Puppy Travel: 20 Tips for Safe and Drama-Free Trips With Your Pup

• Travel crate or carrier (secure and airline-approved if flying) 
• Collar with ID tag 
• Leash and harness 
• Travel bowls for food and water 
• Food and treats 
• Puppy-safe water 
• Potty pads and waste bags 
• Toys and comfort items 
• Medications (if needed) 
• Vaccination records 
• Towel or blanket 
• Cleaning supplies for accidents 
• First-aid kit 
• Puppy travel sickness tablets (check with your vet first) 

Schedule a check-in with your veterinarian to make sure your puppy is healthy and up to date on their vaccinations.  

In case you get separated from your puppy, microchipping greatly increases the chances of being reunited.  

• If you haven’t had your puppy microchipped yet, make plans to do it before your departure.  
• If your puppy is already microchipped, check the manufacturer’s microchip registry website to ensure their registration is active and updated with your current contact information. 

A little crate training can go a long way. Let them explore and nap in their travel crate ahead of time so it feels familiar. 

Bring a dog blanket and puppy toys that smell like home to reduce anxiety. 

For road trips, plan to stop every two to three hours for potty breaks and a bit of exercise. 

For air travel, plan to visit your airport’s pet-relief area as soon as possible before and after your flight. 

If you’re traveling by car, use a car-safe crate or a dog seatbelt harness. 

Never leave your puppy alone in a hot or cold car. If your puppy is in the back seat, check your car’s heat or air conditioning settings to ensure it’s a safe and comfortable temperature for them. 

Airlines often keep their planes on the colder side, so bring a blanket for your pup. 

Hydration is key, especially in warm weather. On drives, make sure your dog has access to water in their crate. A dog travel bowl can help you offer water during air travel too. 

Many puppies’ bladder control is shaky at best. Be prepared by packing potty pads for those gotta-go-right-now moments.  

Bring puppy training treats to reward your puppy for staying calm. 

Your puppy’s boundless energy won’t take a break just because they’re in a car or plane. Provide long-lasting puppy chews and toys to keep boredom and restlessness at bay. 

Maybe you already know your puppy is prone to motion sickness. Maybe you’ve never traveled with them before so you’re not sure. Either way, it’s best to be prepared.  

Ask your vet about puppy travel sickness tablets or other solutions if your pup shows signs like drooling or whining en route. 

In the car, keep your speaker volume low and your conversations mellow to help your pup relax. 

In airports, find a quiet area for you and your dog while you wait to board your flight. 

If possible, plan to feed and walk your pup at their usual times. This will help them feel less anxious and may help prevent potty accidents. 

Praise your pup often so they associate travel with good things, setting them up for a lifetime of travels with you. 

Let them explore and go potty before settling in. 

Whether you’re in a hotel, vacation rental, or crashing at a friend’s place, make sure it’s safe for your pup. Puppy-proof the space by covering cords, and removing small items and other hazards. 

Use their crate, bed, and/or blanket to create a calm zone just for your puppy. Travel can be overstimulating for dogs, and providing a chill area will help soothe their nerves.  

Just like it did when you were on the road, sticking to your puppy’s regular schedule helps reduce stress and keeps their digestion on track. 

Let your puppy take it slow in a new environment. Don’t overwhelm them with too many new experiences at once. 

Can a 3-month-old puppy travel? 
Yes, a 3-month-old puppy can travel, but it’s best to check with your veterinarian first. Young puppies are still developing and may not have all their vaccinations yet. 

How old should a puppy be to travel by plane? 
Most airlines require puppies to be at least 8 to 10 weeks old to fly, but waiting until they’re 12–16 weeks is safer, especially if they’re small or easily stressed. Follow your vet’s advice, and always check airline policies before booking. 

How long can a puppy travel in a car? 
Plan to stop every two to three hours during a car trip, and possibly more often for especially young pups. Puppies need frequent potty breaks, water, and a chance to stretch their legs.