Your dog has two modes in the car: convinced they are being kidnapped, or head out the window living their absolute best life. There is no in between. But make no mistake, either way, they believe they are driving. And they seem to instinctually know when you are approaching their favorite spots.

Every dog is a backseat driver. Mine supervises every lane change with a heavy sigh, side-eyes me at yellow lights, and treats the drive-through as a mandatory stop on all routes. Our latest summer venture, somewhere in hour three of a road trip, I missed our exit. Before the GPS could even say "recalculating," Daisy let out a groan from the back seat so loud and so disappointed that we apologized to her. Not to me. To the dog. She then stared out the window like a passenger composing a one star review. Zero treats for morale, driver missed exit, would not ride again.

With summer road trip season in full swing, millions of pet parents are loading up the car, and their extremely opinionated co-pilots, for adventure. Here is how to get from point A to point B with your sanity, your seats, and your best friend's tail all intact.

How do I keep my dog safe in the car?

The safest way for a dog to travel in a car is secured in a crash tested harness, carrier, or dog car seat, never loose in the cabin or riding shotgun in your lap. An unrestrained dog becomes a furry projectile in a sudden stop, and airbags are not designed for passengers with tails.

Many dogs do best in an elevated dog car seat bed that clips to their harness, gives them a window view (crucial for judging other drivers), and keeps them cozy enough to actually nap. Bigger pups should ride in the back seat with a harness that attaches to the seatbelt. And never, ever leave a dog in a parked car in summer, even for a few minutes, since the interior can hit dangerous temperatures fast.

How do I keep my dog calm on a road trip?

The best ways to keep a dog calm in the car are exercise before departure, a familiar smelling blanket or bed, short practice drives, and scheduled breaks every two to three hours.

Translation: a tired dog is a good passenger. A long sniffy walk or a hard round of fetch before you leave turns your anxious backseat narrator into a snoring travel companion by mile ten. Bringing their usual blanket or bed helps too, because to a dog, home is a smell, and you can pack it. For pups who cry at every off ramp, start with five minute drives to fun places so the car stops meaning "we are going to the vet."

What should I pack for a road trip with my dog?

Your dog packs nothing and judges everything, so this one is on you. The essentials:

• Water and a travel bowl. Offer water at every stop. Summer heat plus car excitement is thirsty work.
• Food, treats, and their meal schedule. Vacation is not the time to experiment with gas station jerky. For anyone.
• Leash, harness, and updated ID tags. New places mean new escape routes. Make sure their microchip info is current too.
• Their bed or a familiar blanket. A portable car dog bed turns any hotel room, cabin, or campsite corner into their spot. Instant security blanket, literally.
• Poop bags. More than you think. Then double it.
• Vet records and a pet first aid kit. Boring until it isn't.
• The emotional support ball. You know the one. Mine, of course, prefer the squeaky kind.

How often should I stop when driving with a dog?

Plan a stop every two to three hours so your dog can stretch, sniff, potty, and drink water. Puppies and seniors need breaks closer to every two hours.

Pro tip: rest stops are your dog's version of a museum. Every tree has been signed by hundreds of previous visitors, and your pup would like to read every single entry. Build in the extra ten minutes. You are on vacation, after all.

Hotel manners for the well traveled pup

Booking dog friendly is step one (always call to confirm the pet policy, size limits, and fees). Step two is not getting your deposit eaten. Bring their own bed so they are not redecorating the hotel duvet in fur, keep meals on schedule to avoid midnight zoomies, and hang the do not disturb sign so housekeeping does not meet your dog unsupervised. A dog with their own familiar bed settles into a strange room dramatically faster, which means everyone actually sleeps.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs get carsick?

Yes, especially puppies. Feed a light meal three to four hours before departure, keep the car cool, and crack a window. If it persists, your vet has motion sickness options.

Should my dog ride in the front seat?

No. Airbags are dangerous for dogs. The back seat, properly secured, is the safest spot, no matter how much they lobby for the promotion.

Can cats go on road trips?

Technically yes, and some cats genuinely enjoy it. Most, however, will file a formal complaint the entire way. A secure carrier, a familiar blanket, and managed expectations are key.

The long and winding road (with treats)

The best souvenirs from a summer trip are a phone full of photos and a dog asleep in the back seat, sandy, happy, and completely worn out. Plan the stops, pack their comforts, and secure them safely, because the adventure is better when the whole family comes along. And they are family.

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