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Planning a trip with your four-legged bestie?
78% of US pet owners travel with pets each year, but here’s the deal…
Not all dogs make great companions for life on the road.
The issue is:
Choosing the wrong breed can turn a dream vacation into a travel nightmare. From anxiety barking on airplanes to chewing up hotel rooms — picking the wrong travel buddy can stress you out and spoil your trip.
But choose the right breed? Your adventures become twice as memorable and infinitely more fun.
What you’ll learn:
- Size Doesn’t Matter When Selecting Dogs For Travel
- Top Dog Breeds That Love To Travel
- Tips On Preparing Your Travel Ready Dog
- Essential Tips To Stress-Free Pet Travel
Size Doesn’t Matter When Selecting Dogs For Travel
Thinking about a small dog as a travel companion?
Think again.
Although small breeds have perks like fitting in airplane cabins or taking up less room in hotel rooms, it’s way more important to consider temperament over size.
You want a dog that is:
- Adaptable to new environments and situations
- Calm during stressful situations like security lines
- Social with strangers and other animals
- Trainable to follow commands in unfamiliar settings
The best travel dogs have personalities that embrace new experiences rather than become stressed by them.
If you’re a family who wants to pick the perfect puppy to start this journey, you can reserve a puppy today to make sure you get the best breed match for your travels.
Fun fact
37% of dog owners would rather stay home with their pups than travel without them. Makes you understand how important the right pick is.
Top Dog Breeds That Love To Travel
Hungry to meet the ultimate travel companions? These breeds come up over and over as the best dogs for people who travel a lot.
Small Breed Winners
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — These little loves adjust quickly to new places and don’t get stressed out by travel chaos. Super mellow and easygoing, they’re great on long flights or road trips.
French Bulldog — Don’t be fooled by the grumpy mug. Frenchies are actually very adaptable and don’t need tons of exercise. Ideal for city breaks and hotel stays.
Maltese — If these adorable lapdogs could get TSA precheck, they would. They’re super small and have a calm nature that can handle busy airports without fuss.
Medium Breed All Stars
Boston Terrier — Friendly with strangers, adaptable, and great in new environments, the Boston is a total champion for travel.
Beagle — Love ’em or hate ’em, there’s a reason Beagles are road trip legends. Incredible sense of direction and loyalty make them perfect outdoor adventure buddies.
Large Breed Road Warriors
Labrador Retriever — Labs can’t fly in airplane cabins, but they’re legends on road trips. Friendly nature and huge love for adventure make every journey epic.
Golden Retriever — Another classic for road trip love. Social, trainable, and always game for outdoor fun at your destination.
German Shorthaired Pointer — Great for active travelers who love hiking, camping, and all things outdoors. Athletic build and loyalty make them dream hiking/housebreaking partners.
Tips On Preparing Your Travel Ready Dog
Found the perfect breed? Awesome! But getting a dog ready to travel involves more than genetics.
Start training early
Expose dogs to different sights, sounds, and experiences while they’re puppies. This socialization builds confidence for travel experiences later in life.
The more practice they get, the better. Take short trips before tackling longer ones. Start with short car rides around town, then work up to nights away from home.
Health essentials checklist
- Updated vaccinations/health certificates
- Microchip ID tag (just in case you get separated)
- Travel collar with your contact info
- Documentation required for your destinations
Pack smart and travel light
Bring familiar toys, blankets, etc. Familiar scents = less stress in new places.
Don’t forget the essentials, too. Food/water bowls, leash, waste bags, and any medications.
Essential Tips For Stress-Free Pet Travel
Want some tips to make traveling with your dog as easy as possible? Here are some pet travel strategies from seasoned pros:
Traveling By Airplane With Your Dog
Research airline pet policies before booking tickets. All airlines have different rules on pet travel, carrier dimensions, and fees.
Book direct flights whenever possible. Fewer connections = less hassle/transfer stress for you and your dog.
Try to plan early morning flights. Often less crowded, less chaos.
Road Tripping Success
NEVER leave your dog unrestrained in the car. 29% of pet owners report being distracted by their dogs while driving — that is a safety issue for all.
Plan for lots of stops for potty/exercise. Most dogs need bathroom/walking breaks every 2-3 hours on long drives.
Hotel Stays With Your Dog Made Easy
Always double-check pet policies when reserving. Even “pet-friendly” hotels have size/breed/pet-number restrictions.
Bring a travel crate or portable dog bed so your dog has their own place in the room.
NEVER leave your dog alone in the room for long periods. Separation anxiety in new places can trigger destructive behavior.
Wrapping Up The Best Dog To Bring As A Travel Companion
Picking the best dog for travel isn’t just about finding the cutest breed — it’s about finding a personality that will love adventures as much as you do.
The right travel dog will take your trips to the next level and make you go on epic trips. They’ll be your hiking partner, your hotel buddy, and your best co-pilot in the sky on the adventure of a lifetime.
Whether it’s a small breed that will fit in airplane cabins or a large breed that’s road-trip-ready, the key is matching the breed’s temperament to your travel style.
Tips to keep in mind:
- Temperament over size is more important
- Train/socialize early
- Health needs and documentation are key
- Start with short trips before longer adventures
With over half of all travelers now taking their pets on vacations, you’re not alone. Pick your best buddy for the trip wisely, and get ready to travel your heart away!