Do you know that feeling after a long, strenuous week, where you just want to get in your truck and drive? And keep driving until you find something awesome? Well, I’ve been there. And I’ve had that moment of panic, where I question if I have everything I need for my pup when I follow this impulse. Luckily, there are ways to take impulsive road trips with your pup, that are fun, fantastic and furry friendly. I do recommend making sure you have cell reception though. Keep an eye out for a future post regarding dog friendly road trips when you don’t have cell reception, and LONG HAUL road trips with your dog.
Always Be Ready for Impulsive Adventures
The first step is to always be prepared! I have been lucky to keep most of Chloe’s needs in the truck for the days she spends with me during our home health contracts. We have a leash, and a back-up leash. We keep a fold up bowl in the truck. We also travel with her crate in the back of the truck all of the time; which is helpful if we road trip so she can be comfortable. Chloe has a few favorite toys in the truck, and I keep a spare bully stick (only when she’s supervised) for longer drives. I also keep a bag of food in the truck that will last her a full weekend! I keep a gallon jug of water at all times, for both of our needs. Poop bags are always a priority as well (grocery bags work if they go forgotten) Last, we have a winter hiking bag, just in case mountain climbing happens. She has her winter boots, halter, and I have my yak-traks in this bag so we are ready for anything!
Pet Friendly Overnights
Chloe and I will sometimes hit the road right after work on Friday, and just drive in any direction until we get tired. Most areas have La Quinta hotels, which are always pet friendly. Chloe is more clean than a baby, and even some adults on my opinion- luckily La Quinta Hotels agree with me in this! We also use the BringFido app, that lists pet friendly hotels. Airbnb has a pet friendly filter. Last, many of the hotel apps (including hotels.com) also have a pet friendly filter.
If we are wanting to camp either with a tent or in the truck, there are many campgrounds with walk-in sites, or we use freecampsites.com to find BLM land, where camping is free and dogs are welcome! We just make sure to read reviews. There are many options to find Pet Friendly Overnights, and it is simple to pull over at a gas station and use the lovely internet to find a place to sleep.
Hiking
Of course impulse road trips must involve hiking! Chloe and I use All Trails, which makes you aware of the pet friendly trails near you, no matter where you end up! If you find a state park, the rangers are typically the best resource for hiking trails! It also allows a sense of security to let the ranger know that you are hiking a trail solo, and to check back with them when you are done. National Forest Land is full of hiking trails, all over the United States, and the land is always pet friendly! Chloe and I have found a spot to camp in our truck in National Forest Land, and then spent the day hiking nearby trails. Last, I suggest seeing the National Parks in the off season. They are beautiful, but so busy, kind of expensive, and not very pet friendly. Chloe and I have enjoyed Acadia for free during the winter season, and it was extremely beautiful! We also have taken advantage of Cascades National Park and the Grand Tetons during the off season, to take full advantage of crowd-less, free, National Parks.
What To Do About Food
I am extremely lucky to have Chloe, who has no idea what to do with human food. She doesn’t even eat the cone when we go to Dairy Queen, that silly rabbit. However, I still prefer to keep my food in a cooler during road trips. This is more difficult during impulsive road trips though, so I have also taken advantage of keeping Chloe’s things in a reusable grocery bag, so I can put my own food and supplies in that same bag when it is adventure time.
We typically do a google search to find the best food in town! Yelp reviews, Diners Drive-ins and Dives, and BringFido are good resources. When in doubt, it is always okay to call in advance to see if there is dog friendly seating, if we want to sit down to eat at a restaurant. I find grocery stores to also be perfect during impulse road trips, so we can stock up on food and eat while driving! Sandwiches, fruit, and vegetables make amazing, healthy snacks on the road!
These are some of the resources I use when taking impulsive adventures around the United States! What strategies have you found helpful during spontaneous road trips? Thanks for reading! Happy Trails and Happy Tails to you!
These are great pet traveling tips! You are so prepared and definitely gave me some ideas to be more prepared for the next roadtrip I take with my pups.
I am so glad you appreciate the advice! I am not usually very prepared and learned a lot through trial and error, and experience.