Perhaps this should have been a topic for the beginning of the summer, but it’s valid any time you travel with your dog. There are some things that are easy to remember to pack when traveling with a dog. Food and toys are usually a given if you’ll be away from home for more than one night.
But there are other things that you should take with you when spending at least one night away from home with your dog. Here is a list of things that I never leave home without when taking our dogs on an overnight trip.
- Collar with tags and a leash – your dog should never leave the house without these two things! Whenever you leave your home with a dog he or she should have a collar with tags on in case the dog gets lost. Even if you’re hiking on a trail or somewhere a dog can be off leash it’s a good idea to carry one in case you come across another dog, wild animal, or need to keep the dog near you for some other reason.
- Bags to pick up poop – be a responsible dog owner. If you stop at a rest area or elsewhere while you’re traveling with a dog be considerate of others and clean up after your dog.
- Dog seat belt – for the safety of your dog. Our dogs wear dog seat belts when they ride in the car. It keeps them from wandering around. And in the event of an accident there’s less of a chance for them to be hurt.
- Food – this is a given. A dog needs to eat! Don’t forget to bring some sort of food and water bowl too.
- Toys – a couple favorites should do. Bringing a couple familiar toys can help a dog feel more relaxed if you’re going to an unfamiliar place overnight.
- Medication – if needed. If your dog takes daily medication don’t forget to bring what you’ll need during your time away.
- Blanket – another comfort item. If your dog uses a blanket at home he or she may feel more at ease when sleeping away from home.
- Water – for travel in the car. If you’ll be on the road for more than a few hours you should bring some water and a bowl for the dog. When you stop for a potty break or to stretch your legs give the dog a drink.
- Vet records – in case of an emergency. You don’t expect your dog to get injured or sick while you’re away from home. But when it happens you’ll want to be prepared. Bring a copy of your vet records showing what vaccinations your dog is up to date on in the event you have to find a vet away from home. This will help the vet used in an emergency know of any medical issues and what vaccinations are up to date. Some vets may not treat a dog without this information.
- Emergency contact numbers – so someone is always available. If you’re planning on leaving your dog with a friend or family member at any time remember to leave contact information. You never know when the person watching your dog will have questions or problems.
Ultimately you know your dog and what items he or she will need if you’ll be away from home for any length of time. If you’ll be staying at a hotel, cabin, or even the home of a friend or family make sure you know the rules beforehand. If you want to sightsee on your own can you leave a dog unattended? Are you aware of the clean up policies when having a dog in a rental establishment? Are dogs allowed on the furniture?
There can be a lot to think about when traveling with a dog. But that shouldn’t discourage you from vacationing with a pet. They can be a lot of fun. If you’re going to an area where a dog can take part in hiking or even just relaxing and hanging out think about traveling with your four-legged family member.
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