Most dogs love car rides; here’s how to keep them safe

In late March, a senior pit bull mix named Jordan arrived at Pasadena Humane as a stray. He had been found running loose in the parking lot of a local fast-food restaurant.

Weighing only 48 pounds, Jordan was emaciated with his ribs and hip bones clearly visible. He was rushed to our veterinary clinic, where he received the lifesaving veterinary care and nutritious food he needed to heal.

Now up to a much healthier 72 pounds, Jordan is a regular participant in our Foster Field Trips, a recently expanded volunteer program where volunteers take adoptable dogs out of the shelter for the day. The dog gets to go on a short outing, and their foster volunteer fills out a short questionnaire when they return, which helps us discover more about the dog’s personality.

During his many field trips, we’ve learned that Jordan is a friendly and happy boy who loves people and is a huge fan of treats. He has a mellow, easy-going personality with a fun, playful side. He’s also eager to get in the car and head out for an adventure.

Like Jordan, most dogs love car rides. Whether it’s the excitement of a new experience, the rush of smells coming in rapid succession, or the chance to spend some extra time with their family, many dogs cannot wait to jump into the back seat and go.

Rochelle Guardado, our animal training manager and certified dog trainer, believes that safe car rides can be a great way to add some adventure to your dog’s day.

Our dogs tend to spend a lot of time indoors, so any chance for them to get outside can be an exciting opportunity for enriching activities such as sniffing and feeling the sun on their face.

Positive associations also often accompany your dog’s car rides. For your dog, a ride in the car may mean traveling to fun places like the park or a friend’s house.

For car rides, safety is paramount. Small and large dogs should be safely tethered in the back seat of your vehicle, according to Rochelle. Be sure to have water available for your dog, especially if it’s a warm day or if you are taking a long ride.

It’s a good idea to get your dog used to new safety equipment before their first car ride. Your dog should feel comfortable with any booster seats, harnesses, or carriers before embarking on a car ride. Training your dog to use ramps or helping them practice getting in and out of the car ahead of any planned outings is also recommended.

While many dogs love getting in the car, others might not be as enthusiastic about the idea. If your dog is less than thrilled, they may show signs such as barking, heavy panting, pulling away, pacing or refusing to jump into the car. Rochelle advises that you should never force your dog to “just get over it.”

Dogs, too, can experience motion sickness or feel insecure in a moving vehicle. You should check with your veterinarian if your dog is experiencing symptoms of motion sickness or stress. They may be able to prescribe medication to help your pup when they need to travel in the car.

For those dogs who do love car rides, we’ll be loading up our Wiggle Waggle Wagon with adoptable pups this Sunday, June 14, and heading to the San Marino Motor Classic, Southern California’s premier automotive showcase. You may even get lucky and meet Jordan himself.

Best of all, this annual event at Lacy Park in San Marino benefits Pasadena Humane and other local charities.

Tickets are available now at sanmarinomotorclassic.com

 

Chris Ramon is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.

This blog post originally appeared as a column in the Pasadena Star-News on June 12, 2026.