You’ve packed, you’ve planned, and the big moment is finally approaching: the day you leave for your long-awaited vacation. You’ve gotten your things together, but what about your dog?
If it’s your first time traveling with dogs, you might be a bit anxious (your dog might be anxious, too) but fortunately, you don’t need much to bring your dog on a trip. Start with the things you use on a regular basis at home, like your dog’s harness and leash (plus an extra in case they break), plus the following travel-specific items that will make your lives away from home much easier:
A Pet Carrier
This is the Swiss Army knife of traveling with dogs. Whether you’re flying or traveling by car, you’ll want a pet carrier that your dog is comfortable being in for long periods of time.
If you’re flying with your dog in-cabin, the carrier goes under your seat. If you’re in the car, put the carrier in the backseat if it fits. If it doesn’t fit, use a pet-specific seat belt or restraint for car safety. When you arrive at your destination, the carrier can stand in for your dog’s normal crate and be a comforting, safe space for him to sleep.
If your carrier has pockets, this is a great place to store smaller dog accessories. Think of it as your dog’s suitcase and their bed!
Collapsible Food Bowls
Collapsible food bowls often come with a carabiner clip and collapse flat for easy storage. You can attach them to a leash, put them in a small pocket and hang them off a bag to dry. Use a permanent marker to mark the amount of food you normally feed your dog on the bowl before you travel, which eliminates the need to bring a measuring cup.
Food and Treats
Bring along as much of your dog’s food as makes sense. If you’re driving, bring as much as you’ll need for the trip plus a few days extra. If you’re flying, it should be a few days worth and you should locate where to get your dog’s brand of food at your destination to replenish. Put the food in a waterproof, reusable bag to help keep it fresh.
Poop Bags and a Bag Holder
When you’re rushing around trying to pack, you’re bound to forget things. Make forgetting poop bags dummy-proof by having poop bags and a holder attached directly to your dog’s leash. You can’t forget something that’s attached. It’s a good idea to bring an extra roll or two of bags (shove them in the nooks and crannies of your luggage) so you don’t run out.
Dog Toys
Bring a chew or activity toy to keep your dog busy while you’re in transit. Pick one that takes up as little room as possible in your luggage (without making it a choking hazard), and if your dog destroys it on the way, they’re readily available at pet stores, so you can replenish along the way!
Bring a few of your dog’s favorites along with you. Aside from being familiar to them, you know they’ll play with them during your trip and it will help them burn off energy on the way to and at your destination.
Cleaning Supplies
Poop happens. So do other messes. If you’re driving, try to pack wipes, towels, pee pads and cleaners to clean them up so you can easily move on to the fun parts of your trip. If you’re flying, bring what you can and consider stocking up when you arrive depending on the length of your trip.
ID Tags, Medical Records and a Health Certificate
It’s always a good idea to have a copy of your dog’s vaccinations, medical records, your vet’s contact info and an emergency vet at your destination (it may even be a legal requirement to travel through some states). Depending on where you’re going, you may need a vet-issued health certificate. It’s a good idea to keep a digital copy of this information, along with a paper copy in your dog’s carrier if applicable.
Additionally, make sure your dog’s ID tags are current; it’s a good idea to get one for your dog’s carrier as well. If you’re traveling internationally, include an email address and phone number where you can be reached.
A First Aid Kit
This doesn’t have to be extensive, but should include basic wound treatments, antibacterial cream, tweezers, flea preventatives, generic tablets of benadryl for bee stings and any medications (and prescriptions, if you anticipate needing refills) that your dog needs. If your dog needs a special shampoo or other skin treatment, this is a good place to put it.
Before You Go
If you can, take a couple of short trips with your dog before going on longer adventures; you’ll get hands-on experience to learn what you really need to bring with you and what is just taking up room in your bag. Refine as you go, and remember that you can always replenish at a pet store or have it shipped to you from an online company if needed.
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