12 Tips For A Happy and Healthy Pet When Travelling This Winter

Road tripping with my German Shepherd, North is always a blast. But just like us, I need to have all of her needs met both on the road trip and once we arrive at our destination. Due to the varying weather conditions the winter season can bring, winter road trips require more preparation to bring North along.

The temps can get pretty cold fairly quickly depending on where you’re traveling to and through. You may experience a variety of climate changes on your winter road trip. Your pet needs the same level of attention and care you give to yourself and your family on a winter road trip.

Here are some tips to keep your pet happy and healthy on winter road trips.

1. Vaccinations

Before I depart for any road trip, I always make sure North is up to date with all her vaccinations and her overall health is good. It wouldn’t be wise of me to bring North on a road trip if she’s recovering from an illness. This is especially important if you will be traveling off-the-grid for an extended time, or traveling hours from your home.

If your pet needs medical care, it’s best to know your pet is current on all vaccinations and that you have documentation with you.

2. Medications

Be sure to refill and bring all medications your pet takes regularly to keep them healthy on your winter road trip. Consult with your veterinarian if your pet gets anxious riding in the car. They may be able to prescribe medication to ease their anxiety and make the road trip that much more enjoyable for them.

3. Auto Inspection

Before departing on a winter road trip, your car should have a full safety inspection. This includes checking your car’s heating system and tires.

You want both you and your pet to have the best time. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your vehicle is equipped for the adventure.

With the possibility of snowstorms, rain, and ice, it is important your tires can handle the changing weather. If you know you’re traveling somewhere with heavier snow and ice conditions, I recommend having chains available for your tires.

4. Car Temperature

Depending on your pet’s coat, you may need to adjust the temperature in your car to be warmer or hotter to keep your pet comfortable. North is a long-haired, dark-sable German Shepherd. Her coat is pretty thick during the winter months, so we are usually on the lower end of keeping my car warm on the inside without going over 74 degrees, typically.

It depends on your pet’s comfort level. The last thing you want is for your pet to be cold in the car.

5. Pet Car Safety Gear

Your pet needs to be securely seat-belted in the car, as you are. I like to use a quick-release harness in an emergency, and I need to get North out of my car.

The harness has a loop that detaches from the actual body portion. There’s no need to unbuckle North in an emergency. If you’re not harnessing your pet in the car, I recommend having a secured travel crate available.

I suggest having at least two leashes and your pet’s collar. I use one leash for general walking, and the other for hiking. We always want to ensure our pets are safely seated and secured for the fun winter road trips.

6. First Aid Kit

It’s important to not only keep a first aid kit in your car for you and your family, but your pet should have their own first aid kit as well. You never know what could happen during the drive, at potty-sniff breaks, or once you reach your final destination. Practicing safety first keeps everyone prepared.

7. Blankets/Toys

Your pet must be comfortable on your winter road trips. Ensure your pet has a couple of blankets to keep them warm and cozy.

I like bringing thicker, warmer blankets for North on our winter road trips because she loves to lay on them and is more comfortable during the ride.

I recommend bringing at least 1-2 of your pet’s favorite toys. This can help them relax more, and they will love having their favorite toys with them. I pack other toys North usually plays with in a backpack for our final destination.

8. Food/Water

Naturally, you want to pack enough food for your trip. Did you know dogs expend more calories in winter to regulate their body temperature? For this reason, I will pack extra food for North to ensure I have enough food for the trip.

North eats 4 cups of food daily and I pack 6 cups when we travel during winter. You’ll need to calculate your pet’s food intake to determine how much more you need.

Taking a road trip should be fun. I recommend bringing your pet’s favorite high-quality treats to make the ride more enjoyable. It’s good to praise your pet for doing such a good job. This can also be a mini snack for them.

Winter road trips may not be normal for your pet, and giving them treats to praise them along the way speaks volumes. Who doesn’t love a good treat?

I always bring a portable handheld water bottle for North in addition to her dog bowl for our overnight stays. Your pet needs to stay hydrated during the trip.

Always pack ample water in the car for you and your pet. I will double North’s water with the amount I bring for myself. This ensures North always has plenty of water.

9. Pet Attire

Not all pets are built the same. Some have long fur, others short. Do not assume because your pet has long fur that they don’t need additional support in the winter weather conditions.

Your pet can still reach levels of hypothermia or frostbite just like humans. For this reason, make sure you have pet jackets, sweaters, and booties on hand. Smaller pets may require these additional attire items in the car and not just when they are going outside.

10. Potty-Sniff Breaks

Take time to stop and allow your pet potty and sniff breaks. This allows your pet to move and stretch out their legs.

If I’m on an extended road trip longer than 2 hours, I will stop at least every 2.5-3 hours so North can take a potty break and move around. Sometimes this means we pull off near open land, and I let her walk and take a sniff break.

If I can help it, I prefer not to stop at pet rest areas as they can be busy and a distraction for North. This also allows your pet to potty, sniff, and sightsee without the worry of other pets nearby.

11. Off-the-Beaten-Path Stops

During your winter road trip, I recommend finding places to stop with your pet outside their normal potty-sniff breaks. This will give your pet mini adventures along the way to explore. It’s a great bonding opportunity for you and your pet.

Make it fun. Enjoy the entire winter road trip, stops, and all!

12. Accommodations

Are you planning a trip with multiple overnight stays in different locations? Consider this before and be sure to find places that will accommodate both you and your pet.

Some hotels and rentals only accept a maximum weight for your pet, and others charge fees. Be prepared ahead of time.

I recommend AirBnBs whenever possible. They’re more accommodating to people with pets, and provide a more comfortable environment for your pet.

North loves all of our stays. She usually ends up with these huge yards to run and play in.

Any other tips?

What Tip Can You Add for Winter Road Trips with Your Pet?