What to Pack When Traveling with a Dog

This guest article comes courtesy of our friends at DJANGO.

Traveling with your dog can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re enjoying a long day outdoors, taking a weekend road trip, or even flying to another part of the world, exploring new places with your four-legged family member can be some of the most memorable moments you’ll share.

We’ve experienced this firsthand with our dachshund, Django. Over the past decade, we’ve traveled with him on multiple cross-country road trips, countless flights across the U.S., and even to a few European countries. Those experiences taught us that traveling with a dog is absolutely doable – but it always requires a bit of planning.

Packing the right essentials helps keep your dog comfortable, safe, and relaxed. It also makes the experience more enjoyable and relaxing for you.

This guide breaks down what to pack when traveling with a dog, including tips for first-time travelers, road trips, flying, and longer outdoor adventures.

If this is your first time traveling with your dog, it helps to start simple. Focus on creating a sense of familiarity while being prepared for the unexpected. No matter the destination or length of the trip, a few core essentials will make travel smoother for both you and your dog.

Core dog travel essentials to pack:

• Healthy food and treats (pack more than you think you’ll need)

• Collapsible food and water bowls

• Bottled water (sudden water changes can upset some dogs’ stomachs)

• Harness, collar, and leash

• Waste bags

• Comfort item (favorite toy or blanket)

• Dog medications (plus a copy of prescriptions)

• Vet records (digital and/or printed)

• Dog ID tags with up-to-date contact info
  

If your dog is new to traveling or nervous in new environments, consistency absolutely matters. Stick with the food your dog knows and loves; travel is not the time to change things up.

Bring dog treats you can truly rely on as well, whether for training, rewarding good behavior, reassurance, or simply helping your pup settle in unfamiliar surroundings.

Road trips are often one of the most flexible and dog-friendly ways to travel, but safety and restraint should always come first, particularly on longer drives. A secure setup helps your dog feel more settled in the car while keeping everyone safer on the road.

Road trip must-haves:

• Well-fitting dog harness (avoid attaching a leash directly to a collar while driving)

• Seatbelt tether or car safety system designed for dogs

• Travel bed, pet carrier, or familiar blanket to create a safe and comfortable resting spot

• Your dog’s regular food (plus a little extra in case of delays)

• Paw wipes or towels for muddy or dusty stops

• Portable water bottle or collapsible bowl for quick hydration breaks

• Travel-friendly dog treats for reassurance, training, and positive reinforcement

A secure, comfortable harness paired with a dog-friendly seatbelt system helps keep your pup safe in the car and ready for frequent rest stops along the way. A properly fitted, escape-proof harness like the DJANGO Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness works especially well for road trips thanks to its padding, comfort straps for long wear, heavy-duty D-rings, and ease of clipping on and off when you’re stopping often.

Don’t forget the treats! Pre-portioned snack packs like Farm to Pet Chicken Chips are our favorite option for delicious, easy-to-pack, and on-the-go treats that dogs absolutely love.

👉 Road trip tip: Stop every 2–3 hours to give your dog a chance to stretch, hydrate, go to the bathroom, and decompress.

Flying with a dog requires more planning than other types of travel, especially since airline rules and requirements can vary widely. Before booking your flight, always review your airline’s pet policy carefully, paying close attention to carrier dimensions, weight limits (which usually include both your dog and the carrier), and required documentation.

Thoughtful preparation ahead of time helps reduce stress on travel day and makes the experience more comfortable for your dog.

Flying essentials for dogs:

• Airline-approved dog carrier that allows your dog to sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably

• Absorbent pee pads for lining the carrier, just in case

• Light blanket or familiar liner to add comfort and familiar scent

• Your dog’s regular food (pre-portioned for travel days)

• Travel-friendly dog treats for reassurance and positive reinforcement

• Collapsible water bowl for offering small sips before and after boarding

• Harness with ID tags (even if your dog will remain in their carrier)

• Health certificate or vaccination records if required by your airline

It’s also important to be mindful of food and water intake before flying. Avoid large meals right before heading to the airport, and offer water in small amounts rather than all at once. Plan for multiple potty breaks before boarding. Most major airports now offer designated pet relief areas both before and after security.

👉 Flying tip: A long walk or play session before heading to the airport can help your dog burn off extra energy and settle more easily during the flight.

Long walks, hikes, or full days spent outdoors are where thoughtful packing really pays off – especially for small dogs, senior dogs, or pups who may need occasional breaks. Being prepared helps you stay out longer while keeping your dog (and you) comfortable and safe throughout the day.

Outdoor adventure essentials:

• Hands-free leash or waist leash

• Supportive dog harness

• Plenty of water and collapsible bowl

• High-value dog treats

• Dog-safe sunscreen (for short-haired or light-colored dogs)

• Cooling bandana or cold-weather dog coat (weather-dependent)

• Dog backpack carrier (for small dogs or uneven terrain)

• First-aid basics (paw balm, tick remover, antiseptic wipes)

For small dogs, senior dogs, or breeds prone to fatigue, a high-quality pet backpack carrier can be a true game-changer. The DjangoPack Dog Carrier Backpack allows dogs to rest comfortably in a natural, all-fours position while still being part of the adventure. A hiking-friendly carrier like this is especially helpful on longer hikes, hot days, or in crowded areas where walking isn’t always practical.

👉 Outdoor tip: Even active dogs get tired faster in new environments. Having a carrier on hand gives you flexibility without cutting the day short.

• Do a practice run before longer trips to see how your dog handles travel and new routines. Even a short drive or overnight stay can help surface any adjustments you may need to make.

• Stick to your dog’s routine as much as possible. Consistent feeding times, walks, and sleep schedules go a long way in helping dogs feel settled while away from home.

• Check pet-friendly lodging policies in advance, as fees, size limits, and breed restrictions can vary.

• Pack a few extras. Bowls can get misplaced, toys get dropped, and accidents happen. Having backups on hand can save you stress when plans change.

Traveling with a dog doesn’t have to be stressful. With thoughtful preparation and the right essentials, it can be one of the most rewarding ways to experience new places together.

Whether you’re heading out on a road trip, flying across the country, or spending long days outdoors, packing with your dog’s comfort and safety in mind helps ensure they’re ready for the adventure right alongside you.

About our blog contributor: 

DJANGO designs modern, stylish, and adventure-ready dog accessories and apparel for pet parents that take their four-legged family everywhere.