Traveling with your dog can be one of the best parts of the holiday season… if you’re prepared. Whether you're taking a long car ride to visit family or go for a weekend getaway, packing smart ensures your pup stays safe, comfortable, and stress-free.
Here are the five things you should always pack when traveling with your dog during the holidays.

1. A Comfortable, Travel-Friendly Bed

A familiar bed gives your dog a sense of security in new environments and keeps them off cold, hard, or uncomfortable surfaces. And during holiday travel, when your car is packed to the rim with presents, food, suitcases, and bags, a designated dog car bed can be a lifesaver. It creates a safe, defined space for your dog to rest without getting squeezed between luggage or shifting items.

What to look for:

• A car bed that prevents sliding and gives them their own space
  

• Supportive design for long trips (especially for seniors or dogs with joint issues)
  

• Easily washable covers
  

• Non-slip bottom
  

• High bolsters for anxious travelers
  
  

Pro tip:
If your dog gets restless or anxious in the car, a bolstered car bed keeps them snug and reduces motion stress.

2. Food, Treats, Water and a Feeding Plan

Travel can disrupt regular eating routines, which adds on extra stress for some dogs. Keeping things consistent is key.

Pack:

• Enough of your dog’s regular food for the entire trip (same brand + flavor to avoid digestive issues)
  

• A few extra high-value treats for training and settling in new environments
  

• Collapsible food and water bowls
  

• A portable water bottle for rest stops
  

• A feeding schedule reminder (because holiday chaos = easy to forget)
  
  

Avoid:
Switching food on the trip. It’s almost guaranteed to cause tummy trouble.

3. Safety Gear for the Car

Every dog should be secured in the car: unrestrained pets can distract the driver, injure themselves, or become projectiles in a crash.

Essential safety items:

• A proper harness and seat belt attachment
  

• Car-safe dog bed with built-in straps
  

• Car seat barrier (if your dog tries to climb forward)
  

• Car door protector or blanket (for scratchers or droolers)
  
  

4. A “Health & Emergency” Kit

You don’t need a suitcase full of supplies. Just the essentials that prevent the most common travel issues.

Pack this mini vet kit:

• Poop bags
  

• Paw balm (great for cold pavement, snow, or long walks)
  

• Basic first-aid (bandage, tweezers, antiseptic)
  

• Any daily medications
  

• Vaccination records (digital or printed)
  

• A calming aid such as a comfort blanket or calming chews (if your dog benefits from one)
  

• Tick remover if traveling to wooded areas
  

• Extra leash (in case one breaks or gets lost)

• Their Passport

If going somewhere cold:
Add a coat or sweater and foot protection for snow or salt.

5. Comfort & Enrichment Items

New places can be overwhelming. Familiar items reduce anxiety and help your dog settle quickly.

Bring:

• Your dog’s favorite toy (or two)
  
  

• A chew to keep them busy during downtime
  
  

• A calming blanket or something that smells like home
  
  

• A long line or extra-long leash for safe exploring
  
  

• Waste-free travel wipes for muddy paws or messy moments
  
  

Why this matters:
Dogs rely heavily on scent. A familiar-smelling bed or blanket can calm them more effectively than anything else you pack.

Quick Packing Checklist (Copy & Save)

✔ Comfortable bed (car bed or travel bed)

✔ Food, treats, water, bowls

✔ Car safety gear (harness, straps, protector)

✔ Health & emergency kit

✔ Toys, chews, blankets, long line

✔ Their Passport

Final Thoughts

Holiday travel with your dog doesn’t need to be stressful. With these five, simple essentials, you set your pup up for a safe, comfortable, and happy adventure. So you can enjoy the journey together instead of troubleshooting along the way.

Happy holidays! 

Warm regards, 

Elle from team Pelsbarn