NYC to California - Alone with Dog

[JoeyDali]

Hi everyone,

I will be setting sail on the southern route to California from NYC on Friday and I was hoping what to expect in trying to do potty breaks for me and the Pug.

I obviously can't take him into restaurants so I'm wondering how I'm going to handle this along the way.

Are there rest stops with public restrooms along the 78-70-44-40 route?

I have researched and searched and can't really find answers, it seems this might be tricky being alone.

I appreciate any tips and advice.

Cheers

[JoeyDali]

Wow, after posting I see many threads on the topic...silly me! :)

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

It's not a hard and fast rule, but most Interstates will have rest areas, often with 'pet exercise areas' every 30-50 miles or so. In addition there are convenient stopping points all along the Interstates where you and your dog can get a bit more exercise as well as some peace and quiet off the highway.

AZBuck

[DonnaR57]

As for eating meals, my cousins do a couple of different things. They keep a cooler and a basket of edibles (for themselves and their dogs) in the car. They will get food from a to-go place, either fast food, Chinese take-out, or other place that offers "to-go" option. Rarely do they leave the dogs in the motel unless it is absolutely necessary. Sometimes, one will order and go get the food while the other stays in the motel. Or they find out from the motel clerk, who offers delivered dinners or who is close by who offers to-go meals.

Rest areas are in abundance along that route. Many have specific areas for dog-walking. I would bring some plastic bags for picking up after the dog, as some rest areas don't provide them.


Donna

[glc]

Interstate rest areas are a lot farther apart than they used to be in many states due to budget cutbacks. You may have to get off the highway and use truck stops or other facilities.

[Lifemagician]

... use truck stops or other facilities.

Some of those have pet exercise areas as well, though I'm not sure where there is a list of them. Rest areas are marked on all good maps, though as mentioned above, quite a few have closed, but road side signs will alert you. If you pick up a State map at the Welcome Centre as you enter each State you will be able to get all that information, and you will possibly find their maps are more up to date than the nationally published maps.

Lifey

[JoeyDali]

Thanks everyone....I feel alot better about this now.

I guess its really daunting as I've never traveled with him before, and this will also be my first cross country road trip.

I've done Denver to LA and back several times, but never with a high maintenance pug.

Thanks again! You folks are awesome.

[DonnaR57]

Are you traveling with him in a crate? My cousins crate both of their dogs - Boston terriers - when they are in a car. We also crated a dog, years ago, while we were traveling. It seems to be soothing to them, if they are used to being crated.


Donna

[JoeyDali]

Are you traveling with him in a crate? My cousins crate both of their dogs - Boston terriers - when they are in a car. We also crated a dog, years ago, while we were traveling. It seems to be soothing to them, if they are used to being crated.


Donna

That is a great question, unfortunately he was born and raised in NYC and we just don't travel often or crate pets often here. I do wish he had experience in a crate. I actually bought one and was going to put him in cargo, but since Pugs die more than any other dog I decided I would just drive.

[howard]

When you get to Albuquerque, at the third exit as you come into town from the east ( Exit 165 @ Eubank Blvd ), there is an off-leash dog park right next to the freeway.



Along with the dog park, there are several restaurants and hotels all right there together. Good burgers at the Owl Cafe.

ABQ Dog has a lot of good information for people traveling with their pets.

Enjoy your trip!