What should I pack for the car ride home with a new dog?

A secure crate sized appropriately for your dog, or a harness that clips into a seatbelt attachment, keeps your dog safe and prevents it from moving around the vehicle unpredictably during the drive. Avoid holding a puppy loose in your lap, since even a calm dog can become startled and cause a dangerous distraction.

An absorbent towel or puppy pad in the crate helps manage any accidents or motion sickness, both common on a first car ride for a young or anxious dog. A blanket or item with a familiar scent from the breeder or shelter can offer real comfort during an otherwise overwhelming first trip away from everything familiar.

For longer trips, bring water and a collapsible bowl, and plan minimal, brief stops rather than a long, drawn out drive with multiple breaks, since a shorter, more direct trip is generally less stressful for a dog experiencing so much change in a single day. Keep the car reasonably quiet, avoiding loud music or a chaotic atmosphere during this first ride.

If possible, bring a second person along specifically to comfort and monitor the dog during the trip, freeing the driver to focus fully on the road, particularly important for a longer trip or a visibly anxious dog.

A short practice drive beforehand, if you already have the crate or harness, can help you confirm everything fits and functions as expected.