Ultimate Packing List for Traveling with Dogs
- Angelina Ly
- 14 hours ago
- 6 min read
When I first started traveling with them, I'd forget the leash, scramble for vaccination records, or realize halfway down the highway that I left the food bowl on the kitchen counter. After enough trips, I built a routine that takes the stress out of the whole thing. I've gotten traveling with my dogs down to a science, and it all starts with careful planning and packing. Now I can load up the car right before the trip and know I haven't missed a thing.
This list is tailored specifically for my most common style of traveling with my dogs—driving to our destination and staying in an Airbnb. When choosing the right Airbnb, I always look for a pet-friendly listing that clearly states dogs are welcome. I also check for features like fenced yards or nearby walking trails, which make it easier to keep my pups happy and exercised during the stay. Reviews from other travelers with pets can also provide valuable insights, so I take the time to read through them before booking. A comfortable and accommodating Airbnb can make all the difference in ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable trip for both you and your furry companions.
If you're planning a getaway with your pup and want to skip the last-minute panic, this is the exact dog packing list I use and my recommended products.
Ultimate Dog Travel Packing List
Dedicated Dog Bag - The size of this bag depends on how many and what size of dog you have, since I have 4 large dogs, I usually have to use quite a large bag. I used to use specifically made dog duffel bags when I only had 2 dogs, but now I just use my old Beis weekender to hold everything.
Dog Walk Bag - I always bring one of our smaller dog bags that use for taking the dogs on walks/to the park. I've collected a few different one's over the years, my favorites are the Bei's crossbody bag (this amazon dupe is cheap and works so well too), or for something a little larger, this tote from Clever Pup is so handy.
GPS Dog Collar - We never leave the house without the dogs wearing their Fi Tracking Dog Collars. For a weekend trip, we don't have to bring the charger because the battery lasts pretty long, but it's so good for piece of mind, especially when traveling by car and a new place can be unpredictable. It's an absolute essential to have on them, along with their dog tags with our phone numbers.
Dog Bowls - In my smaller dog bag, I always have a collapsible dog bowl for on the dog, but for the drive, this dog bowl can actually be in the car since it doesn't spill. Then for food, we usually bring a couple of soda pup slow feeders, and a regular stainless steel dog bowl for my older dog that already eats slow enough.
Dog Food - My dogs are quite picky so they only like fresh human food, or The Honest Kitchen. I measure out enough of their wholefood clusters for each meal and add a little extra incase plans change. I also love bringing their dehydrated food and bone broth in their convenient packs to add, along with their cheddar cheese topper for some extra incentive.
Supplements and Medications - Usually I just bring their supplements and medications all together in a ziploc bag. They usually get a multivitamin, hip + joint, probiotic, a mushroom powder and a longevity supplement (for my senior dogs) added to their meals daily.
Fish Oil - They love getting fish oil added to their food and it helps keep their coat healthy and shiny. I love the one we use since it's in a convenient squeeze bottle instead of a traditional pump which can get messy when traveling.
Treats - I always bring a mix of their favorite treats! We try to stick to all single ingredient treats, and some Honest Kitchen and Full Moon Training Treats for high reward training treats.
Bones - Depending on your dog and what kinds of bones they like, these are great for getting them to settle in a new place. My dogs have always done well with smoked beef marrow and kneecap bones, so I usually bring those but make sure your dog is supervised while chewing! We also love using benebones for less of a mess!
Dental Chews - For shorter weekend trips, I don't bring any of my grooming supplies including their toothbrush and toothpaste. Instead, I bring a bag of their favorite dental chews that help keep the tartar off their teeth until we get home.
Leashes - We love biothane leashes since they can get wet and dirty and they're easy to clean. We have ones from Lambwolf co that work really well and have adjustable lengths with carabiners that make it easy to connect them to something when we're out on a patio, but there are plenty of brands that make versions of them too.
Poop Bags - Always bring extra rolls! We love the earth rated bags because their the thickest, and whenever we see them at TJ Maxx we stock up. Their odor blocking poop bags also work really well! We use the doggie walks poop bag carriers to keep them handy on walks and our poop bag carrier so we don't have to hold it the whole time.
Toys - Can't have enough toys!! We always make sure to bring their favorite frisbee, tennis balls, spiky squeaker balls, and Lulu's all time favorite stuffed animals - the sloths from Fringe and her Build a Bear Bunny Lucky.
Vaccination Papers - It's best to take some photos of their vaccine records and have them handy on your phone.
Dog Seat Belt + Harness - A cheap way to keep your dog safe and protected in the car, just strap their harness in with this dog seatbelt in case there's a car accident.
Thin Dog Bed - We usually lay the back seats down in our car and have a designated pet bed to use for traveling. It's a little thinner than their beds at home and works well in the car and also for them to sleep at the Airbnb.
Blankets or Sheets - A lot of Airbnb's don't allow pets on furniture, and as much as we try to keep them off, they still manage to jump up a couple times before they know they shouldn't in a new place, so I always bring waterproof pet blankets and extra flat sheets to cover couches and beds.
Dog Clothing - We're not typically the type to dress up our dogs, but when traveling I do love putting a cute bandana on them. I also have them wear their spark paw hoodies in the car just to help keep the dog hair contained a bit.
Pet First Aid Kit - I keep one in each of my cars anyways, but make sure you have one of these, especially if you go hiking with your dogs.
Pet Cleaning Spray - Accidents can happen even with the most well trained dogs. I always bring a can of the nature's miracle stain and odor remover just in case a dog throws up or has an accident and the Airbnb doesn't have any cleaning supplies.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
Years of trial and error taught me a few habits that keep things calm from packing to arrival.
Make sure dogs are up to date on heartworm/flea/tick prevention. It's best to apply flea and tick prevention a week before the trip so that they are protected if you do anything outdoors.
Pack the night before. Rushing in the morning is how I forget things. Loading up the evening before gives me time to double-check my list, especially since I like starting the drive before the sun comes up.
Plan rest stops. On longer drives, I stop every few hours for a quick walk, water, and a bathroom break. It keeps the dogs comfortable and burns off restless energy.
Bring water from home. Switching water sources can upset some dogs' stomachs. I fill a jug before we leave to ease the transition.
Keep a copy of your list. I saved my packing checklist on my phone. Every trip starts by running through it, and I tweak it as needed.
Traveling with dogs takes a little extra planning, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Once you nail down your essentials, the rest falls into place. Add a few smart habits like packing the night before and keeping a saved checklist, and you'll spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the adventure.
Build your own checklist this week, even before your next trip is on the calendar. Keep it on your phone, refine it after each getaway, and you'll never face that "did I forget something?" feeling again. Your dogs will be comfortable, you'll be relaxed, and the weekend will start the way it should—stress-free and full of tail wags.