🐾 How to Travel with Your Dog: Real Tips from the Road with Mr. Jax

Dog traveling is easier than you think. You need the right tips and a little planning. We’ve taken tons of trips with our Goldendoodle, Mr. Jax, and learned what works best.

This post covers the best way to travel with a dog, how to plan pet-friendly stays, and what to pack. You’ll find smart gear, hotel advice, and our favorite tricks for the safest way to travel with a dog.

If you’re wondering how to travel with a pet or looking for tips for traveling with dogs by car, you’re in the right place. We’re sharing what’s worked for us—and how your dog can love travel just as much as you do.

⚠️ Affiliate Disclaimer

This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through one of these links. I only recommend products I genuinely find helpful for travel.

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🚗 How Traveling with a Dog Changed the Way We Explore

Having a dog has totally changed the way Steve and I travel—in a good way. We naturally plan more outdoor activities, like hiking, beach walks, or grabbing lunch on a patio, so Mr. Jax can be part of the fun.

We also now look for dog-friendly hotels and have learned that Hampton Inn is a solid choice across the U.S. Even more exciting? A lot of upscale resorts are catching on. More high-end properties are seeing the value in welcoming furry guests. The benefit of travel with a dog is becoming more recognized—especially as younger generations choose dogs over kids. It’s changing the travel world for the better.

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🐶 Mr. Jax’s Vacation Routine (Yes, He Has One)

We raised Mr. Jax to be super social—he loves people and other pups. One thing we’ve found incredibly helpful is researching doggie daycare in the places we visit. While we’re off doing something that isn’t dog-friendly (like museums or fancy dinners), he’s having his mini-vacation.

Goldendoodle travel tip: If your dog is friendly and loves new environments, doggie daycare is a lifesaver!

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🏨 How to Find the Best Dog-Friendly Hotels

If you’re wondering how to travel with a pet and not stress about lodging, here’s what works for us:

• Call ahead to confirm the pet policy.
• Check for green space nearby for easy potty breaks.
• Look at fees—some charge a nightly fee, others a flat one.
• Read recent reviews—some hotels are “pet tolerant,” but others go all out with bowls, treats, and more.

Mr. Jax has stayed in hotels where he got his own bed and welcome treat. Best dog travel experiences often start with pet-friendly accommodations.

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🧳 Tips for Traveling with Dogs by Car

For us, tips for traveling with dogs by car come down to comfort and safety:

• Bring water and a bowl for rest stops.
• Never leave your dog in a hot car.
• Use a crash-tested seatbelt harness or travel crate (safest way to travel with dog).
• Stick to their usual feeding schedule to avoid tummy issues.
• Keep your dog’s ID tag updated with your cell number.

The safest way to travel with a dog is one where your pup feels secure and calm—and you’re not constantly worrying.

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🧳 What to Pack for Your Dog

We’ve made enough packing mistakes over the years to perfect our system finally. We keep a “Jax Bag” ready to go with all the best dog travel gear:

• 🦴 Collapsible water bowl
• 🍖 Travel food container + scoop
• 🛏️ Portable dog bed or blanket
• 🧼 Dog wipes & grooming spray
• 💊 Meds + vet records
• 🦺 Harness + leash + backup leash
• 🧸 Favorite toy
• 💩 Poop bags
• 🐶 Training treats
• 🧊 Cooling mat
• 🐾 Dog ID tag with your number

👉 Shop Our Dog Travel Essentials on Amazon

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🛏️ Best Travel Dog Beds, Crates & Toys

Having the right gear makes a huge difference. These are our favorite finds for the best dog travel experience:

🛏️ Travel Dog Beds

• Lightweight roll-up beds (great for hotels or the car)
• Orthopedic mats for long drives or older dogs
• Foldable sleeping pads for beach or camping trips

🧳 Travel-Friendly Dog Crates

• Soft-sided crates – easy to pack and great for hotel rooms
• Crash-tested backseat crates – for safety while driving
• Hard-shell crates – if you’re flying or need something airline-approved

🧸 Must-Have Travel Toys

• Chew toys (for boredom busting on long rides)
• Puzzle toys (to keep them mentally engaged)
• Comfort plushies (Mr. Jax has a favorite sloth he takes everywhere)

👉 See Our Favorite Beds, Crates & Toys on Amazon

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📝 Final Thoughts

How to travel with a dog doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a little planning. For us, the reward is worth it. Seeing Mr. Jax trot along a beach or nap under a café table makes our trips even better.

So if you’re thinking about dog traveling, go for it. The benefits of travel with a dog are huge. You’ll explore more, spend more time outdoors, and make unforgettable memories—with your best friend right by your side.

🐾 Friendly & Helpful CTA

Don’t hit the road without it!
Grab my free printable checklist so you never forget the poop bags (again). It’s Mr. Jax approved and road trip ready.
👉 Download the Dog Travel Packing List (PDF)