Embark on a Puppy-Friendly Road Trip Adventure
Embark on a Puppy-Friendly Road Trip Adventure
With the weather warming up, Michigan’s road trip season has arrived! With its beautiful landscapes, scenic drives, and pet-friendly destinations, the Great Lakes State beckons human and canine adventurers alike. If you’re considering going on a road trip this season and want to bring your new puppy with you, read on for helpful tips from the experts at The Family Puppy. We’ve put together our top 4 tips to keep your pup comfortable and safe during road trips.
Car Comfort
Travel can be a great way to socialize your pup and help them feel comfortable with new people and environments, as long as it’s done gradually. We suggest getting your dog comfortable with being in the car for short rides first (5-10 minutes) and gradually increasing the time spent in the car to help minimize potential stress or anxiety.
Be Prepared
Before going on an epic adventure with your puppy, it’s imperative that you and your pup are prepared for the trip. When traveling with your dog, be sure to pack their essentials like food, bowls, medications, leash, waste bags, collars, toys, and ID tags. A travel crate or safety harness for the car can help keep your pup safe on the road, and taking your pet’s medical records can come in handy if you need to make a trip to the vet while away from home.
All puppies from The Family Puppy are microchipped and come with a lifetime LostMyPet account. Before going on your trip, ensure your contact information and pet’s details are up to date with LostMyPet (this can be done easily online). Having current contact information can help get a lost pet back to where they want to be - with their people.
Find Pet-Friendly Accomodations
Next, it’s time to plan out your trip. Before you hit the road, look for pet-friendly hotels and stops along the way. Your pup is going to need to take potty breaks, hydrate, and stretch their little legs, so be sure to add those stops into your plan. We recommend contacting motels, cabins, hotels, or vacation rentals ahead of time to confirm their pet policies and let you know if there are any additional fees. Some accommodations require your pet to be in a crate if you’re not in the room with them - which is good to know ahead of time.
If you’re looking for pet-friendly attractions in Michigan, check out the shores of Lake Michigan at Warren Dunes State Park or take a scenic hike through the lush forests of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. For a taste of urban adventure, explore the vibrant streets of downtown Traverse City or visit pet-friendly breweries and wineries in the Traverse Wine Coast region.
Check with Your Vet
At The Family Puppy, all our puppies are given their required vaccinations before they go to their furever homes. But, before taking your pup on the road with you, check with your vet to ensure your puppy has completed their vaccinations and has any additional vaccinations they need for the destination you’re heading to. Depending on where you’re travelling, some areas require (or suggest) different vaccinations. Vaccinations can take time to fully protect your puppy, so don’t leave this till the last minute!
Taking your new furry family member on a road trip is a great way to build lasting memories and explore new places together. By planning ahead, getting your pup used to the car, finding pet-friendly accommodations, and checking with your vet before you hit the road, you can help make the trip a pleasant experience for the both of you. So, pack your bags, buckle up, and get ready for a paws-itively fantastic adventure in the Great Lakes State (and beyond)!