Holiday travel can be exciting, hectic, and unpredictable—even for humans who know what’s coming. For dogs, the sudden changes in routine, environment, and sensory input can be overwhelming if we don’t plan ahead. Whether you’re heading out of state, visiting family for a few days, or taking a road trip, thoughtful preparation can make the experience calmer and safer for both you and your dog.
Below are practical tips for creating predictability, staying prepared, and deciding when it might be kinder to leave your dog at home with a trusted sitter.
- Build Predictability Into the Trip
Dogs thrive on routine. Even small disruptions—new smells, different feeding times, or unfamiliar people—can increase stress. Adding predictable elements helps give your dog a sense of control and safety.
Keep as Many Routines as Possible
- Stick to regular feeding times.
- Schedule potty breaks at the same approximate intervals you do at home.
- Maintain familiar morning and evening rituals (a short walk, cuddle time, enrichment, etc.).
Bring Home With You
Comfort items help anchor your dog in a new environment.
- Pack their usual bed or blanket.
- Bring their favorite toys or chews.
- Use their regular food and treats to avoid digestive upsets.
Create Predictable Expectations
If your dog is traveling somewhere with lots of activity—kids, relatives, visitors—set up a quiet retreat space where they can decompress. A crate, exercise pen, or a gated room can serve as a predictable “safe zone.”
- Be Prepared Before You Hit the Road
Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, a little preparation goes a long way.
Pack a Dedicated Dog Travel Kit
Include:
- Regular food + extra in case of delays
- Water and a travel bowl
- Medications and supplements
- Leash, harness, and ID tags
- Poop bags
- A current photo of your dog for safety
- Vaccination records or proof of required health documents
Consider Comfort and Safety in Transit
- Use a crash-tested harness or travel crate in the car.
- For flights, review airline policies early—crate size, required documents, and temperature restrictions vary.
- Plan for extra stops on road trips so your dog can stretch, sniff, and decompress.
Prepare Your Dog Emotionally
If your dog doesn’t travel often, practice ahead of time:
- Short car rides with positive associations
- Exploring their travel crate if they’ll be confined
- Introducing new environments gradually
Preventing stress is much easier than managing it mid-trip.
- When Traveling Isn’t the Best Option
Not every dog enjoys travel—and that’s okay. Sometimes the kindest, safest choice is leaving them with a qualified sitter or trusted friend.
Signs Your Dog May Be Better Off Staying Home
- They show anxiety with routine changes or novel environments.
- Car rides trigger drooling, panting, whining, or vomiting.
- They’re uncomfortable around children, strangers, or crowded spaces.
- They have medical needs that are easier to manage at home.
- They’ve recently experienced illness, injury, or high stress.
Benefits of Using a Sitter
- Your dog stays in a familiar environment with predictable routines.
- They get one-on-one attention instead of being overwhelmed by holiday chaos.
- Your trip becomes easier too—you can focus on your travel without worrying about your dog’s stress.
If you choose a sitter, provide them with your dog’s daily schedule, medication needs, behavior notes, and emergency contact information. Predictability helps them, too.
Final Thoughts
Holiday travel doesn’t have to be stressful for your dog. By building predictability into the trip, preparing thoroughly, and considering whether travel is truly in their best interest, you can help ensure their well-being every step of the way. Some dogs are wonderful travel companions. Others feel safest in the comfort of home—and honoring that is part of being a responsible, compassionate guardian.
If you need help assessing whether your dog is ready for travel or would benefit from a sitter, reach out to your trainer, veterinarian, or a trusted canine professional. A little planning now leads to a much happier holiday season for everyone—humans and dogs alike.