By Stacey Wittig
Traveling with your dog can be one of life’s greatest adventures. Whether your next adventure is an afternoon hike in Sedona, a weekend at the Grand Canyon, or a bucket-list road trip across America, traveling with your dog can create unforgettable memories. But successful travel begins long before you pack the leash and treats.
Recently, I joined fellow members of the International Food, Wine, & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) for an online discussion hosted by travel writer Cori Solomon. Our guest was Susan Hartzler, author of Peace Puppy, who travels with her two Australian Shepherds—both actors, models, and certified therapy dogs. Together, they shared practical advice for helping dogs travel with confidence, whether by car, plane, or hotel stay. One message stood above all the rest: Know your dog.
“Travel is not one-size-fits-all,” Hartzler said. Every dog has a different personality, different comfort level, and different needs. “The most important thing about traveling is to develop that bond where your dog knows you, and you know your dog. You want to make sure that they feel genuinely safe and comfortable.”
That preparation often starts in the driveway. If your dog becomes anxious or carsick, don’t expect them to enjoy a four-hour road trip right away. Hartzler recommends gradually introducing travel with short rides, keeping fresh air circulating, avoiding meals immediately before departure, and taking frequent breaks.
She also advises against making every car ride end at the veterinarian’s office. Instead, drive somewhere fun—a park, a hiking trail, or a favorite walking path—so your dog begins to associate the car with positive experiences rather than stress.
Crate training is another investment that pays dividends while traveling. Rather than viewing the crate as confinement, Hartzler encourages owners to make it a place where good things happen. Feed meals inside, reward your dog for entering willingly, and gradually increase the amount of time they spend relaxing there. A familiar crate provides a sense of security in hotel rooms, unfamiliar homes, and airports.
If flying is in your future, preparation becomes even more important. Solomon recommends contacting your airline well before departure to learn its specific pet requirements, including health certificates and crate dimensions.
Hartzler offered an unexpected training exercise for dogs that fly in the cabin: take them through a car wash. The unfamiliar sounds, vibrations, and movement are surprisingly similar to the sensations of takeoff and landing. By calmly rewarding your dog with treats throughout the experience, you can help build confidence before the real flight.
Whether your destination is across Arizona or across the country, remember that our dogs often mirror our emotions. If we’re calm, patient, and prepared, they’re much more likely to relax, too. As Hartzler reminded us, the goal isn’t simply getting from one place to another. It’s helping our four-legged traveling companions feel safe enough to enjoy the adventure right alongside us.
Learn more at SusanHartzler.com.
Stacey Wittig is a travel writer based in Flagstaff. Get more tips for taking your dog on the road at UnstoppableStaceyTravel.com.
