Dog Travel Packing Tips
Packing for yourself can be stressful enough, but adding kids—and pets into the mix—amps up the anxiety! Fortunately, dog travel essentials can make planning easier. With some careful travel packing for dogs, it's a cinch to prepare for a family vacation.
Many lodgings will provide some of the basics such as beds, bowls, kennels, and pick-up bags. Heck, some even have doggie room service! Still, we prefer being prepared with what to pack for dogs.
Granted, in our connected age, forgetting some items isn’t the end of the world, but being prepared can lead to a more enjoyable, stress-free vacation.
MUST Haves:
Proof of Vaccination - Most establishments require proof that your dog's vaccinations are up to date. Our vet also recommends bordetella (kennel cough) if your dog will frequently be around others. We usually get the paperwork from the vet and place it directly in the glove compartment so it doesn't get left behind.
Leash - Definitely make packing the leash your top priority! Without it, you can't go anywhere. We try to keep a spare in the trunk.
Medications - A top priority on our list! Bring any medications your dog takes. Instead of packing the whole bottle, we count out what we need, plus one or two, and store them in a baggie. Also, consider managing something like tick repellent in advance.
Bags, bags, and more bags - Always be prepared for a pick-up!
Crate - Our gal is free-range, but if your pet prefers a crate, be sure to pack it. It takes up a bit of room, but your dog will be much more secure with it. Also, some places require it, especially if you leave your dog alone in the room (which we generally don’t recommend, and many establishments forbid it).
Photo/Tag - Bring a photo just in case your furry friend decides to go exploring solo! Also, create a temporary tag with your hotel address or ensure that your cell phone number is on the tag.
GOOD to Haves:
Food - Sure, grocery stores may be available, but you can't always guarantee your dog's brand will be there. To keep things simple during your travel packing for dogs, we pre-measure servings and store them in individual bags, always adding an extra just in case!
Water - You never know how long you'll be on the road or what is available at rest stops, so we bring a gallon of water to keep on hand.
Snacks - Though we usually find yummy treats on our travels, we pack some extras just in case!
Bowls - We like keeping things as normal as possible, so we bring our bowls from home and try to maintain our dog's regular feeding schedule as our travels allow. We also carry a collapsible nylon bowl for water on the go—Outward Hound makes a great one.
Bed - Packing your own dog’s bed is excellent because it provides comfort during the car ride, smells like home, and in case of any accidents, it may save you your security deposit.
Toys - Our gal isn't into toys, but if your dog is, make sure to pack his favorites, whether it's a stuffed friend, a ball, or a chew toy.
Towels - It's wise to have a few towels in the car to dry your dog after a swim or an unexpected rainstorm. Plus, it’s considerate to wipe the paws before entering your lodgings, which may also increase the chances you'll get your deposit back!
First Aid - We learned this the hard way (see above photo). When Mufasa split a pad on a shell, we drove for miles to find supplies to bandage him up. As it occurred on my watch, I briefly considered witness protection!
Coat/Sweater - If it's winter, don't forget to pack anything your dog normally wears in inclement weather.
Have we forgotten anything? Share your packing tips.
