Traveling With a Doodle

Traveling with a Doodle

From road trips to flights, doodles can be great travel buddies if you plan ahead and set them up for comfort.

How do I prepare my doodle for car travel?
  • Use a crash-tested crate or seat belt harness for safety.
  • Pack water, collapsible bowls, and familiar bedding or toys.
  • Plan breaks every 2–3 hours for potty and exercise.
Are doodles good on airplanes?

Small doodles may travel in-cabin if they fit under the seat in an airline-approved carrier. Standards are usually too large and must go in cargo—something many owners avoid due to stress risks. Always check airline rules in advance.

What should I pack for traveling with my doodle?
  • Leash, harness, and ID tags.
  • Health/vaccination records (some hotels/airlines require proof).
  • Food, treats, and medications in labeled containers.
  • Towels for muddy paws, waste bags, and cleaning wipes.
How can I keep my doodle calm while traveling?

Give them familiar items (blanket, toy), exercise before travel, and keep a calm environment. For anxious doodles, ask your vet about calming chews, pheromone sprays, or other safe aids.

What about hotels or Airbnbs?

Choose pet-friendly lodging. Bring a crate or travel bed so your doodle has a safe spot. Never leave your doodle unattended unless the place allows and your doodle is comfortable alone.

Are doodles good for RV or camping trips?

Yes—doodles often thrive outdoors. Just watch for ticks, keep them leashed, and provide shade/water. Groom their coat before/after trips to reduce burrs and matting.

Any safety tips for long-distance travel?
  • Never leave your doodle in a parked car.
  • Keep microchip info updated in case of escape.
  • Research nearby vets or emergency clinics along your route.

Plan ahead, travel safely, and your doodle will quickly learn that road trips and adventures are just another chance to be by your side.

Traveling With A Doodle

Traveling with a doodle requires preparation, especially because their size varies from small “micro” doodles to much larger standards. Your mode of travel and the dog’s temperament will determine the specific arrangements you need to make. 

Car Travel

  • Secure your dog. For safety, secure your doodle using a seatbelt harness, a travel crate in the back seat, or a car seat designed for pets. This prevents driver distraction and protects your dog in a sudden stop.
  • Pack essentials. Bring your doodle’s regular food, water, a collapsible bowl, medication, identification and vaccination records, waste bags, and a favorite toy. Keep a blanket or towel on hand for wet paws.
  • Take frequent breaks. Plan to stop every 2–3 hours for your dog to stretch its legs, relieve itself, and rehydrate.
  • Acclimate anxious dogs. If your doodle is nervous in the car, start with short, positive trips that don’t always end at the vet. Reward them with treats to create a positive association with the car. For persistent anxiety, consult your vet about calming techniques or motion sickness medication.
  • Never leave a dog in a parked car. Temperatures can quickly become fatally hot, even on a mild day.

 

Air Travel

  • Small doodles in the cabin. If your doodle fits comfortably in an airline-approved carrier under the seat in front of you, it may travel in the cabin with you for a fee.
  • Larger doodles in cargo. Larger doodles will likely need to travel as checked baggage in a hard-sided, International Air Transport Association (IATA) compliant crate. Airlines will have specific temperature and crate regulations, so check with your carrier in advance.
  • Check airline policies. Rules, fees, and carrier size limits vary widely by airline and can change frequently. Always check with your specific carrier, especially for international travel, as rules differ by country.
  • Prepare documents. Have a health certificate from your vet, dated within 10 days of your flight, along with your doodle’s vaccination records.
  • Book a direct flight. Nonstop flights are less stressful for your dog because they involve fewer transitions.
  • Exercise before flying. Tire out your doodle before heading to the airport with a long walk or playtime. This helps them relax during the flight.
  • Avoid feeding too close to the flight. Feed your doodle 3–4 hours before the flight to prevent an upset stomach.
  • Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). As of 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation no longer requires airlines to accommodate ESAs as service animals. ESAs are now treated as standard pets and are subject to pet fees and size restrictions. 

 

Train Travel (Amtrak)

  • Size and weight limits. Amtrak only allows small dogs and cats up to 20 pounds (including the carrier) on most routes for trips up to seven hours.
  • Reservations required. You must make a pet reservation in advance, and only one pet is allowed per customer.
  • Carrier rules. Your doodle must remain inside a leak-proof, well-ventilated carrier that fits under your seat for the entire trip.
  • At check-in, you must show your pet’s vaccination records and sign a pet release form.

 

General Travel Preparation

  • et visit. Get a full health check-up and ensure all vaccinations are current before traveling.
  • Make sure your doodle is microchipped, and that your contact information is up to date.
  • Find pet-friendly accommodations. Always call hotels or campgrounds ahead of time to confirm their pet policies. Many chains, like Westin and Kimpton, are pet-friendly, but individual locations may have restrictions. You can also use services like BringFido or Pets Welcome to search for lodging options.
  • Consider pet anxiety. If your doodle is high-strung or anxious, traveling might be too stressful. It may be better to arrange for a pet-sitter or boarding facility. 

 

What Are Some Calming Techniques For Doodles During Travel?

Non-medicated techniques

  • Acclimation and positive association. For car travel, start with short, pleasant trips, like a ride to the park or for a treat, to create a positive association with the vehicle.
  • Create a calming environment. Bring a favorite toy, bed, or blanket with a familiar scent to help your dog feel secure in a new place. A comforting object can reduce stress, especially in a crate or carrier.
  • Pheromone products. These mimic the appeasing pheromones a mother dog emits while nursing. Available as sprays, collars, and diffusers, they can be used to create a calming scent in a crate, hotel room, or the car.
  • Calming wraps. Products like a Thundershirt apply gentle, constant pressure, similar to swaddling a baby. This can have a calming effect on anxious dogs and can be a good option for car or air travel.
  • Calming music or sound machines. Play music specifically designed to soothe dogs, or use a portable sound machine that emits a low vibration to help create a relaxing environment.
  • Enrichment toys. A long-lasting chew or puzzle toy can provide a distraction and release calming endorphins.
  • Adequate exercise. Before and after travel, make sure your doodle gets plenty of physical and mental exercise to help them burn off excess energy and be tired during the journey.