How to Turn 'Pet-Friendly Travel' from Chaos to Adventure

Arpita Karmakar
Mar 10
6 min read

Updated: Mar 31

In our previous blog, we explored the many wonderful reasons to include your pet in your travel adventures. Today, we're tackling the practical challenges that come with being a traveling dog parent.

As any dog parent knows, our four-legged companions bring immeasurable joy to our lives. Extending that joy to traveling together seems like a natural step, but it comes with its own set of unique challenges. Whether you're a seasoned dog parent planning your first trip or a new pet owner wondering where to begin, this guide will help you navigate the common hurdles of traveling with your canine companion.

Challenge 1: When Do I Start?

Timing is everything when introducing your dog to travel. Here's what to consider:

For puppies: Wait until they've completed their core vaccinations (usually around 16 weeks) before extensive travel. Early positive exposure to short car rides can build a foundation for travel comfort. Start with short distances and eventually make them longer!

When Phiphi, my golden retriever, was just 4 months old, we took the plunge and introduced her to the world of travel. We actually bought a car specifically with her adventures in mind! Those early experiences laid the groundwork for her to become the seasoned traveler she is today. While she was initially uncertain about car rides, that early exposure was crucial to her eventual love of road trips.

For newly adopted adult dogs: Give them at least 1-2 months to bond with you and settle into their new home before introducing the stress of travel.

For all dogs: Start small with day trips before attempting overnight stays. This gradual approach helps assess how your dog handles travel and builds their confidence.

Season considerations: Be mindful of extreme weather conditions. Very hot or cold seasons may require additional planning or might be best avoided altogether.

Challenge 2: How Do I Start?

Building positive travel associations is crucial for your dog's comfort:

Car training: Begin with your parked car – let your dog explore, offer treats, and create positive associations. Gradually increase to short drives around the block, then longer journeys.

Phiphi had her fair share of puppy travel woes—from car sickness to anxiety—but with patience and consistency, she eventually came to see the car as her second home. Now, four years later, she runs to the car with excitement, knowing it's the gateway to new adventures. She's transformed into a dog who actually whines with excitement when she sees us packing our bags!

Crate training: If you'll be using a travel crate, make sure your dog is comfortable in it well before your trip. The crate should feel like a safe haven, not a punishment.

Practice separation: If there will be times you need to leave your dog alone (in hotel rooms) during travel, practice short periods of separation in new environments.

Travel accessories: Introduce travel gear like harnesses, portable bowls, and travel beds at home first so they don't add stress during the actual trip.

Test runs: Schedule a weekend getaway close to home as a trial run to identify and address any issues before a more ambitious journey.

Challenge 3: Where to Go with My Dog?

Not all destinations are created equal when it comes to dog-friendliness. As a practise, try to avoid crowded places that might amp up anxiety in your dog.

National parks and monuments: Many have restrictive pet policies, allowing dogs only in certain areas. Research specific rules before planning your visit.

Beaches: Some are dog paradises with off-leash areas, while others might have territorial dogs or inaccessible water.

Phiphi's joyful splashing in the Arabian Sea and the serene Kerala backwaters remain some of our most cherished memories. Seeing her experience the water with unbridled enthusiasm reminded me why we embarked on this journey together in the first place. Not all beaches welcome dogs, but finding those that do has been worth every bit of research.

Cities: Urban environments vary widely in dog-friendliness. Look for dog parks, pet-friendly restaurant patios, and walkable neighborhoods.

Mountains or rural escapes: Often ideal for dogs who enjoy exploring, but ensure you're prepared for limited veterinary access and potential wildlife encounters.

Our adventures through the mighty Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh and it's rugged terrain of Sikkim proved to be Phiphi's happiest days. Watching her trek through the "Queen of Mountains" in Kodaikanal, her golden coat gleaming against the lush landscape, reminded me that dogs are natural explorers at heart. These remote locations did require extra preparation, especially for emergency veterinary care, but the joy on her face made it all worthwhile.

For offbeat travel recommendations, follow us on Instagram too!

Challenge 4: How Do I Find Pet-Friendly Stays?

Finding appropriate accommodation is often the most challenging aspect of traveling with dogs:

Look beyond "pet-friendly": Many places claim this title but have restrictive policies. Always check weight limits, breed restrictions, additional fees, and whether dogs can be left alone in rooms.

After traveling extensively through the last 4 years with Phiphi, I've learned that "pet-friendly" can mean vastly different things. I now have a specific set of questions I ask every accommodation before booking.

Pet-Friendly Travel Guide: We have got you covered with out pet-friendly travel guide at https://www.phiphionwheels.com/. Buy a copy to decide on locations, accommodations, activities you could do with your dog and much much more.

Specialized booking sites: Platforms like Airbnb.co.in or Booking.com's pet-friendly filter can streamline your search.

Call directly: Property listings may not include all pet policy details. A quick call can clarify and sometimes even negotiate exceptions.

Check nearby amenities: Ideal accommodations have green spaces nearby for bathroom breaks and walks.

Challenge 5: How Do I Prepare for Emergencies or Health-Related Issues?

Being prepared for health concerns is critical when away from home:

Veterinary documentation: Carry updated vaccination records, health certificates, and your regular vet's contact information.

Research local vets: Before traveling, identify emergency veterinary clinics at your destination and along your route.

During our extensive journeys from north to south and across eastern India, I've maintained a digital folder of veterinary contacts in each region. This preparation proved invaluable when Phiphi needed unexpected attention after our first trip to Himachal at higher altitudes. Having a vet's contact ready saved us hours of panicked searching.

Pack a pet first aid kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers for tick removal, any regular medications, and calming aids if your dog experiences travel anxiety.

ID: Ensure your dog wears a collar or accessories with ID tags showing your mobile number.

Familiar items: Pack your dog's regular food, favourite toys, and bedding to minimize stress-related health issues. Include an anti tick spray, CDB oil or anything else that you use to keep your dog safe and comfortable.

Challenge 6: How Do I Manage Food for My Dog While We Travel?

Maintaining proper nutrition on the road requires planning:

Gradual transitions: If you'll need to switch foods during travel, begin the transition before your trip to avoid digestive upset.

Phiphi's appetite became unpredictable during our early travels—something I hadn't anticipated. After some trial and error, I discovered that maintaining her regular feeding schedule, even if it meant occasional roadside stops, helped maintain her digestive health. Now, after four years of extensive travels, she's adaptable enough to handle small variations in her food routine.

Portion control: Pre-measure daily food portions in individual bags to maintain routine and prevent overfeeding.

Water safety: Bring a water bottle dedicated to your dog and consider a portable filter if traveling to areas with questionable water quality.

Portable food storage: Invest in airtight containers for dry food and insulated options for wet food. You may also want to get an ice box if carrying fresh food.

Local resources: Research pet stores at your destination for emergency supplies, and consider shipping food ahead for longer stays. Ask your hotel staff to curate something basic from their kitchen for your dog-they generally are ready to do that if they call themselves pet friendly.

Special diets: For dogs with prescription diets, bring extra food and a copy of your vet's prescription in case you need to purchase more.

Traveling with your dog adds a wonderful dimension to your adventures, creating memories you'll cherish forever. While it does present unique challenges, proper preparation can transform potential headaches into minor bumps along the journey.

By addressing these six common challenges, you'll be well on your way to becoming a confident traveling dog parent. Remember that flexibility and patience are your best tools – some dogs take to travel immediately, while others need more time to adjust.

As Phiphi and I look back on our 60,000+ kilometers traversing more than 20 Indian states, I can confidently say that every challenge overcome has been worth it. From her early puppyhood car sickness to now being a travel-savvy companion who's equally comfortable in the snow-capped Himalayas or splashing in coastal waters, the journey has deepened our bond in ways I never imagined. Your dog might surprise you with their adaptability—and the shared adventures will enrich both your lives.

Have you overcome other challenges while traveling with your dog? We'd love to hear your experiences in the comments below!

Did you miss our previous blog about why traveling with your pet is so rewarding? [Check it out here!]

If you are in Bangalore and starting to wonder where should you travel next with your dog-Purchase our Pet Friendly Travel Guide 2025, Bangalore Edition and make your life slightly easy!