I’m about to fly across the country with two of my dogs for a few days. We’ll be both in the city, and out in nature hiking and visiting the beach. We’ll be staying at multiple hotels and moving around quite a bit. When you fly, you have to be as efficient in your packing as possible, so here’s a few of my must-haves.
Since we will be hiking, I’m bringing harnesses that allow for free movement. These harnesses are from Ruffwear and are my current favorites.
I prefer hiking off-leash when possible. Obviously, based on location, local rules, crowds, etc, that’s not always possible. For times when it’s not too crowded but I want my dogs to get to explore more, I use these 12′ long lines.
As a veterinarian I’m able to carry a few more medications then the average person, but I always make sure I have some basics, especially if we’ll be hiking. Obviously I carry my dogs’ normal medications/supplements. I also always have nail trimmers and Styptic pencils in case of a broken nail, as well as some cast padding and vet wrap if I need to cover a wound. I’ll have an antibiotic ointment, some Benadryl, a probiotic, and saline as well. This bag is my travel kit so I have something to start with if anything happens when we’re away from home.
Since I’m traveling with my puppy and we’re staying in hotels, I’m taking a few potty pads with me just in case.
It’s really not fun to try to find something to feed your dog in when you get to your hotel at midnight. Don’t forget their food bowl. I use these silicone slow feeder bowls when we travel so they still get some enrichment when they eat, but they take up less room then our normal snuffle mats.
You’ll need a water bowl too. I really like these collapsible silicone bowls — they pack so easily.
If I’m staying in a hotel, I always bring a sheet from home to put on the bed. I try to be as considerate when staying in hotels as I can, so that we continue to have hotels that are pet-friendly.
I always travel with a crate for my dogs. Some hotels require dogs be crated when you leave the room, or if we’re traveling for a dog show, I’m going to need something when we’re at the site. This collapsible tent from Mighty Mite is light and small–it will fit in a carry-on suitcase.
I always bring some small treats for my dogs. I like to have some on the plane to give the dogs during flight in case they need help popping their ears (I assume they do?). I’ll also have some of their normal chews both for the plane, and for when they’re hanging out while we’re at dinner.
Don’t forget your dog’s food! I always carry their normal food in a resealable bag. If I had a large dog or was going to be gone for an extended period of time, you can search online to find who carries your normal dog food at your destination, or even look at getting it shipped to where you’re staying. Do NOT just run out and buy random dog food unless you like cleaning up accidents and taking your dog outside multiple times a night.
Other things to remember — a copy of your dog’s vaccinations, especially their rabies certificate. You never know what some places you stay might require. Also check to see if you will need a health certificate for the airline, and make an appointment with your vet to have that done within 10 days of travel if so. I also always pack a couple of toys for the hotel room, and an extra collapsible water bowl in my carry-on so I can give them water in the airport or when we land.
There is some of my list — what do you always make sure to have when you travel with your dog?