Want to take your furry friend on your next weekend or month-long getaway? Whether you’re spending two nights at the beach or exploring an entirely new city, you’re sure to make great memories by bringing along your pawsome pal. That said, you’ll need to prepare a few things to ensure that your pup is comfortable the whole time. Need some help with your packing list? Here are seven pet travel essentials you should bring for a safe and hassle-free trip:
An Extra Lead and Collar
Make sure your pet wears their custom martingale dog collars throughout the trip. These collars don’t choke your dog and lessen the chances of them escaping while you’re both out and about. In case they get too excited and break the collar they’re wearing, it’s a good idea to bring an extra lead and collar to replace it.
It also wouldn’t hurt to use a personalised collar with your pup’s name on it. You can also attach a tag containing your pup’s identification information and your contact details. That way, should they still manage to slip out of their collar and escape, you’ll have an easier time tracking them down if someone manages to find them.
A Pet Carrier, Pet Crate, or Pet Tote Bag
Bringing something to carry your pup around in is essential, especially if you’re travelling via car or plane. A carrier, for example, can keep your pet from running around while you’re both in transit. Typically, carriers are recommended if your dog is small enough that they can stay with you during the flight or car trip.
For road trips, an alternative to a carrier is a pet tote bag. These can easily fit smaller dogs and let you bring them with you during gas station stops.
For bigger dogs, a crate is a good alternative if they’ll be kept somewhere else while you’re in transit. On flights, pets are typically kept at the rear of the plane, in a heated part of the cargo area that is specifically designed for holding animals. If you need to use a crate, ensure that it has enough room for your pet to stand, turn, and sit comfortably.
Collapsible Food Bowls and Water Cups
During any trip, it’s important to keep your dog well-fed and hydrated on a consistent schedule. So, don’t forget to pack enough water and food to keep them nourished while you’re away from home.
Since you wouldn’t want to bring along your pet’s bulky water bowls from home, you can buy some collapsible travel cups to give your pup a drink on the go. You can also store collapsible food bowls in your carry-on in case you need to feed your fur baby at a rest stop.
These cups and bowls are light and portable, making them easy to pack with the rest of your carry-on luggage. They’re also a breeze to open once you’ve arrived at your hotel or if you’re making a pit stop.
A First Aid Kit
Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit stocked with all the necessary tools and medicine for your fur baby. Having this kit handy ensures you’ll always have an immediate remedy in case your dog gets any unexpected injuries.
While you can always buy a pre-made set, creating a first aid kit from scratch is cheaper. Some essentials to include are an alcohol-free sanitiser, cotton swabs and balls, a cold pack, gauze, saline solution, pee pads, a protective collar, towels, and a wound boot.
Pet Toys and Treats
You’re likely to spend a lot of time waiting for your flight, stuck in traffic, or resting during downtime at your hotel. These periods may leave your dog agitated and with a lot of energy to expend, so bring a few of their favourite toys to keep them busy. Make sure the toys are easy to pack and won’t make a mess of your holiday accommodations. Bring some treats as well to reward your fur baby for their patient behaviour.
Cleaning Supplies and an Odor Eliminator
Your dog will be exposed to a new environment, so expect an accident or two, like your pup peeing in the airport or the hotel due to anxiety. Bring a travel pad to avoid staining any public carpets and an odour eliminator that will instantly remove the stench of your fur baby’s pee. You can also bring a cleaning kit that includes pet wipes, poop bag holders, zippered poop bags, and other related items in case your dog makes a mess anywhere else during your trip.
Season-appropriate Pet Clothes
Plan your pet’s wardrobe based on the season of your travel destination. If you’ll be visiting a particular place during fall or winter, make sure you bring a dog sweater to keep your pup warm. The same idea applies when you’re taking your pup to a beach or poolside resort. To keep them safe, bring a life vest they can wear while you’re both splashing and having some fun in the water.
Taking your pet with you on any trip requires careful planning and preparation. Bringing all these essentials—from toys, treats, and personalised collars to collapsible bowls and dishes—assures you and your fur kid a good and hassle-free time. Having all these items on-hand means you’ll always be prepared for any situation, minimizing your stress levels and allowing you to really savour your time off together.
So, if you haven’t yet, start making a list of what you have and need to stock on for your pup’s safety and comfort. That way, you’ll both be ready for your next big getaway.
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