How to Travel with a Puppy (Car Rides, Hotels & Airplanes)
I swear, traveling with a puppy can feel like packing a toddler and a tornado at the same time. However, if armed with the right gear and mindset, it can turn into a safe and pleasant trip. So if you’re planning on heading out for a weekend trip, checking into a pet-friendly hotel, or boarding a flight, here’s a few tips to make the journey smooth and puppy-approved.
Traveling by Car: Making the Ride Safe & Comfy
Car travel is usually your pup’s first big adventure away from home — and it really sets the tone for how they’ll handle future trips. Those early car experiences can shape how your dog feels about traveling in general. If it’s calm, safe, and maybe even a little fun, your dog will start to associate the car with good things.
With Bosley, I started car rides pretty early. He’d tag along to work with me (perks of having a dog-friendly office!), and he loved it. Everyone spoiled him with pets and treats, so eventually he associated car rides with fun and attention. Now, he’s the most relaxed little traveler.
On the other hand, if your pup experiences stressful car rides right out of the gate, it can make every ride after - a car full of whining and huffing. So, try to make those first few trips as positive as possible.
Car Ride Essentials:
Use a secured travel carrier to keep your pup safe (no roaming!).
Alternatively, use a dog seatbelt harness to keep them in place.
Line the crate or seat with puppy pads in case of accidents.
Bring a travel bag with:
Water & bowl
Treats
Chew toys
Waste bags
Blanket that smells like home
Take frequent potty breaks (every 1–2 hours) and never leave your puppy unattended in the car.
🚨 Puppies are prone to motion sickness (don’t ask me how I know)! Be sure to avoid feeding a large meal right before you leave.
Additionally, if you looking for the best thing to keep all the essentials together, I suggest this hard seat cover that I use for my dogs. It has a hard base for an even flat surface, has storage mesh for their essentials, and is super easy to clean (because pups can be messy). Plus, it comes with a dog seatbelt.
Puppy-Friendly Hotel Stays
Puppies in hotels? Absolutely doable — with a little planning. Like a home, away from home.
What to Do:
Call ahead to confirm the hotel’s pet policy (some have age or size limits).
Request a ground floor room for easy potty access.
Bring your puppy’s crate or playpen — it helps them feel secure and keeps them from chewing hotel furniture.
The crate that I have for my pups easily folds down for easy transportation (right).
Stick to your home routine as much as possible: feeding, potty breaks, and sleep schedule.
Always supervise your puppy when in the room (some hotels don’t allow pets to be left alone at all).
Travel with an “accident kit” — enzymatic cleaner, wipes, and backup potty pads, just in case.
Flying with a Puppy: What You Need to Know
Flying can be overwhelming for young puppies (and dog parents), but if you’re prepared, it can go smoothly — especially for small breeds that fit under the seat in-cabin.
Flying Puppy Checklist:
Check airline pet policies well in advance (fees, carrier size, age minimums).
Soft-sided airline-approved carrier is usually required for cabin travel.
Most airlines require puppies to be at least 8–12 weeks old and fully weaned.
Visit your vet for a health certificate (some airlines require one issued within 10 days of travel).
Line the carrier with a pee pad and pack extras in your carry-on.
Again, consider 🚨 Puppies are prone to motion sickness - no large meals before takeoff!
Pack:
Treats
Collapsible water bowl
Leash & ID tags
Vaccine records
Calming toy or blanket
Arrive early and have your pup go potty right before going through security. Airports typically have a designated potty area for pups.
Travel Packing Essentials for Puppies
✔️ Crate or travel carrier
✔️ Puppy pads & poop bags
✔️ Food, treats, and water
✔️ Bowls (collapsible is great!)
✔️ Leash + harness
✔️ Comfort item (blanket, toy)
✔️ Vaccine & vet records
✔️ Enzymatic cleaner
✔️ Towel for accidents
Final Woof
Traveling with a puppy is a learning curve, but it’s also a great bonding experience. Just remember to stay calm, pack smart, and provide a safe space for your pup wherever you go. Cheers to creating memories to last a lifetime!