I’ve done enough road trips with Ansel to know what’s actually worth packing — and what just takes up space. Here’s my go-to list for traveling with a 70-pound dog.

🚗 Car Setup

Seat cover — Non-negotiable. I use one in my 4Runner that covers the entire back seat, has flaps that protect the doors, and is waterproof. Saves your interior from muddy paws, sand, and the occasional drool puddle.

Crash-tested crate — If your dog does better contained, a crate is the safest option. Brands like Gunner and Ruff Land are pricey but built to protect your dog in an accident. Worth it for peace of mind on long drives.

Car barrier — If a crate doesn’t fit your setup, a barrier keeps them in the back without roaming into the front seat. Less secure than a crate, but better than nothing.

Seat belt harness — Another safety option if you don’t use a crate. Clips into your seatbelt and keeps your dog secured. Look for crash-tested options.

💧 Food & Water

Travel water bottle with bowl attachment — This is the one thing I’d never skip. Mine has a bowl that screws onto the top, so I can give Ansel water at rest stops without digging through bags. Fits right in the cup holder.

Collapsible bowls — Cheap, packable, and useful for food or water at the hotel. I keep a couple in my bag at all times.

Food storage — I portion out food into ziplock bags or use a small airtight container. Keeps things simple and avoids lugging an entire bag of kibble.

🛏️ Comfort Items

Pet blanket — Ansel has a designated travel blanket. It smells like home, which helps him settle in unfamiliar hotel rooms. Also useful for covering hotel furniture if you’re worried about fur.

Favorite toy — Something familiar to keep them occupied during downtime. Don’t bring anything too squeaky unless you want to hear it for 5 hours straight.

Treats — For rewarding good behavior, training moments, and bribing them back into the car after a rest stop. I pack more than I think I’ll need.

🧹 Safety & Cleanup

Poop bags — I always overpack. Running out at a hotel or rest stop is not a situation you want to be in. Bring twice as many as you think you need.

Pet first aid kit — Basic stuff: bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers for ticks, Benadryl (ask your vet for dosage). You probably won’t need it, but you’ll be glad you have it.

Towels — At least one or two. For wet paws, muddy adventures, post-beach shakeoffs, or unexpected messes. Old towels work great.

Lint roller — Your future self will thank you. Keep one in the car and one in your bag.

📋 Documents

Vaccination records — Some hotels ask for proof of rabies vaccination. Keep a copy on your phone or in the car. I take a photo of Ansel’s records so I always have them.

ID tags — Make sure your dog’s tags are up to date with your current phone number. Travel is the worst time for a tag with an old number.

Microchip info — Know your microchip number and make sure your contact info is current in the registry. Takes 5 minutes to check online.

✅ The Quick Packing Checklist

If you’re in a hurry, here’s the minimum:

Everything else is nice to have but not essential for a weekend trip.

🐾 Where I’ve Used This Stuff

Most recently, Ansel and I did 5 nights in Panama City Beach — about a 5-hour drive from Jacksonville. This packing list kept us covered the whole trip.

The seat cover handled sandy paws after the beach, the water bottle was a lifesaver at rest stops, and the blanket made the hotel room feel like home.

🛒 My Gear Recommendations

Here’s what I personally use:

Have a road trip essential I missed? Let me know — I’m always looking to upgrade my setup.

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