A radiant redhead by the name of Lucy Postins started The Honest Kitchen back in 2002 in a bid to address the ailments of her beloved pup Mosi with healthy home-crafted goodness. The human-grade, dehydrated ingredients worked wonders with troublesome tummy and skin conditions so she set out to help other dogs (and cats!) and now Lucy has a San Diego-based company with 26 employees and 12 dogs that come to work in their sunny brick loft every day! Even the product names sound inspirational and energizing – Zeal, Verve, Thrive and our favorite – Embark! So let’s hit the road with Lucy’s personal pack: Rhodesian Ridgebacks Taro & Willow and her blind senior pug named Johnson…

When traveling in the car with you, are your dogs a) sat in your lap, paws on the steering wheel b) head out the window taking it all in c) laid-back and snoozing or d) secure in carrier e) other behavior!

Taro & Willow, my two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, are expert travelers, and enjoy a daily commute to work with me which normally involves a stop en route for a hike or run on the beach before arriving at the office. They ride in the back of my SUV, and lie down, with Willow usually using Taro as a chin-rest/pillow. Johnson, our blind senior Pug, doesn’t travel in the car as often, but when he does he likes to sit in the foot-well of the back seat, within sniffing distance of my children’s feet.

If you could click your fingers and wake up anywhere in the world with your dogs, what destination would you most like to experience together and why?

I think it would be a place called Vista Verde, which is a ranch we absolutely love in northern Colorado. It’s the most relaxing yet energizing place I’ve been to and surrounded with breathtakingly stunning mountains and forests which I know the dogs would love to explore.

What is your fondest memory of taking a trip with your dogs? 

We’ve had lots of great camping trips together here in California. They absolutely love to be in the tent, snuggled in amongst the whole family…. And those squirrels!

Do you have an all-time favorite dog-friendly accommodation?

I love the Loews Hotel Coronado.

Have you ever had any doggie disasters while traveling with your pet?

One time when we were setting out on a family camping trip, the Ridgebacks were traveling in the back of the car and not entirely happy about being slightly squished with all the equipment. The camping stove slid out of position as we turned a corner and both dogs took that cue to hop forward into the back seat, landing on the children in the process. We had to pull over and re-pack the car. Not a great start only 2 miles from home, but the rest of the trip was great!

Any tried & tested tips for happy travels with your dog? 

I have a few…

1. Avoid Dehydration and Urinary Tract Problems: Before you set off, make sure your dog gets a good run and the chance to relieve himself. If traveling by car, be sure to take plenty of fresh, clean drinking water and stop for regular potty breaks to avoid discomfort and the risk of bladder infections.

2. Head off Travel Sickness at the Pass: Smaller and more frequent meals can lessen the risk of travel sickness. Adding a small amount of dried ginger or ginger tea to a light meal before you depart can also be beneficial for pets who are prone to sickness in the car. Some dogs do better if they fast right before hitting the road.

3. Update ID Tags: Be sure your pet wears his identity tags at all times. If the tags are printed with your home phone number, consider taping over that with your cell number, or a phone number for the hotel or home where you’ll be based. Being in a strange place can make pets anxious and more likely to bolt – and less likely to find their way back to you so it’s essential you can be reach away from home in the event this happens and someone finds him.

4. Stay Safe in the Car: A secure carrier or pet seatbelt can make the trip safer, especially for excitable dogs who are more likely to leap around in the car, which can be a distraction for drivers who are already trying to find their way to the destination. At a minimum, I recommend keeping your dog’s leash on while he’s in the car; it makes it much easier to take him out safely when you stop, especially if you have to stop unexpectedly in an unsafe place.

5. Respect House Rules: If you’ll be staying with friends or family, remember to respect the rules of the home. Most of us love to hang out with like-minded people whose values are similar to ours – but sometimes you can find yourself in a house that’s not quite as pet-friendly as your own. Make sure your pet doesn’t hog the furniture or make a nuisance of himself – unless your goal is actually not to be invited back.

6. Use a Crate: If your dog is crate-trained and you have the space, consider taking a crate with you on your travels, or when guests are visiting, to make sure he stays out of trouble when you aren’t able to supervise. A juicy raw marrow bone or ‘interactive’ treat can help to keep him occupied while confined. Flexible canvas travel crates can be an excellent investment if you travel frequently or only need the crate on occasion your dog isn’t a destructive chewer, because they can fold away under a bed when not in use.

7. Exercise Cats with Caution: It’s usually better to exercise cats indoors unless they’re seasoned travelers and you’re certain they won’t wander (or sprint) away. Some cats do well with harnesses, and can be walked outdoors in a new place without getting too anxious – but if that’s not the case, some fun toys (something as simple as a feather tied to some string) can help a cat to rid himself of any nervous energy. Make sure he knows exactly where the litter box is located before the fun begins!

8. Run free – In a Secure Setting: If it’s your first time visiting a new place with your dog and you’re planning to let him go leash-free, make sure the location is secure, or that he’s under excellent voice control, which can be more difficult to enforce compared with how he may react at his regular haunts.

9. Take a hike! Heading out to the trails in your local area is a great way to explore natural habitats and benefit your health, plus spend quality bonding time with your hound – and it’s usually free of charge, too! Many of us are far too sedentary but taking to the great outdoors can help to get the heart pumping, relieve stress and burn a few road-trip-food calories too.

10. Make time to rest: Exercise is excellent of course, but over-stimulation during a trip can be a real bother, especially for younger pets who are easily jazzed up. If your pet tends to get ‘wired tired’ and excessively amped up with all the excitement, try to spend some quiet time together during the trip, to get some much-needed R&R. A gentle walk in the fresh air followed by a snooze on the couch might be just what’s needed to get behavior back on track.

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