Postcard from New York: Guvna's First Road Trip

Bike Basket Babe

Before I got a dog, I dreamed of road-tripping with a trusty companion. There were visions of rocking out with the windows open and ears flapping in the wind.

When I adopted a 10-pound terrier mix, I figured he was the perfect size for cruising in a bike basket or being toted on a train or plane. His foster mom told me he loved the car and was quietly content on trips. I quickly learned this was not the case. 

There are many reasons why animals don’t like travel. Some get sick, others are overly anxious, a few associate car rides with vet visits. In the beginning, I tried easing Guv’s anxiety by taking him everywhere I went—not just to the vet. We took short trips to the park and long trips to the beach. I took him to friends and family gatherings. He seemed excited to get into a vehicle, but as soon as the engine started, he started whining. 

Just because he fits, doesn't mean he sits.

After doing some research I tried different methods of preparing Guv for travel. 

• We’d go on long walks to get him tired before a journey. 

• I wouldn’t feed him right before we left. 

• I purchased comfy pet seats, put his bed in the back, and brought his favorite toys.

• He was praised for quiet behavior. 

The only thing that seemed to work was flying down the highway with the windows open. Maybe he has a need for speed or is just so overwhelmed by the whipping wind that he doesn’t have the energy to whimper. 

Sometimes he just whines—usually on short trips home when he’s tired from whatever we were doing. Sometimes it’s a few shrieks when the blinker is on and I make a turn. Other times it’s unrelenting high-pitched barking that only stops when the car is parked or transitions to a security bark when he sees someone in the car next to us. 

So yeah, traveling with a dog is not everything I imagined. But that didn’t stop me from trying. 

Guvna’s First Road Trip

The year I got Guv, I decided to make my road-tripping dream come true. After some research and the desire to fulfil another bucket list item, I planned a drive upstate to Niagara to peep some autumn leaves and experience the falls.

My parents came along for the ride, which I figured may help, since I could keep Guv company in the back to (hopefully) prevent stressed out shrieks. Spoiler alert: my hopes were dashed.

The trip had some highs and lows. Here are the highlights:

Guv sniffing the finest red in the Finger Lakes

Pros:

• Dog-friendly wineries in the Finger Lakes

• Strolling the Niagara park

• Tasting authentic wings in Buffalo, NY

Cons:

• Over six hours of intermittent pup shrieks

• Barking at every noise in the hotel—forcing me to try to sleep with Guv in the car. This didn’t work either.

• Eating the buffalo wings in the car

Relaxing in a Pocono rental

After this trip, I’ve taken Guv on other vacations as well. These were based in rental houses since there was no way I was attempting another hotel. Even if there were other dogs in the car, Guv would still make his discomfort known. 

I’m sure there are other ways to try to alleviate travel stress, but it comes down to whether or not trying something new is worth it. At this point, it’s easier to let Guv relax at home than to put him through extended travel. While it has its benefits, it’s not for everyone or every pet. 

Pros of Traveling with a Pet

If you and your animal are up for it, there are many benefits of traveling together. 

• Quality time. I love spending time with Guv. He seems to enjoy my company as well. 

• Stress reduction. Anytime I travel without him, I always end up worrying about how he’s doing. I also hear from his sitter that he seems sad on the first day of my absence. If he’s with me, we’re both happier (most of the time).

• Save money. Not taking Guv means finding someone to watch him. Usually this is my parents, which is great. He loves them, they love him. It’s a win win. But if I’m traveling with my parents, I need to find alternate care. In the past I’ve paid friends to pet sit. I can’t bring myself to board him since I imagine it will raise both of our stress levels. If he comes with, it’s one less favor to ask of friends and family. It’s also one less fee. 

However, sometimes that saved fee goes to something else…

Cons of Traveling with a Pet

Even if your furry friend loves car rides, socializing with people, and seeing the world, it’s not always easy to travel with them. 

• Logistics. You have to find pet-friendly transportation, accommodations, and activities. This is easier in some cities but may limit your options. There’s also more to plan for and pack to keep your pet happy and healthy, including additional permits and supplies.

• Increased costs. There are usually extra fees for pet-friendly accommodations, transportation, and activities.

• Added stress. Even if your pet likes the car, they may not like the plane, hotel, or being alone while you explore less pet-friendly locations. 

• Mess. Longer trips require more frequent pee stops. If a flight is involved, it may become uncomfortable or a messy situation. 

If you’re lucky enough to have a low-key or properly trained animal that doesn’t mind all the hustle and bustle that comes with travel, some of these cons may not apply. But if travel is not your pet's thing, they are not alone. There are plenty of other ways to have adventures together, closer to home.