Tips for Solo Road Trips with a Dog
Road trips are one of my favorite ways to travel. There’s something freeing about rolling the windows down, blasting a playlist that swings from Noah Kahan, to some country, and hitting the open road. Plus, when I bring my Golden Retriever, Whiskey, along for the ride, it turns into a whole different kind of adventure. He's only 11 Months old but Whiskey is basically a professional road tripper at this point—This guy has literally been to 4 states in his 11 months of life. He’s definitely mastered hotel stays, long car rides, and even how to charm the front desk staff into giving him some extra treats.
Traveling solo with your dog is rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Over a few trips, I’ve picked up some tips and tricks to make these trips smoother—for both of us. Whether you’ve got a high-energy pup or a snoozing sidekick, here are my go-to pieces of advice for making solo road trips with your dog less stressful and way more fun.
Plan Your Breaks (For You and Your Dog)
A solo road trip with a dog means you’re in charge of *everything*. You’re the driver, the navigator, the snack distributor, and the potty break planner. It’s a lot, but the key is getting into a rhythm that works for both you and your pup.
Dogs need time to stretch their legs, sniff around, and do their business, so plan breaks about every 2-3 hours (or sooner if your dog gives you that “it’s time” look). Rest stops, dog-friendly parks, or even a random roadside patch of grass can do the trick. Bonus points if your route takes you near a scenic trail for a quick walk to burn off energy. And yes, this is your reminder to pack poop bags—you don’t want to be caught without them.
Know The Doggy Daycare Game
If your road trip includes stops in cities, it can be a lifesaver to scout out doggy daycare centers ahead of time if you're going to be busy. Whiskey’s gotten his fair share of playtime at local doggy facilities while I tackle a work meeting or out taking photos. Shout out to Hound HQ in Omaha, NE. They are Whiskey's favorite outta state stop.
Make sure to call ahead, check reviews, ask about play group sizes (the smaller the better), and have your pup’s shot records on hand (most places ask for them). A tired dog is a happy dog, and after a few hours of romping at daycare, Whiskey is usually ready to snooze which is nice and gives me some time to relax and doordash something to eat at the hotel.
Pick Your Lodging Wisely
When you’re traveling with a dog, not all hotels and motels are created equal. Some advertise themselves as dog-friendly but come with rules that make you feel the opposite. I’ve learned to do my research and read the fine print. Some important things to check for include whether they allow dogs to stay unattended in rooms (hint: not all do) and if there’s a grassy area nearby for potty breaks. My go-to are typically holiday inns.
If you’re more into Airbnb or VRBO, look for reviews that specifically mention the host was accommodating to pets. Trust me—there’s nothing better than finding a spot with a fenced yard and pet-friendliness built in.
Pack Like a Pro
Packing for yourself is one thing. Packing for your dog? That’s a whole different ballgame. Here’s what’s usually in Whiskey’s travel bag:
Poop bags (bring more than you think you’ll need)
A collapsible water bowl and a gallon of water for road-side hydrationHis favorite blanket or bed to make hotel rooms feel like home
Plenty of their regular food (Pro tip: don’t suddenly switch food mid-trip unless you want to deal with an upset stomach.)
A few toys for entertainment—something chewable for downtime and maybe a ball for park breaks
A crate is also useful in case you need to head out somewhere short term that they aren't welcome to.
Being prepared keeps the surprises to a minimum, which is the real goal of any solo road trip.
Don’t Skip the Vet Check
Before setting off on a big trip, it’s always worth giving your vet a call. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and flea/tick preventatives, and double-check that their microchip info is current. Traveling with that extra peace of mind is priceless.
If your dog isn’t a natural-born road tripper yet, ask your vet about things like anti-anxiety remedies or how to ease motion sickness. Whiskey started out hating the car as a puppy, but I drove a ton so he's learned to take to it like a champ with a little practice and patience (and maybe a treat or two).
Cut Yourself Some Slack
Here’s the truth about solo road trips with dogs—they don’t always look like an Instagram highlight reel. Sometimes your dog sneaks a french fry out of the cupholder. Sometimes you roll into a hotel frazzled after an extra pit stop you didn’t plan for. And sometimes your plans just don’t go, well, as planned.
And that’s okay. Be flexible, laugh at the hiccups, and give yourself permission to not have it all figured out every second. Whiskey and I have had our fair share of detours (both literal and figurative), but those imperfect moments are part of what make the trip memorable. Just do your best, and know that your dog probably thinks you’re the coolest human on the planet no matter what.
Hitting the Road Together
When I pack Whiskey into the car and head out on a road trip, it’s less about getting somewhere specific and more about the experience of being on the road together. Sure, solo travel has its perks, but throw your dog into the mix? Suddenly, even a gas station stop becomes an adventure.
With a bit of planning, a sense of humor, and the right attitude, road-tripping with your dog can be an absolute blast. And whether you’re cruising to a work meeting or following a winding mountain highway just because it looks pretty, you’re building memories like no other. Whiskey says “happy travels”—and I do too.
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