How to Travel With a Puppy in a Car: Breeder-Approved Tips for Calm Adventures
Turning Stressful Trips Into Calm Adventures
If you’re wondering how to travel with a puppy in a car without the stress, you’re not alone—at Coffey House Doodles, some of my favorite memories are watching excited families pull up after driving hours or even crossing state lines to meet their new puppy for the first time. Over the years, I’ve guided many puppy families through those first long drives home, and I know how overwhelming it can feel to plan a trip with a wiggly little passenger. The good news? With a little preparation and the right tips, even first-time puppy parents can turn what feels daunting into a smooth, joyful road trip you’ll cherish forever.
Prepare Your Puppy for Car Travel Before You Hit the Road
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to how to travel with a puppy in a car. Before the big day, setting your pup up for success with short practice rides and smart feeding habits will help them feel safe and relaxed when the miles start to add up.
Practice Short Car Rides to Train Your Puppy
At Coffey House Doodles, I like to take our puppies on a couple of short, gentle car rides before go-home day. It helps them hear the engine, feel the motion, and realize that travel in the car can be safe and even enjoyable. Not every breeder does this, so it’s worth asking yours if they provide this extra step. Even just a few calm practice rides on our end can make that long first trip home easier and show you how to travel with a puppy in a car more smoothly.
Feed Your Puppy Strategically to Prevent Car Sickness
Puppies are more prone to motion sickness, so meal timing matters. Avoid giving your pup a full stomach right before departure—it can lead to a queasy, car sick passenger. Instead:
Feed a light meal 2–3 hours before you hit the road. This gives time for digestion without leaving them hungry.
Offer small sips of water, not big gulps, during breaks to prevent upset tummies.
Keep a towel or wipes handy, just in case—preparation keeps everyone calm.
By easing your puppy into car travel and feeding strategically, you’re laying the groundwork for a safe, happy journey—and learning how to travel with a puppy in a car without stress.
Choose Safe Puppy Travel Gear for Car Rides
A secure setup keeps your new puppy safe while you travel—and is one of the most important steps in how to travel with a puppy in a car safely and comfortably. Investing in the right gear not only protects your pup but also prevents distracted driving and gives you peace of mind on those long-distance trips.
Crates, Harnesses, and Dog Barriers for Puppy Car Safety
Different setups work better depending on your vehicle and trip length:
Crash-Tested Crate: Best for long road trips or if you have space in an SUV or hatchback. A ventilated crate provides a stable, cozy den and minimizes motion sickness.
Harness and Seat-Belt Tether (“Harness and Jump”): Ideal for shorter drives or smaller cars. Use a well-fitted harness (never a collar) clipped into your car’s seat belt to keep your puppy secure.
Dog Barrier: For SUVs or wagons, a sturdy barrier keeps your puppy in the back cargo area—away from the driver—while still giving them room to stretch.
Breeder-Recommended Car Seat: For small dogs under 25 lbs, I love this Dog Car Seat. It acts as a portable travel bed with built-in safety straps and storage pockets—perfect for Cavapoo or Bernedoodle puppies on short, medium, or long drives, and an excellent choice if you’re figuring out how to travel with a puppy in a car for the first time.
Each of these options helps prevent sudden movement or jumping, reduces the risk of injury, and keeps everyone safer.
Pack a Puppy Travel Kit for Stress-Free Car Travel
The right supplies can turn travel in the car from stressful to seamless. Being prepared keeps your puppy feels comfortable on the journey and gives you peace of mind when unexpected hiccups happen. When you take home a puppy from Coffey House Doodles, we already send you off with a thoughtfully packed go-home bag that includes:
A collapsible bowl for quick water breaks
A small portion of the food they’ve been eating to prevent tummy troubles
Favorite toys and a blanket that smells like their mama and littermates for comfort
A chew stick to occupy them
A puppy pad for emergencies
All necessary paperwork for health and microchip records
Coffey House Doodles go-home bag
Even with that starter kit, here’s what else to pack to make your trip smooth:
Additional treats for the full travel duration
Waste bags for clean-ups on the road
A water bottle
Towels and wipes for muddy paws or accidents
An emergency vet contact list along your route in case of unforeseen issues
Pro Tip: Keep everything in a single tote or backpack so it’s easy to grab at every stop. Having familiar scents, their own food, and favorite toys reduces anxiety, prevents motion sickness, and is a key part of how to travel with a puppy in a car successfully.
Schedule Frequent Breaks When Traveling With a Puppy
Long drives can feel endless for a small puppy, so planning frequent breaks every 2–3 hours is essential when learning how to travel with a puppy in a car the right way. These short pauses aren’t just for potty time—they let your pup stretch, sip some water, and reset before getting back on the road.
Choose safe, low-traffic areas away from busy highways or crowded dog parks. At this age, your puppy’s immune system is still developing, so gradual socialization is best. A quiet grassy patch or a rest area corner is perfect for sniffing, a quick trot, or some gentle play without overwhelming them.
Pro Tip: Use these stops as mini bonding moments—praise calm behavior, offer a treat, and let your puppy take in the fresh air. It reinforces positive associations with road trips and helps your pup feels comfortable throughout the journey.
Start Your Puppy’s Car Travel Adventure on the Right Paw
The drive home with your new puppy is more than just transportation—it’s the first chapter of your life together. With a little preparation and the right gear, how to travel with a puppy in a car can become a memory you’ll treasure, not a source of stress.
I’d love to see how your road trip went—share your photos, tag us on Instagram, or send a quick message so we can celebrate your milestone with you.
To learn more about our breeding program and upcoming litters, visit our About Coffey House Doodles page—or join our waitlist if you’re dreaming of your own Cavapoo or Bernedoodle adventure.