Spring is in the air, which means it’s officially get-out-of-the-house season. The sun is shining, the days are longer, and your dog has started giving you that “where are we going” look. You know the one.
Whether you’re road-tripping to the cabin, heading out on a hiking adventure, or just visiting family (sorry in advance to Aunt Robyn’s white couch), traveling with pets takes a little extra planning. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back, and your dog's tail!
Here’s what to pack so your next trip is smooth, stress-free, and hopefully slobber-free
🐾 Pet Travel Checklist (aka Stuff You’ll Wish You Didn’t Forget):
· Leash + Collar (with ID tags!) – Because “he’s usually good off-leash” is famous last words. A long leash is also a great option if you want to give your pup more space to explore while still maintaining control.
Comfort items – Bring along the cozy stuff: their bed, favorite toy, a blanket that smells like home. Depending on the weather and destination, toss in a jacket or boots. It may also be a good idea to toss their brush and waterless shampoo or wipes in the bag, they may need a good clean up before a visit to your grandmas! A comfy dog is a happy traveler.
Food, treats and water – More than you think you’ll need. Because dogs are bottomless pits and gas station snacks are not species-appropriate… I always recommend bringing extra food for when you decide to extend that vaca a few extra days! Oh, and don’t forget their bowls.
Medications + Stashios Wrap-Ups – Toss those pills in a Wrap-Up and BOOM—instant treat. They’re portable, mess-free, and make you look like a treat magician, because wrestling a dog into taking a pill in the back of an SUV is... less than ideal. Also a good idea to bring extra meds and have a couple stashes incase you misplace one. If your dog needs those meds and you don’t have access to get more, you will be thankful you had extras
Vaccination records (at least on your phone!) – Super handy if you need to board them, visit a vet, or prove your pup didn’t give that squirrel rabies.
Pet First Aid Kit – Because “adventure” sometimes means scraped paws, mystery rashes, or a porcupine encounter you didn’t see coming. A small kit with the basics can make all the difference until you get to a vet.
· Clear, recent photos of your dog – Especially any unique markings (like a heart-shaped spot or that little snaggletooth). If your pup gets loose, you’ll need something better than, “Uh, she’s kind of medium-sized and fluffy?”
Chews or distractions for travel – Because no one enjoys a 3-hour soundtrack of “whining with dramatic sighs.” Stashios Soothing Saucer is a great option for calm licking and mental engagement without the sticky mess. Peaceful pup, peaceful ride.
Let’s Talk Stashios Travel MVPs:
Soothing Sauce – deserves its own round of applause (or at least a tail wag). This isn’t just any sauce, it’s a nutritious bone broth powder blended with calming ingredients to help your pup chill out when travel gets a little too exciting.
Nervous during car rides? New hotel smells? Strange squirrels at the rest stop? Soothing Sauce has your back. Use it in the Soothing Saucer for calm, mess-free licking, or sprinkle it as a topper to encourage eating on-the-go, you can also mix it into a paste to stuff your dog’s favorite enrichment toy. However you serve it, it’s travel-friendly and sanity-saving.
Soothing Saucer – On the road with your pup? The Soothing Saucer is the must-pack essential. Pair it with our calming Soothing Sauce or your dog’s favorite soft snack like yogurt or pumpkin. It even works as a low-spill travel water bowl—perfect for crates, cars, or hotel rooms. Easy, clean, and made for wherever you roam together.
Bitty Gritty Nail File – You don’t think you’ll need it… until your dog snags a nail halfway through a hike and suddenly you’re fashioning a nail file out of a tree branch. Toss the Bitty Gritty in your bag and consider yourself *prepared*. Plus, it’s adorable. And sturdy. Like a tiny spa moment in your glove compartment. You can also use it yourself!
Whether you're headed to the mountains, the lake, or your neighborhood dog-friendly coffee shop, a little prep goes a long way in making travel fun for everyone.
So grab your pup, pack their gear, get out there and have an adventure! We would love to see you and your pup out on the road having fun so be sure to tag us in your social posts!
Happy travels and wagging tails,
Stephanie Beetsch CCN, CYNX-L
