A Real-World Guide for Happy, Safe Miles
Taking your dogs on a road trip takes planning. Even I must prepare, although my 2020 Subaru Crosstrek is outfitted like a dog wagon all the time, with one rear seat folded flat, a big cargo bed, and a spill-proof water bowl for Seven and Paige Turner. When we leave for a road trip, their gear rides in the nook behind the seats, and we keep the whole setup calm, cool, and safe.
Our pre-trip routine
- Safety first: Dogs ride restrained—either a crash-tested harness clipped to the car, or a secured crate. That keeps everyone safer in a sudden stop and prevents “front-seat surfing.”
- Practice, then go: Do a few 5–10 minute drives the week before your trip so the car = calm and routine. If your dog vomits due to motion sickness, take a step back. Start with very short rides, offering lots of praise, and keep the car cool with steady airflow. Avoid big meals for 3–4 hours beforehand and make frequent stretch/water breaks. Seat your dog facing forward in a secure spot to reduce motion. If car sickness persists, try a safe anti-nausea option for travel.
- Cooling & shade: We park in shade and plan water breaks every 2–3 hours. Never leave dogs in a parked car in warm weather—having the windows down isn’t enough.
- ID: Make sure your cell phone number is on your dog’s ID tag.
- Cargo area zen: Dogs secure, a Pendleton bed in the way back, seat folded down for more sprawl space, water bowl anchored, and their “stuff” tucked behind the seats so nothing becomes a projectile.
Things You Need
- Spill-proof car water bowl: Road Refresher no-spill bowl (lives in the cargo area). Amazon
- Car restraint (pick one):
- Cargo protection/bed: A quilted cargo cover or a travel/SUV pet bed to keep the Crosstrek clean and comfy. Amazon+2Amazon+2
- Barrier (optional): I don’t use this because my dogs have seatbelts, but some dog owners find it helpful to keep their dogs out of the front seat when loading, navigating, or eating a quick snack. Amazon+1
- Ramp (for my senior Seven): PetSafe foldable/telescoping ramp—saves my shoulders and his hips. Amazon+1
- Collapsible bowls: Handy for rest-stop snacks and hotel rooms. Amazon+1
- Poop bags + dispenser: Earth Rated (strong, easy to tear). Amazon+1
- Pet first-aid kit: Adventure Medical Kits “Me & My Dog.” Amazon+1
- Subaru Crosstrek-specific nice-to-haves: a model-fit dog cargo liner (bumper flap helps when jumping in/out). Amazon+2Amazon+2
How we roll
- Settle & sniff: First few minutes are quiet time, allowing everyone to settle. I roll down the windows on surface streets (never on the highway) so they can catch the scent of the air.
- Fuel & hydrate: We stop to hydrate every 2–3 hours.
- Stretch breaks with purpose: Sniff walk, potty, a little training (“touch,” “spin,” “down”) to burn mental energy.
- Hotel routine: A quick room walk-through, water down, a doggie blanket on the bed where they can curl up and sleep, and a short sniffy loop around the property to map the smells = fewer midnight wake-ups.
Packing List
To make your life easier, here’s a handy packing list you can screenshot and check off before you pull out of the driveway.
Everyday essentials
- ID & info: Current tags (make sure the microchip is updated)
- Leashes & harnesses: Two leashes per dog (backup); collars on with id tags
- Car safety: Crash-tested harness tethered to anchors or secured crate; seat/cargo liner; barrier (optional)
- Water & food: Gallon jugs or refillable canisters; no-spill bowl for the cargo area; collapsible bowl for stops; food pre-portioned + 2 extra days; treats/chews; storage container & scoop
- Meds & first aid: All prescriptions with labels; pill pockets; basic pet first-aid kit (vet wrap, saline, antiseptic wipes, tick remover, tweezers, styptic powder); copies of rabies/vax records; your vet + 24/7 ER numbers along the route
- Cleanup & grooming: Poop bags; paper towels; unscented wipes; small trash bags; enzyme cleaner for accidents; shammy/drying towel; brush/comb
- Comfort: Cargo bed/blanket; extra cover; favorite toy/chew
- Visibility: Clip-on LED lights or reflective bands for leashes/collars; flashlight/headlamp (especially for black or dark dogs)
- Dry fast (rain/mud): Extra shammy towels and a spare bed cover kept in a dry bag
- Paw care (heat/ice): Paw balm before/after salty or icy areas; booties optional for ice melt or sharp ice
Preparing a little now makes every mile smoother later—fewer roadside scrambles, happier breaks, and safer rides for both human and canine. With your car set up like my Crosstrek and this list checked off, you can focus on the best part of road-tripping: making memories with your canine travel buddies like my Seven and Paige Turner. 🐾
If you enjoyed reading this post, I’d love for you to join me on Substack page, where I share more heartfelt stories about life with my dogs and the healing power of the human–animal bond. It’s a space filled with paws, purpose, and plenty of love—I’d be thrilled to see you there.
Great information!! Especially about having a backup bed cover & quick drying towels!
Virtually every product that I need for a doggie road trip is conveniently highlighted in your blog! I love having it all in one place. Before heading out the door, I”m always going to refer to your checklist. Thanks Susan!