The Ultimate Guide to Travelling with Your Dog
Canada Is One of the Best Countries to Travel With a Dog
From the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the coastal trails of Nova Scotia, Canada offers some of the most dog-friendly adventure terrain in the world. National parks, off-leash beaches, pet-friendly patios, and scenic road trip routes make it a paradise for dog owners who love to explore.
But travelling with your dog takes preparation. Whether you're planning a weekend camping trip or a cross-country road trip, this guide covers everything you need to know to keep your dog safe, comfortable, and happy on the road.
Road Trips With Your Dog: The Essentials
Road trips are the most popular way Canadians travel with their dogs — and for good reason. You're in control of the pace, the stops, and the adventure.The Ultimate Guide to Travelling with Your Dog
Before You Leave
- Visit your vet: Make sure vaccinations are up to date, especially if you're crossing provincial borders or visiting areas with wildlife.
- Plan your route: Identify dog-friendly rest stops, parks, and accommodation in advance. Apps like BringFido make this easier.
- Pack a dog travel kit: Include food, water, a collapsible bowl, leash, waste bags, a first aid kit, and any medications.
- ID and microchip: Ensure your dog's tags and microchip info are current before any long trip.
In the Car
The Ultimate Guide to Travelling with Your Dog
- Secure your dog: Use a crate, dog seatbelt, or barrier to keep your dog safe in case of sudden braking.
- Never leave your dog in a parked car: Temperatures inside a parked car can become dangerous within minutes, even on mild days.
- Stop every 2–3 hours: Dogs need to stretch, go to the bathroom, and hydrate regularly. Keep a collapsible water bowl clipped to your bag for quick stops.
- Keep windows partially open: Fresh air helps reduce motion sickness, but don't let your dog hang their head out — debris and bugs can cause eye injuries.
Hiking With Your Dog in Canada
Canada has thousands of kilometres of dog-friendly trails, from easy lakeside walks to multi-day backcountry routes. Here's how to prepare:
The Ultimate Guide to Travelling with Your Dog
Trail Readiness
- Check trail rules: Some trails in national parks require dogs to be leashed at all times. Always check ahead.
- Build up distance gradually: If your dog isn't used to long hikes, start with shorter routes and increase distance over several weeks.
- Watch the paws: Rocky terrain, hot pavement, and sharp debris can damage paw pads. Consider dog booties for rough trails.
- Wildlife awareness: In bear country, keep your dog leashed and carry bear spray. A dog off-leash can provoke wildlife and lead it back to you.
- The Ultimate Guide to Travelling with Your Dog
Hydration on the Trail
This is one of the most important things to get right. Dogs dehydrate faster than humans during exercise and can't tell you when they're thirsty.
- Bring more water than you think you need: A general rule is 60ml of water per kg of body weight per day, more during active exercise.
- Offer water every 20–30 minutes: Don't wait for your dog to show signs of thirst.
- Use a collapsible travel bowl: A foldable silicone dog bowl clips to your pack and takes seconds to deploy at any rest stop. It's the single most useful piece of dog gear for hiking.
- Avoid streams and puddles: Natural water sources can carry parasites like Giardia. Stick to the water you've brought.
Camping With Your Dog
Camping with a dog is one of the best experiences you can share together — but it requires extra planning.
- Choose dog-friendly campsites: Most provincial campgrounds in Canada allow dogs on leash. National park campgrounds vary — always verify ahead.
- Set up a comfortable sleeping spot: Bring a familiar blanket or bed so your dog feels settled in a new environment.
- Keep food secured: Store dog food in airtight containers and never leave it out overnight. Food smells attract wildlife.
- Stick to your dog's routine: Feed and walk at the same times as home to reduce anxiety in an unfamiliar setting.
- Check for ticks: After every outdoor session, run your hands through your dog's coat and check common tick hiding spots (ears, groin, between toes).
The One Piece of Gear Every Travelling Dog Owner Needs
If there's one upgrade that makes every type of dog adventure easier — road trips, hikes, camping, beach days — it's a quality collapsible silicone dog bowl. It folds flat, clips to any bag, works for food and water, and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
At Dog Co, our travel bowls are built specifically for active dog owners who take their dogs everywhere. Available in multiple colours to match your style.