Challenges of Road Tripping With a Dog: Lessons With Sniffy

When we decided to embark on our road trip adventure, we knew it wouldn’t be complete without our furry friend, Sniffy, tagging along. While we were excited to explore new places together, we quickly learned that road tripping with a dog introduced a unique set of challenges. Here, we share our experiences and the lessons learned.

Preparation is Key

Before hitting the road, we realized how crucial it was to prepare adequately for Sniffy’s needs. Here are a few steps we took to ensure a smoother trip:

1. Visited the vet for a health checkup and to update vaccinations.
2. Packed a travel bag with Sniffy’s essentials: food, water, bowls, leash, waste bags, and his favorite toys.
3. Downloaded a few apps to locate pet-friendly accommodations and parks along our route.

According to a 2022 survey by the American Pet Products Association, 37% of pet owners take their animals with them when traveling [source]. This reinforced our belief that more of us are accommodating our pets during travels.

The Need for Flexible Itineraries

We quickly discovered that a flexible itinerary was essential. With Sniffy, we didn’t just consider driving times but also frequent stops for his comfort. We allowed ourselves additional travel days to accommodate unforeseen events:

• Unexpected traffic.
• Sniffy’s rest stops for stretching and bathroom breaks.
• The need to adjust routes due to pet-unfriendly locations.

Google Maps was a lifesaver in estimating driving times and identifying convenient stops. Here’s a sample route where we found useful pet-friendly locations: Full route on Google Maps.

Navigating Accommodations

Finding pet-friendly accommodations was another key challenge. Not all hotels or motels accept pets, and those that do usually have specific policies and fees. We recommend:

1. Checking hotel pet policies ahead of time.
2. Reviewing fees associated with having a pet.
3. Consider staying at dedicated pet-friendly lodging.

The rise of pet-friendly travel is evident, with many platforms like BringFido dedicated to assisting pet owners in securing pet-friendly stays.

Sniffy’s Health and Safety

Maintaining Sniffy’s health and safety on the road was paramount. We followed a checklist to keep him secure and comfortable:

• Secured him in the back seat with a travel harness or crate.
• Maintained a regular feeding and exercise schedule.
• Kept the car well-ventilated and never left him alone in the car.

Our road-tripping experience with Sniffy taught us invaluable lessons about preparation, flexibility, and prioritizing our pet’s needs. While it introduced some complexities, the joy of having Sniffy along for the ride made every challenge worthwhile.