Traveling solo might be a breeze for the avid vacationer, but adding a dog into the mix can be problematic if you’re not prepared. We know it’s a lot to remember, so we put together the ultimate pet travel checklist to help you prepare for your big trip!
Reservations
While you might be used to traveling on the fly, bringing your dog along is not so simple. Making reservations in advance ensures you’ll both be accommodated. Whether you are looking to bring pups along for the adventure or board them at a facility, making reservations in advance will ease your mind.
Holiday Travel
Thinking about holiday travel plans in October might seem excessive, but it’s less stressful than being unprepared. While some travel websites recommend booking your hotel a month before departure, the holidays are a definite exception to this standard. We recommend booking overnight boarding at least six weeks in advance, or as soon as you know you’ll be traveling.
Vaccines & Health Records
This is a vital part of the pet travel checklist. Here is the standard list of vaccines required by Fitdog. Check with your boarding facility, pet sitter, and veterinarian which vaccines are required.
- DHPP
- Bordetella
- Rabies
- Lepto
- Canine Flu
- Spay/neuter verification (typically for dogs 6 months and older)
- Flea Medication
If you’re considering leaving your dog with a pet sitter, be aware of the pros and cons . Things to take into consideration are your pet’s age, level of sociability, and overall personality. Senior pets will most likely appreciate a quiet, calm space, or being left at home with a pet sitter. Ultimately, you should go with an arrangement where your dog will get the care and attention he needs.
Transportation
If you’ll be traveling long-distance, there are a few simple things you can do to make the ride as smooth as possible for you and your fur baby. For instance, your dog is much less likely to get car sick if they are traveling on an empty stomach. However, it’s important that they have plenty of water and take plenty of breaks along the way so both of you can potty and stretch your legs.
Creating a cozy, nuzzled place for them to lay down in your car can help ease travel anxiety. If time allows, it would be beneficial to exercise your dog before the trip so they’re more tired during the ride, which can make for more peaceful transportation for everyone.
If you’re taking the train to grandma’s house, Amtrak has a complete guide on pet allowances and prohibitions.
Check out this website for specific airline pet travel policies. You will likely need an airline-approved pet carrier.
What to bring
The most important thing to have on you is your pet registration and vaccination records. Do not wait until the last minute to get these records from your vet, because they are not guaranteed to pick up your call!
In order to make your dog’s stay as comfortable as possible, we recommend a few essential items:
- Food & treats. Traveling adds stress to a dog’s bowels, so regulating their diet as much as possible is helpful. If your dog is staying overnight at a boarding facility or pet sitter, make sure to give them specific feeding instructions. It is also in your interest to find out if you will need to provide your own bowls. If you’re traveling and bringing bowls, you can get collapsible travel bowls for their food and water.
- Bedding. If your dog has its own little bed, bring it along. The familiar scent can be very comforting in new environments. We recommend packing a t-shirt of yours, or something that smells familiar and like home.
- Leash, collar, ID tag. Sounds obvious, but if you’re used to having your dog off-leash, this can fall by the wayside. A sturdy leash and collar are necessary for traveling to keep your buddy close by your side. An ID tag becomes very important if your dog is separated from you.
Always keep your manners in mind as a traveling pet parent. Remember to be courteous to others while you’re traveling with your pup– all it takes is one bad cookie to ruin animal allowances in hotels and resorts. Plan your travels well in advance and have your records ready at hand. If you decide We hope this pet travel checklist prepares you for your next big adventure!
Featured photo by Andrew Pons via unsplash.com
Updated March 13, 2019.