Check the weather: The first thing we do when planning a trip is make sure to avoid extreme heat. Many breeds are at-risk for overheating and we’re always aware of both indoor and outdoor temperatures.

Bring a ramp: To save our backs and the joints of our large dogs, we invested in a ramp to help them get in and out of our vehicles.

Exercise! To help our dogs travel easily we take them on a walk and let them burn some energy before we head out. This way, they’re more likely to sleep while we’re traveling.

Pack a doggy bag: We always have our essentials on hand, which is full of poop bags, water, a brush, a drool rag, toys, a first aid kit and some Nature’s Recipe® dog food.

Call ahead: Even if a place says it’s pet-friendly, be sure to call ahead and confirm your large dogs are okay. Some places have weight, breed, capacity restrictions and you don’t want to end up not having a place to stay!