Traveling with Your Dog: How I Got Started and Why It Changed Everything

If you’ve ever looked at your dog and thought, “I wish you could come with me,” this blog is for you. I used to leave my dog behind on vacations and weekend getaways—mainly because I wasn’t sure how to make travel with a pet work. But that changed after one simple road trip.

It started with a short drive to a small lakeside town. I packed a leash, some kibble, and a blanket. No big plans—just a chance to get away. What surprised me wasn’t just how easy it was, but how much better the trip felt with my dog by my side. Since that weekend, traveling with my dog has become a way of life—and that’s how PawFunPet was born.

This blog exists because I believe that traveling with your dog should be fun, safe, and doable, even for beginners. And if you’re curious about how to start, this post will walk you through what I’ve learned, what I wish I knew at the beginning, and how you can avoid the most common mistakes first-time pet travelers make.

Why Traveling with Your Dog Is Worth It

Including your pet in your travel plans isn’t just about logistics—it’s about lifestyle. Dogs love new sights and smells. They thrive on bonding time. And honestly, they make the best travel companions.

But travel does require preparation. Unlike solo trips, you can’t just grab your keys and go. You need to think about:

• Where pets are allowed

• What to pack for them

• How they’ll stay safe in the car

• Whether they’re ready for the adventure

Once I started asking the right questions, pet travel became second nature.

What I Wish I Knew Before I Started Traveling with My Dog

1. Not all hotels that say “pet-friendly” truly are. Some charge extra, some have size restrictions, and some don’t allow pets to be left alone—even in crates.

2. You need a dedicated travel kit just for your dog. I now pack food, water, a collapsible bowl, poop bags, a favorite toy, a towel, and a copy of my dog’s vet records—every time.

3. Dogs can get car sick. I didn’t know this at first, and my dog got sick during one of our earliest trips. Now I feed him a light meal a few hours before we leave and give him plenty of water breaks.

4. You can’t rush your dog. They need breaks to stretch, sniff, and use the bathroom. That means your travel schedule needs more flexibility—and that’s okay.

5. The right gear changes everything. A good harness, a spill-proof water bowl, and a seat belt tether turned stressful car rides into calm, safe trips.

Beginner Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

If you’re new to pet travel, here are some helpful tips that I’ve learned along the way:

• Start with short trips. Let your dog adjust to car rides gradually. Practice by taking them to a park, a friend’s house, or a local trail.

• Call ahead. Even if a hotel or restaurant lists itself as pet-friendly, it’s always a good idea to confirm the details before you arrive.

• Stick to your dog’s routine. Try to keep feeding times, walk times, and rest periods as close to normal as possible. Familiarity helps dogs stay calm.

• Bring comfort items. A blanket that smells like home, a favorite chew toy, or even a travel bed can help your dog relax in unfamiliar places.

• Watch for signs of stress. Panting, whining, pacing, or lack of appetite can mean your dog is overwhelmed. Keep an eye on their behavior and adjust your plans as needed.

What You’ll Find on This Blog

This blog is about real pet travel—based on personal experience, research, and lessons learned. I’ll be posting:

• Destination guides for dog-friendly road trips

• Reviews of travel gear for dogs

• Tips for air travel with pets

• Packing checklists and travel planning tools

• First-aid and safety advice for pets on the move

Whether you’re planning your very first weekend trip or preparing for a big adventure, this blog is here to help you travel more confidently—with your dog right beside you.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right mindset and a little planning, it can be one of the most meaningful things you do as a pet owner. You’ll create memories, build stronger bonds, and explore the world—together.

Thanks for reading, and welcome to PawFunPet. Let’s start this journey, one pawprint at a time.