How to Have a Stress-Free Trip with Your Dog Without Going Over Budget by Nick Burton

Life is happier with a dog by your side, and that is especially true when it comes to travel. However, planning a trip that’s dog-friendly can feel like a challenge for pet parents. Knowing where to stay, where to go, and how to save on travel expenses can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be if you arm yourself with a few handy hacks. So, to keep vacations with your dog worry-free and low-cost, here are some steps you can take.

Find the Right Travel Pet Gear at the Right Price

Looking to save space and money when traveling with your pup? If you need to pick up some travel-friendly dog gear that will cut down on packing while also cutting down on costs. It’s simple to save on doggy travel essentials, such as compact bowls and foldable carriers, when you shop sites like Amazon for the best deals. Be sure to compare reviews and prices but also be sure to look for an Amazon promo code that will help you stay even further under your travel budget. You can use those coupons to score additional discounts off pet supplies or even get cash back, which you can put toward other travel expenses. If you’re local to the Creston area, check out the resale shop at Meade Canine Rescue & Sanctuary before you shop online or at the dollar stores. Not only will you have a chance to score a great deal on items you need anyway, you’ll also be supporting a few furry friends!

Wondering what else to buy to keep your furry best friend happy? If your pet-friendly vacation includes time in the car, you should look online for a car safety harness that can keep your dog secure. Buckling your dog in will keep him/her safer in the event of an accident on the road while keeping your dog from being a distraction to you while you are operating a vehicle.

Save on Pet-Friendly Hotels and Accommodations on the Road

You may be thinking that getting a hotel room that accepts your dog will be expensive. So, it may come as a surprise that many of the same chains that are dog-friendly are also some of the friendliest for your budget. You can typically find cheap rooms at La Quinta, Motel 6, and most Choice Hotels, but you should check with each hotel to learn more about their pet policies. While most hotels in these chains allow dogs, some have weight or breed restrictions, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can save more on hotels by enrolling in rewards programs and booking your stay during less busy travel times. Fewer travelers can also mean fewer noises and smells to make your dog anxious. Still, if you plan on going without your dog for an extended period of time, you should avoid leaving him/her alone. Look online for a local dog sitter who can stay with your dog and allow yourself time to compare rates for different local sitters.

Make Your Travel Life Easier with These Free Pet Parent Hacks

So, there are definitely some steps you can take to trim your travel budget and make traveling with your dog easier and more cost-effective. You can visit dog-friendly cities to save on pet sitting fees, or you can use online coupons to reduce pet supply costs. However, some of the best moves you can make to preserve your sanity while traveling with your pup are either free or nearly free. For one, to keep yourself from lugging a huge bag of dog food in and out of hotel rooms, buy storage containers or bags from your local dollar store and then portion out each day’s food ahead of time. This also makes mealtimes on the road much more convenient. You can reuse bags to pick up waste, which can save you a little more. Another handy trick for reducing anxiety is to plan a few dog park stops along your route. Just be sure to practice proper park etiquette to avoid problems for your dog or other people’s pets.

It makes sense to want your best buddy to share in all of your exciting travel adventures. After all, you share so much of your life already with your dog, so why not create an even deeper bond by traveling together. Just be sure to plan accordingly so you can keep your trip comfortable for your dog and budget-friendly for you.

Photo Credit: Pixabay