The Trickster Shibes

Traveling with a dog (or dogs) is a whole new level of planning and preparation. As seasoned road trippers with our trio of Shiba Inu—Loki, Raven and Ivy—my husband and I have learned a lot about how to make traveling with dogs not just possible, but enjoyable for everyone involved. Here are our tried-and-true tips for hitting the road with your canine crew.

1. Make the Most of SniffSpot

If you haven’t heard of SniffSpot yet, it’s a game-changer for dog owners on the go. This app allows you to rent private yards where your dogs can stretch their legs, play, and use the bathroom. You can filter for certain criteria depending on your dogs needs. For example, we always opt for fully fenced spaces. On long driving days, SniffSpot is a lifesaver for us and our Shibas. Being able to give them a safe space to burn off energy and use the bathroom makes the car rides far more peaceful.

• Pro Tip: SniffSpot is still growing and so it’s easier to find options near major cities. Plan your driving route accordingly and schedule stops in urban areas where SniffSpot locations are more plentiful. Rural areas may have fewer options, so have a backup plan, like stopping at dog-friendly parks or rest areas.

2. Dog Friendly Accommodations

Finding dog-friendly accommodations can be tricky (and don’t even get me started on finding accommodations for three). Here’s what we’ve discovered:

• Airbnb is Your Friend: Some Airbnb hosts allow pets and you can use filters to find dog-friendly properties. Hot tip: look for rentals with fenced yards, which are invaluable for those late-night or early-morning potty breaks. Be sure to read the house rules carefully as some listings have pet limits or extra cleaning fees. Costs are often comparable to hotels once you factor in pet fees. This is especially true if you have multiple dogs.
• Hotels: The majority of dog-friendly hotels have a one or two-dog maximum (and variable pet fees). Hotels which allow three are rare gems. Always check the hotel’s website for their pet policy—don’t rely on third-party booking sites. When in doubt, call or email the hotel directly to inquire. We’ve had mixed success asking for approval for three dogs, but polite communication and proof that your dogs are well-behaved travelers can work in your favor.
• Cabins: Cabins, or other standalone accommodations, are more likely to be pet-friendly in my experience. If you’re not having any luck with hotels, try searching this type of accommodation instead!

Note: I always recommend checking with the Airbnb host or hotel in advance that it’s okay to bring dogs (unless it is explicitly worded) to avoid any unpleasant surprises at check-in.

3. Plan for Breaks and Downtime

Road trips can be exhausting, not just for you but for your dogs. Scheduling regular breaks ensures everyone stays comfortable and happy.

• Frequent Stops: Every dog (and human) is different but we like to aim for a pee break at least every 3-4 hours.
• Safe Exercise Options: Bring long leashes for quick stretching sessions in areas without fenced yards, where permitted.
• Limit Hours on the Road: Our sweet spot for the total number of hours we will drive in one day is about 7-8. We also strategically plan SniffSpots or hikes to tire the pups out before hitting the road or to break up the drive.

4. Car Setup for Comfort and Safety

With dogs in tow, your car setup is crucial:

• Crates or Seat Belts: Secure your dogs for safety. We use seat belts and harnesses for our Shibas. Crates are said to be an even safer option if you have a vehicle with enough room.
• Comfort: We like to put the Tricksters’ dog beds in the backseat for optimal comfort while we drive. It also saves us space in the trunk.
• Dividers: If your dogs aren’t crated and you have multiple, a divider can create separate spaces and minimize squabbles.
• Ventilation and Climate Control: Make sure your dogs are cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Sunshades for the windows can help on hot days.

5. Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Traveling with dogs means being ready for anything. Here are some contingency tips:

• Vet Info: Research veterinary clinics along your route, especially in more remote areas.
• Know the Local Hazards: Make sure to do your research. Is there dangerous wildlife (including snakes or insects) in the area? Is blue-green algae a possibility in the local bodies of water? Is the region prone to extreme weather conditions or natural disasters such as heat, cold, earthquakes, flash flooding, etc?
• Weather Gear: On that note, know the climate of where you’re going and additional gear that may be required. This might include coats or cooling jackets, protective boots, life jackets, and more.
• First Aid: We always have human and pet first aid supplies handy in the car.
• Cleaning Supplies: Accidents happen. Pack paper towels, enzyme cleaners, and extra waste bags. Raven used to get car sick on occasion so we have learned this from experience.
• Medical Records: Along with our (human) passports, I always have the dogs’ medical information and proof of vaccinations accessible. You’ll need this to cross any international borders (along with additional documentation–be sure to research before you go!) as well as for some accommodations and facilities you may visit.

6. Be Respectful and Follow the Rules

We strive to be model citizens when we travel. Not only is it respectful in general, but we want to set a good impression to encourage more establishments to open their doors to future travelers with pets.

• Leash Laws: Always keep your dogs leashed unless in a designated off-leash area.
• Poop and Scoop: Not picking up after your dog is an easy way to ensure hosts won’t want to welcome you (or others with dogs) back.
• Noise Control: If your dog is prone to vocalizing, consider staying in accommodations without shared walls (like a cabin or standalone Airbnb). Never leave your dog unattended in a hotel room if this is against hotel policy or if they will be distressed.
• Clean Up: We always bring our own cleaning supplies to do some light tidying before checkout, whether for general shedding (because let’s face it, Shibas shed a lot) or potential accidents. We also bring our own pet covers to help protect the furniture.

7. Embrace Takeout or Patio Options

Many accommodations ask that you do not leave your pet unattended to prevent nuisance barking or destructive behaviours. I suggest doing research in advance to see which local restaurants have patio options for your pet to join you (if they’re comfortable in this setting). Worst case, take out, delivery, or cooking for yourself are great alternatives!

If you do find a place that will allow you to leave your pet behind, I suggest keeping outings short and bringing a crate to keep them safe. Even dogs that have no problems being left alone at home may behave unpredictably in a new setting. If you have a pet camera, this is another useful tool you might consider packing.

8. Take Time to Enjoy the Journey

Traveling with dogs can be chaotic and you might sometimes miss out on things that are not dog-friendly, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Embrace the moments of joy—whether it’s watching your dogs explore a new trail or seeing their excitement when they discover a new place to play.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with dogs requires extra planning and patience, but the memories you’ll create are worth every bit of effort. Our 6000km road trip through the Midwest USA with our pack last spring is my favourite vacation we’ve ever taken. With tools like SniffSpot, strategic accommodation choices, and a well-thought-out packing list, you can turn your road trips into unforgettable adventures.

Happy travels from our Shiba pack to yours!