advance or giving them a call.

Non-Dog-Friendly Locations

When road tripping with your dog, there may be times when you need to enter a location where your dog isn’t allowed. This might be a stop at a shop, service station, museum, or indoor restaurant. When all other options are exhausted, you may have to settle for a space where you cannot be accompanied by your pet. Though not ideal, there are ways to make this work. Safety is paramount. Do not leave your pet alone in a car even if only for a few minutes. In hot weather, animals can quickly overheat. In cold weather, hypothermia may set in. Instead, look for boarding or daycare facilities that will take your dog by the hour. These are sometimes available in popular tourist locations. Another option is to take turns staying with your pet with other members of your party.

Fon Jon Pet Care is Here For Your Dog!

Not sure about road tripping with your dog? Consider dog boarding while you’re away from home. At Fon Jon Pet Care, our dog boarding campers are always treated with love and care. We work hard to ensure that our boarding facility is a home away from home for both first-time visitors and long-term clients.

Our unique dog boarding facility is perfect for your camper to spend his day outside running around and playing with other dogs! Dog boarding and daycare campers are monitored all day so we can maintain an active and safe environment. Our outdoor play yard is very spacious and has a park-like setting, offering a variety of ramps, kiddie pools, and other fun-filled activities available for them all day!

We have more than 70 years of experience providing top-quality dog boarding, grooming, daycare, and training in San Diego County. Visit our website or call us at (858) 490-2117 to learn more about our dog boarding packages. You can also make an appointment online!