Road Tripping with Rover: How to Make A Road Trip With Dogs More Comfortable
For many dog owners, the idea of leaving their beloved canine companions at home with a sitter, friend, or in a pet hotel can be both inconceivable and expensive. Embarking on a road trip with your furry friend offers a potentially simpler and less-expensive alternative. However, this may seem daunting and challenging if you've never done it before, especially with the added dynamics of kids.
A Mazda survey revealed that roughly half of North American dog owners take their dogs on a road trip. But dogs can become restless and exhibit unsafe behaviors, such as leaning out of windows or leaping onto the driver's lap. Meeting a dog's needs on the road often necessitates frequent stops for walks and restroom breaks, as well as inventive distractions to keep them engaged.
This insight and others uncovered in our survey inspired us to share tips on making your next dog-inclusive road trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Survey reveals almost half of Americans always take their dogs on a road trip
Our survey uncovered that 53% of Americans have a dog, with parents with kids at home being the most likely to have a dog at home compared to all other parental groups (at 66%). Traveling with kids isn’t always a walk in the park, so how do Americans feel about traveling with their dogs, especially when combining kids and pets?
As mentioned, we found that 48% of dog owners always / often choose to take their dog with them on a road trip while 24% of dog owners sometimes choose to take their dog with them on a road trip. And out of those dog owners, Millennials and Gen Z are 18% more likely than other generations to take their dog on a road trip with them in 2024.
Many millennials, including some older Gen Z dog owners, are parents with kids still at home. Understandably, parents with kids and a dog are 17% less likely to always / often take their dog on road trips compared to other dog owners. The combination of kids and dogs on road trips brings unique challenges. But whether or not you’re part of the group with kids plus dogs, we have tips to make road trips with dogs more enjoyable and comfortable for everyone.
Tips for making road trips with dogs more comfortable and enjoyable
If you plan to take your dog on a road trip in 2024, comfort, safety, and, of course, having fun, are the main priorities. With that in mind, we’ve curated a list of general tips to help make this a reality:
Pack the essentials
It’s important to be well-prepared when traveling with dogs. Here’s a list of some essentials to not leave behind:
● Your dog’s food
● Water
● Treats
● Medicine
● Feeding bowls
● Leashes
● Copy of your pet's records from the veterinarian
● Doggie bags
● Wet or baby wipes for cleaning up
Plan a dog-friendly road trip route
To plan a dog-friendly road trip route, pinpoint rest stops and dog parks where your dog can relieve themselves and burn off energy. Research pet-friendly stores, restaurants, and accommodations along your route to avoid having to leave your pet in the car. Additionally, identify the closest emergency hospitals in case you need a veterinarian.
Prepare your dog ahead of time
Visit your vet if you’ve not done so recently to ensure vaccines are up to date and they’re good to go. Practice using a crate/kennel or seatbelt system so they are used to it, and doing so on “regular” routes like the dog park or kids’ school will help them acclimate quicker.
Opt for a spacious SUV
To ensure you, your passengers, and your dog are comfortable on long hauls, it’s important to choose the right road trip vehicle. SUVs are one of the best options as they come with generous interior and cargo space, with two to three rows of seats depending on the make and model. The spacious 3-row Mazda CX-90, seats up to 8 passengers and features expansive cargo space of up to 15.9 cubic feet with all seats up and with the second and third-row seats are folded down, capacity maxes out at 75.2 cubic feet. If two rows of seating are all you need, the Mazda CX-70 has enough interior space to comfortably seat 5 people, and carry what you’ll need for the trip ahead with its 39.6 cu ft cargo capacity behind the back row. Capacity increases to 75.3 cubic feet when the 2nd-row seat backs are folded down.
Pet-proof your vehicle
Before you head out on the road, taking time to pet-proof your vehicle can give you peace of mind and help protect your car. Here are some steps you can take:
● Use cargo and seat covers to protect your vehicle from hair, slobber, wet/muddy paws, and your dog’s nails.
● Install a safety harness or seat belt for your dog to keep them safer and prevent distractions while driving.
● Bring along a crate or foldable kennel if your dog will be in the cargo area, and ensure it’s secured properly.
● Use a mesh or metal barrier between the front and back seats to create a separate area.
● Alternatively, or in addition to the barrier, contain your dog in the back seat using a back seat extender that mimics a hammock, which can be especially helpful for dogs who are anxious about car rides.
The Mazda CX-90 offers a range of dog accessories to enhance your pet’s comfort and safety on the road such as a seat protector, pet ramp, and pet restraint.
Take frequent breaks
Any dog road trip requires frequent stops so your dog can stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and burn off some energy. For a general baseline, try to stop every 2 to 3 hours. This routine may help your dog feel more rested and may even encourage them to sleep for most of the trip.
Have snacks and water handy
To keep your dog happy during a trip, make sure to provide water and snacks to prevent dehydration and hunger. However, it's wise to limit treats while the vehicle is in motion to reduce the risk of choking hazards.
Other important road trip-with-dog tips
Some other things to keep in mind to ensure your road trip is dog-friendly:
● Don’t leave your dogs in the car when it’s warm out. Even if it’s only 60 degrees outside, the inside of cars can quickly heat up to a dangerous level.
● Ensure microchips and identification tags are up to date with current contact information.
● Wait to feed your dog at your destination to help avoid nausea and vomiting but still give them water to keep them hydrated (keep as close to routine feeding times as possible).
● Bring along your dog's favorite toys and blankets to provide comfort and reduce anxiety during the trip.
Mazda: Road trip-ready vehicles built with comfort and safety in mind
Mazda recognizes that the journey itself is just as significant as the destination, and your dog may well agree that half the fun of a road trip is in getting there. That's why our vehicles prioritize comfort and efficiency, ensuring a serene experience for both drivers and their four-legged passengers, whether it’s a quick trip to the park or a cross-country adventure.
No matter where your adventure takes you, Mazda has the ideal vehicle for your journey. Mazda offers an extensive lineup of spacious, award-winning SUVs and crossovers and sedans and hatchbacks, designed as the perfect road trip companions with a focus on comfort and safety for your entire family — furry friends included.
For those seeking even more adventure, our off-road-ready crossover SUV, the CX-50, comes equipped with a crate-ready cargo area, available panoramic moonroof, and high-strength roof rails, providing everything you need for your dog and extra gear. Experience firsthand the comfort and versatility of our vehicles by scheduling a test drive at a Mazda dealership near you.
Methodology and Definitions
The findings presented in this article are the result of a February 2024 study of 2,523 U.S. adults. (Confidence Level: 95%, Margin of Error: 2%)
Age Cohorts (based on Pew Research Definitions)
● Baby Boomers: 1946-64
● Gen X: 1965-80
● Millennials: 1981-96
● Gen Z: 1997-2012
Regions (based on U.S. Census Regions)
● West: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
● Midwest: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin
● South: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia
● Northeast: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont
● Pacific: Alaska, Hawaii
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the latest competitive information available at the time of posting. Information herein is subject to change without notice and without Mazda incurring any obligations. Please review a variety of resources prior to making a purchasing decision. Visit Resource Center for more articles.