Right before my mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, I adopted a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy named Lula Belle to be a companion for my senior pit bull mix, Brooks—and myself. When I applied for Family Medical Leave, I began making monthly trips across Florida to help care for my mother and handle in-person administrative duties. Every month, I packed for myself and both dogs. Over time, I learned a lot about traveling with pets, and I’d like to share some of those lessons.
These tips are useful not only for caregiving-related travel but also during hurricane season or any emergency evacuation. I’ve also included insight from traveling with my late cat, Boss, during military duty station changes.
🏠 Kennels
My brother Ed kindly let me stay at his home, but with a rambunctious puppy in tow, I brought a collapsible kennel. It was sturdy, easy to fold, and a lifesaver in small spaces. These come in multiple sizes and are worth the investment.
🍽 Food & Medications
Plan ahead by calculating how much food each pet eats daily and multiply by the number of days you’ll be gone—plus at least one extra day’s worth. Most towns have a local pet store or chains like PetSmart and Petco, and you can always order from Chewy or Amazon in a pinch.
If your pet takes daily medication, ensure you have enough for the trip. Brooks has allergies that worsen on Florida’s east coast, so I always made sure we had what we needed.
🥣 Collapsible Travel Bowls
Packing space is limited, so collapsible food and water bowls are a huge help. They’re lightweight, space-saving, and easy to clean.
💩 Waste Cleanup Supplies
With two large dogs, I go through a lot of waste bags. I buy them in bulk—specifically Pet-N-Pet refill bags—and pack several rolls. Dispensers that attach to leashes are convenient and inexpensive.
During Lula’s puppy phase, I used adult incontinence pads (cheaper and more abundant than dog pads) for her kennel and any indoor accidents. I also brought my own paper towels, disinfectant spray, and wipes to avoid depleting my brother’s cleaning supplies.
🚗 Car Seat Covers & Restraints
Even though Brooks and Lula have shorter hair than my late lab, Moose, their fine hair gets everywhere. Seat covers designed for your vehicle model can make cleanup much easier.
When it comes to restraints, a seatbelt leash worked for Brooks, who sleeps through most drives. But Lula—more energetic—needed a harness to keep her from choking herself trying to climb into the front seat. I always get matching gear for both dogs (they’re like kids!).
Tip: Look up your state’s dog seatbelt laws before traveling.
🦴 Leashes, Treats & Toys
Pack your pet’s regular toys, leash, and treats. Enrichment toys are especially helpful if you’ll be busy with caregiving or estate duties—they keep your pet occupied and your environment quiet. Treats also help maintain training and offer a little love when it’s needed most.
🐱 Traveling with Cats
Many of the above tips also apply to cats—food, medication, cleaning supplies, and toys. However, cats are generally less adaptable to change and do best in a secure carrier during travel.
For potty needs, I used disposable litter boxes during long road trips. But if you’re staying put for a while, a standard litter box with daily cleanings is more economical and comfortable for your cat.
Whether you’re caregiving, evacuating, or just hitting the road, being prepared makes traveling with pets smoother and less stressful. These furry companions bring us comfort, and taking a few extra steps ensures their comfort, too.
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