Traveling with your dog can be so much fun, but if your pup has mobility challenges, the thought of hitting the road (or skies) can feel completely overwhelming.
The good news? With the right amount of prep, there is no reason to be scared about traveling with your special needs dog. They can enjoy new places, new experiences, and make new memories right alongside you. Whether your dog uses a wheelchair, struggles with arthritis, or is a senior pup whose starting to slow down, here’s everything you need to know to make your journey safe, comfortable, and stress-free.
1. Plan Ahead: Choose Dog-Friendly Destinations
Not all travel destinations are created equal when it comes to accessibility. Before you book, consider:
- Pet-friendly lodging: Confirm that hotels or rentals accept pets, and ask about ground-floor rooms or elevators if your dog struggles with stairs. Even “dog friendly” hotels may offer a select number of rooms where dogs are allowed or put restrictions on the number of pets per room, or only allow small dogs. Be aware of hidden costs, a lot of hotels allow pets, but they may charge a nightly dog fee.
- Outdoor access: Look for nearby parks or green spaces where your dog can safely enjoy time outside. Many dog friendly hotels have a specific dog potty space, but bring plenty of dog poop bags with you.
- Accessible paths: Some trails and beaches offer wheelchair-accessible options that are great for both you and your mobility-impaired pup. If you are planning a beach vacation, check the beach rules. During the “season,” some beaches will only allow dogs on the beach at certain times of day or may ban dogs in general. Off-season, most beaches and parks are a bit more lax in their dog rules, but it’s always worth double-checking before you book your trip.
2. Pack a “Mobility Dog Travel Kit”
Packing for a special needs dog goes beyond the basics. Here’s a checklist to keep your dog comfortable on the go:
- Mobility equipment: Dog wheelchair, harness, sling, or stroller.
- Soft bedding/blanket: Provides comfort in hotels or the car. Especially if your dog is incontinent, keeping a barrier between your dog and the floor (or furniture) will help you keep the area clean.
- Collapsible food & water bowls
- Plenty of food and treats (don’t rely on being able to buy your dog’s favorite food at your destination, especially if they’re on a special diet).
- Medications and supplements : Always bring your dog’s meds in the original packaging, especially if it’s a prescription, and you will need to go through security.
- Cooling vest or blanket for warm climates, or extra sweaters for chilly destinations.
- Potty supplies: Pee pads, cleanup bags, diapers, and cleaning wipes.
- First aid kit: Include items specific to your dog’s condition. If your dog scrapes their feet when they walk, consider bringing vet wrap and bandages.
- Cleaning Supplies: if your special needs pup is prone to accidents, make sure to bring paper towels, carpet stain remover, and anything else you’ll need to wipe up the mess. If you’re staying in a hotel or rental unit, you may get dinged for any stains that you leave behind.
3. Make Car Travel Comfortable
Long drives can be tough on a dog with mobility issues. To make the ride smoother:
- Use a supportive harness or sling to help your dog in and out of the car safely. It sounds obvious, but using a harness to help your dog into the car will protect you from hurting your back. A lifting harness is best for safely handling a paralyzed dog or any pet with weak back legs.
- Car ramps are essential if your pup can’t jump in on their own. A ramp is ideal for senior dogs dealing with joint pain or hip dysplasia, but are still fully mobile and can safely support themselves on their hind legs.
- Secure your dog’s wheelchair in the trunk to prevent shifting during travel. Wheelchairs are tricky to travel with, I always recommend using a model that can fold in half so that it takes up less space. Some dogs have an at-home wheelchair and a second wheelchair just for travel.
- Plan frequent breaks—stop every 2–3 hours for water, potty, and stretching. Maybe more if you are traveling with an incontinent pet.
- Temperature control: Keep the car cool in summer and cozy in winter. Dogs with mobility issues may be less able to regulate body temperature. Plan your stops, find dog friendly places along the way where you can get your dog outside. Never leave your dog in your car when it’s hot outside. Many stores allow dogs inside, as long as they are not in a restaurant or food store.
4. Flying With a Mobility-Impaired Dog
Air travel requires extra planning:
- Talk to your vet first—some dogs may not be suited for flying due to stress or medical conditions. Your advice is a great resource, check in with them and make sure it’s safe for your dog to travel and if there is anything you can do to help your dog be comfortable.
- Call the airline in advance to learn their pet policies. Some allow dogs to fly in-cabin if they’re small enough. A handicapped dog should never fly under the plane in cargo. If your dog can’t fly safely in-cabin with you, find another airline or drive instead.
- Mobility aids like wheelchairs may need to be checked. Pack them securely with plenty of padding so they make it in one piece.
- Bring comfort items (toys, familiar blankets) to reduce anxiety. Travel is stressful; make sure that your dog has everything they need to stay as comfy as possible.
5. Keep Your Dog Safe and Healthy on the Road
Your dog’s well-being should always come first:
- Stick to a routine: Routine is critical when you’re caring for a special needs pup. Try to keep feeding, medication, and potty times consistent.
- Check your dog frequently for signs of stress, soreness, or overheating. If your dog wear diapers, they may need to be changed during your trip. Remember, urine can scald and irritate your dog’s skin, so they need to stay dry.
- Hydration is key—mobility-impaired dogs may tire more quickly and have a more difficult time regulating their body temperature, so water breaks are essential.
- Know the nearest emergency vet wherever you’re traveling, just in case. You may need to bring your dog’s medical records along with you, just in case.
6. Focus on Fun, Not Limitations
Mobility challenges don’t mean your dog can’t enjoy adventures. Many pups love exploring new smells from their stroller, rolling in their wheelchair down a beach boardwalk, or simply being part of the family’s journey. Travel isn’t about what your dog can’t do—it’s about making the trip enjoyable for them in ways that fit their abilities.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with a mobility-impaired dog takes a little extra preparation, but the rewards are worth it. With the right gear, careful planning, and plenty of patience, you’ll create stress-free adventures your pup will cherish. After all, the best part of any trip isn’t the destination—it’s experiencing it together.
The Dog Mobility Project 
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