Holiday road trips with your dog: planning, packing and pet-friendly stays
How to plan a December road trip with your dog in India: choosing and checking a pet-friendly stay, keeping your dog safe in the car, what to pack, and weekend getaways from six cities.
December is the season for long weekends and family drives, and a road trip is the easiest way to travel with a dog in India. You set the pace, stop when your dog needs a break, and skip the paperwork that trains and flights involve. A little planning makes the difference between a trip your dog enjoys and one they just endure.
Choosing a pet-friendly stay
“Pet-friendly” can mean anything from “dogs welcome everywhere” to “one small dog, in the room, for an extra fee”. Before you pay, ask the property these questions and get the answers in writing. A WhatsApp message counts.
- Are there size, breed or number limits? Some places only take small dogs, or one dog per room.
- Is there a pet fee or a refundable deposit?
- Where can my dog go? The room only, or also the lawns, verandah and restaurant? Is the pool area off limits?
- Can my dog be left alone in the room? Most places say no, so plan meals and outings around that.
- Is the property fenced? An open estate or farm is lovely, but harder if your dog tends to wander.
- Are there other animals? Resident dogs, cattle or poultry are common at farm stays and homestays.
- Where is the nearest vet?
Read the reviews too, and look for ones from guests who brought dogs.
On Airbnb, add a pet to your guest count and the results only show homes whose hosts allow pets. Some hosts still have rules about size or numbers, so message the host about your dog before you book. On hotel booking sites, use the “pets allowed” filter, but confirm with the property directly, since filters aren’t always up to date.
Getting your dog ready
- Visit your vet a few weeks before. Check that vaccinations are up to date, ask about tick and flea prevention (hill stations, estates and farms often have ticks), and ask what to do if your dog gets carsick.
- Do a few practice drives if your dog rarely travels. Start with short trips that end somewhere fun, like a park.
- Check your dog’s ID tag shows your current phone number, and keep a recent photo of your dog on your phone.
Safety in the car
- Keep your dog secured. Use a travel crate that is strapped in, or a harness clipped to a seatbelt tether. A loose dog can be thrown forward in a sudden stop, or distract the driver.
- Back seat, not front. An airbag can seriously hurt a dog.
- No heads out of the window. Dust, insects and passing vehicles can injure eyes and ears.
- Feed a light meal a few hours before you leave, not just before. Many dogs travel better on a fairly empty stomach.
- Stop every two to three hours for water, a short walk and a toilet break. Always clip the leash on before opening the door. Highway stops have traffic and, often, local dogs.
- Never leave your dog alone in a parked car, even in December. In the sun, a closed car heats up fast.
- Carry your own food and water, and don’t let your dog eat scraps at roadside stops.
- Driving in north India? Dense fog is common on highways in December and January. Plan to drive in daylight.
What to pack
- Your dog’s usual food, portioned per meal, plus a day or two extra.
- Water and bowls, including a travel bottle for the car.
- Leash, harness and a spare collar with an ID tag.
- Poop bags, and plenty of them.
- Two old towels for muddy paws and wet fur.
- Your dog’s bed or blanket, so the new room smells familiar.
- An old bedsheet to cover the furniture if your dog is allowed on it.
- Medicines and a basic first-aid kit, plus your vet’s number.
- A copy of the vaccination record. Some stays ask to see it.
- A tick comb, and a warm coat for short-haired or older dogs if you are heading to the hills.
- A favourite chew or toy to help your dog settle.
At the stay
- Walk the property on a leash first. Check gates and fences before you let your dog off the leash anywhere.
- Set up your dog’s bed in a quiet corner and keep meal times close to normal.
- Don’t leave your dog alone in the room unless the property has agreed. New places can make even calm dogs bark or chew.
- Clean up after your dog everywhere. Considerate guests are why places stay pet-friendly.
- Keep your dog on a leash in shared areas. Not every guest or staff member is comfortable around dogs.
Things that help
- A seatbelt tether or travel crate for the car.
- A travel water bottle with a built-in bowl.
- A washable seat cover to protect the car.
- A long-lasting chew for the first evening in a new place.
In short: confirm the stay’s pet rules in writing, see your vet before you go, secure your dog in the car, stop every few hours, and pack your dog’s own food, bed and a towel.
Below are popular weekend getaways from each city, with links to pet-friendly homes, followed by the pet-friendly hotels listed on SvanSala if you would rather stay in town.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your dog, call your vet.