Use This Dog Packing List with 3 Important Travel Planning Tips for Your Pet

Creating a dog packing list is imperative when you are going on a journey with your pup.

Not only do you want him enjoy the travel along with you, but you want to make sure you have everything your pet needs. Then, you can both have a great time!

So, take all the necessary packings and prepare for your furry travel partner just the way you would for yourself.

Read below to learn more about how you can get your dog ready for an adventure together.

CONTENTS – In this article, you will learn important tips about your dog packing list, including:

A Handy Travel Checklist for Pet Parents
Make Sure to Reserve Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Find Out If the Airline Can Accommodate Your Dog
Get Your Pet’s Vaccination Records Updated
Pack Your Dog’s Essentials
Food- and Water-Related Items
Cleaning- and Hygiene-Related Items
Safety-Related Items
Comfort Items and Toys
Final Thoughts on Dog Packing List
Next Steps

A Handy Travel Checklist for Pet Parents

Traveling with your pet can make any trip more fun and exciting.

At the same time, it means bringing along a furry companion whose needs are different from yours.

For one, your pet has a specific diet to follow and unique health concerns that humans don’t have to worry about.

For another, many airlines and accommodations impose specific rules for customers who plan to bring their dogs along.

As a “pet parent,” you need to be mindful of all of these things and create a dog packing list.

If you’re someone who has traveled with your dog in the past, you may be more used to these necessary preparations.

But as a first-timer, you may find all of this overwhelming.

The last thing you’d want is to forget to bring an essential item or accomplish an important task. That’s because even one mistake in packing for your pet could cause issues and ruin your trip.

If you want to ensure a convenient and enjoyable vacation with your dog, list down all the items you need to pack and all the pre-trip tasks you have to take care of.

Don’t know where to start?

Simply refer to this travel checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything.

1. Make Sure to Reserve Pet-Friendly Accommodation

Unfortunately, not all hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and other types of accommodations welcome pets on their premises.

So, before traveling with your dog, make sure that you’re making reservations with pet-friendly accommodations.

Otherwise, you may end up without a place for you and your pup to stay.

The good news is that, with the increasing number of guests that bring pets along, you’ll surely find lodging that will allow your pet to stay with you.

Some pet-friendly accommodations even provide all the necessities, such as dog beds and ultra soft dog blankets. There, your their furry companion will have a comfortable stay.

So make this step a priority when you’re drawing up your dog packing list.

dog friendly hotels | Enjoy Travel Life — Look for pet-friendly accommodations when you travel with your dog.

2. Find Out if the Airline Can Accommodate Your Dog

Apart from pet-friendly accommodations, you’ll want to make sure that your airline company allows pets on their flights.

It’s also important to know that each airline enforces its own set of rules for passengers with pets.

Even if you consider your pet an emotional support animal (ESA), you will need to provide the right documentation.

And if your dog is simply your companion, you may have an even harder time bringing him in the cabin.

For example, many airlines allow small dog breeds to stay with their owners in the airplane cabin but require larger dogs to be checked in as cargo.

However, some airlines won’t allow brachycephalic dogs (dog breeds with short or snubbed noses) to be brought into the cargo hold at all.

This is because these types of dogs have a facial structure that can make it tough for them to breathe normally. It makes staying in the cargo hold more dangerous for them.

Additionally, many airlines put restrictions on the total number of dogs across all passengers that can come aboard per flight.

Usually, airlines only allow two to six dogs to be onboard per flight, depending on the type of plane.

So, before booking your plane tickets, it’s best to call ahead and find out if there’s enough room for you and your dog to travel on the same flight, and whether he will be allowed in the cabin.

Before you agree to boarding your dog in the cargo hold, research the dangers and decide whether it’s worth the risk.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, animals are killed, injured, and lost on commercial flights each year. They may be subject to extreme heat or cold and poor ventilation.

You may want to consider an alternative to air travel altogether when you’re reviewing your dog packing list.

3. Get Your Pet’s Vaccination Records Updated

Before going on a trip with your dog, make sure your pup’s vaccinations are all up to date. This helps lower their chances of catching any diseases during your travels.

You’ll also want to consult your vet to see if there are any additional vaccinations your pet will need when traveling to a particular area.

If you’ll be flying with your dog, know that your airline and the travel authorities at your destination may require you to show proof of your pet’s clean bill of health.

So, don’t forget to bring your pet’s vaccination and health records on your trip.

These records will also come in handy should your pet get into a veterinary emergency and need immediate care from a local veterinarian at your destination.

The right documentation is essential on your dog packing list.

Having access to these records will give the local vet a good idea of your pet’s health history.

It will also give them all the information they need to recommend a suitable treatment plan.

dog on vacation | Enjoy Travel Life — Your dog can make a wonderful travel companion!

Pack Your Dog’s Essentials

When traveling with your pet, don’t just focus on packing your own belongings. Remember to prepare a separate bag with all of your fur baby’s essentials, too.

At a minimum, your pet’s travel bag should include items they’ll need for their meals, hygiene, play sessions, and safety.

But let’s make it easier for you. Here’s a general breakdown of what you’ll want to pack.

First, pack an ample amount of dog food that will last for the duration of your trip.

Alternatively, research pet supply stores at your destination and bring enough to get you there. Then you can stock up on arrival.

If you’ll be driving to your destination, you can bring bottles of clean drinking water to keep your pet hydrated.

Also, pack at least two easy-to-wash travel dog bowls that you can use for putting your pet’s food and water in. Collapsable bowls are ideal, since they’re easy to store.

Lastly, do bring several kinds of treats for your dog.

These can be used to ease your pet’s travel-related anxiety and to reward your pup whenever they display good behavior.

Remember to bring along plenty of poop bags and pack a few of them in your suitcase, bag or purse, and pet carrier.

That way, you’ll always have a supply of them on hand if you need to clean up after your dog.

You may also want to pack some pet-friendly wet wipes, dog toothpaste, and dog shampoo to help keep your furry friend feeling fresh and clean during your trip.

When you’re traveling by air, do some research to find animal relief areas at the airport. Most major airports in the US have them, and they are great in a pinch.

But you’ll definitely want to clean off your dog’s paws afterwards.

In terms of your pet’s safety, you’ll need to pack a collar or harness and a leash to keep your pup secured and under your control whenever you’re out and about.

You’ll also want to bring a few spares of these items in case the ones you’re currently using break.

Also, keep the information on your pet’s tags updated with your most up-to-date contact information.

And if you’re dog has an identification microchip implanted under his skin, make sure your contact information is up to date on the pet registry.

Should your dog get lost or stray away from you, this information will help you be easily reached by anyone who finds your pet.

Comfort Items and Toys

Aside from the basics, consider bringing a few items that will remind your dog of home, such as their favorite toys.

The familiar scent will help soothe them if they get anxious during the trip. These toys can also keep your dog entertained if you’ll be in transit for a long time.

Additionally, these toys can provide your pet with some physical exercise and mental stimulation while you’re away from home.

While comfort items may seem like a “nice-to-have,” they really are essentials on your dog packing list.

Final Thoughts on Dog Packing List

Preparing what your pet will need before each trip can go a long way to ensuring that you and your dog have a pleasant experience together.

Whether it’s your first time traveling with your fur baby or not, referring to this checklist should make your preparations a lot easier.

To ensure an enjoyable vacation with your dog, prepare your dog packing list for all the items you’ll need to bring. This will help prevent any issues or mistakes that could ruin your trip.

Traveling with your dog can be a fun and exciting experience, but it also requires a significant amount of preparation and planning.

You need to be mindful of your pet’s specific dietary and health needs, as well as any rules and regulations imposed by airlines and accommodations.

Once you cover all these preparations, you’re ready to travel together.

Here’s to a fun and safe trip for you and your pup!

Next Steps

To know more about how to travel with a pets, read the articles below, next:

When to Visit 36 Dreamy Destinations

You will instantly receive the FREE Month-by-Month Destination Guide