When you pack for a trip with dogs!

When You Pack for a Trip With Dogs! 🎒🐶🚗

You think packing for yourself is stressful? Try packing for a trip with two Golden Retrievers who act like you’re either taking them to Disneyland or abandoning them forever.

The moment I pulled out the suitcase, Teddy—my older dog—panicked. He followed me everywhere, staring into the abyss like I was about to leave him behind. Meanwhile, Roo, the younger one, thought we were heading on the greatest adventure of all time. She jumped in the suitcase. Twice.

Packing for humans is simple: clothes, toiletries, snacks.
Packing for dogs? It’s like prepping for a canine apocalypse.

First up: Toys.
I tried to bring just one squeaky toy each. Teddy disagreed. He stood by the toy basket, pawed it, then looked at me like, “All of them. Or I’m not going.” Roo brought her chew bone, two tennis balls, and a sock (not hers).

Next: Treats and food.
I packed enough kibble for three days… and they acted like I was rationing them for a six-month hike. Teddy kept checking the bag, sniffing it like a TSA agent. Roo sat beside it protectively, in case anyone tried to steal it. (No one did.)

Then: Bedding and accessories.
They both have travel beds. Teddy refused his and sat in my suitcase. Roo dragged hers to the front door and laid on it like she was already on vacation.

By the time I finished, the back of the car looked like a pet supply store exploded. My own suitcase was wedged between Teddy’s blanket and Roo’s bag of “emergency” squeaky pigs.

And yet… as soon as we hit the road, their tails were wagging like windshield wipers. Excited, loud, chaotic—and totally worth it.

Because traveling with dogs? It’s not relaxing. It’s ridiculous.

But it’s also the best kind of adventure.