Embarking on a journey with your furry friend? Whether it’s a road trip, a weekend getaway, or a grand adventure, careful planning ensures a stress-free and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. Welcome to our comprehensive “Dog Travel Checklist,” designed to cover all the essentials and make your travel preparations a breeze. Let’s hit the road together with confidence, knowing you’ve got everything your canine companion needs for a safe and happy trip.
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Food and treats – Make sure you have enough food for your dog for the duration of your trip (and maybe some extra, just in case), as well as some treats for good behaviour. We love this liver paste in a tube as a handy ‘on the go’ reward. You can also add bits of this onto a lick mat – to help soothe your dog, if your dog is nervous of new environments.
If you’d like to keep your pup entertained during car rides, I highly recommend this Lickimat, which has suction cups and can be placed onto the car window – with a no spill border.
If you’d like to see the Lickimat in more detail, please check out this first impression video that I filmed and for tips on how to introduce a Lick Mat to your dog – without them chewing on it, click here.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour in dogs that serves various purposes, including self-soothing. When a dog licks, it releases endorphins, providing a calming effect. It’s not only a physical action but also a way for them to express affection, reduce stress, and communicate. The act of licking can be particularly soothing for dogs experiencing anxiety or discomfort, offering them a simple and effective means of finding solace in various situations. Understanding and appreciating this behavior can strengthen the bond between a dog and their owner, as it represents a form of emotional connection and reassurance.
Water and bowl – Always bring plenty of fresh water for your dog, and a bowl for them to drink from. For stays in a hotel etc I’d recommend a ceramic bowl that you can leave out for your dog, so your dog has always access to fresh water without moving it around.
Portable water bottle or dispenser – A portable water bottle or dispenser can make it easy to keep your dog hydrated while you’re out and about.
For travel, walks or simply being out and about, I’d recommend a foldable water bowl like these one or a portable travel dog water dispenser (see pic) or this one, which also fits into your cup holder and has a wider opening (and a carabiner, so also great for walks), where the water doesn’t get wasted and reduces spills.
Make sure you get the right size for your pup! And for big dogs, carry additional water to refill. During the warmer days I like to fill cold water into an insulated bottle, to keep it cool for my pups. They also come with an attached bowl, like this one.
If you’d like to give your dog access to fresh water during the travel, then this (see video) collapsible travel dog bowl is a popular choice. You can find it on Amazon or simply click here.
Leash and collar/harness – Even if your dog is well-behaved, it’s important to keep them on a leash in most public areas to prevent them from running off or getting into trouble. If you go to a new place, check for leash laws and sings.
Also, you will want to use a harness to clip your dog in during the travel (not a collar to reduce risk of strangling!) or use a crate – you can get them as built in, tailored versions for your car model or as a more ‘general’ dog transport box for your trunk like this one. For a guide on how to measure for a harness, click here.
Travel crate – If your dog gets anxious or nervous in new environments, consider bringing a travel crate to give them a safe and comfortable place to retreat to. Make sure you have beforehand trained them with positive reinforcement to use this as their safe withdrawal space! You can find an article about the importance of a withdrawal space for dogs here.
Travel crates are usually foldable and made of soft material, like this one (pic), which also comes with a carrying bag and a fleece bed to make it cosy.
If you travel regularly with your dog and want a secure solution, than a heavy duty one like this one is a popular choice for sport dog owners etc. as they are fully collapsible when needed, otherwise sturdy (made from aluminium), easy to clean, and with ventilation openings for an airflow.
If you don’t want to use a crate, then a car restraint is an alternative to keep your pup safe.
Car restraint – If you’re driving with your dog, make sure they are properly restrained in the car for their safety. Car restraints for dogs come in different versions: fixed to the headrest like this one, or where you can clip the dog seat belt into the car seat belt holder like this one. Whilst lots of them will be suitable for most car designs, double check that the one of your choice is compatible with your car model.
If you use a car restraint and your car’s back bench, then I highly recommend you get a car seat cover! For larger dogs, I’d recommend a “hammock style” seat cover like this one or a more heavy duty one like this one to protect your car seats and have an easily to clean solution! These seat covers also come without the hammock style like this one.
You can also use a car bed. For small dogs, comfy ones like this one, are super popular. It’s fully detachable and washable or a combination with a carrier bag like this one (for toy breeds and small dogs). There are also car bed options for medium and large dogs.
ID tags and microchip information – Make sure your dog has identification tags with your contact information, and consider having them microchipped for added safety. The ones from BullyBillows are our ‘go to’ ones after loosing several ones as they attach directly to the collar.
Bedding – Bring a comfortable bed or blanket for your dog to sleep on.
Toys – Bring some of your dog’s favourite toys to keep them entertained.
Poop bags – Don’t forget to bring poop bags to clean up after your dog.
First-aid kit – Make sure you have a first-aid kit with any necessary medications and supplies for your dog, such as flea and tick prevention, bandages, and antiseptic.
Towels – Bring towels to clean up any messes or wipe down your dog if they get wet or muddy. I prefer microfibre towels as they are absorbent and great. And for quick paw and tummy wipes, I LOVE these Ruff and Tumble Dog Drying Mitts – they are amazing and also cover your under arms to avoid muddy streaks on your sleeves or arms (also great for rescue dogs or anxious dogs who might be a bit intimidated by a towel, as these feel more ‘natural’ and less scary).
If you head to the beach or your dog enjoys a swim, then a dog drying robe can be a really great addition too (also available for big dogs).
Weather-appropriate gear – Depending on the weather conditions, you may need to bring items such as a raincoat, booties, or sunscreen for your dog.
Grooming tools – Bring a brush, nail clippers (depending on the length of your travel), and other grooming tools to keep your dog looking and feeling their best. Your dog’s grooming needs can obviously vary depending on your dog’s breed. But I’d highly recommend to bring some dog shampoo in case you need it. And if you are city gals like us and you go to the country side, where your dog can roll around in some stinky yucky stuff, I highly recommend this fox poo shampoo! It’s our go to choice and even removes the smelly fox poo stains.
As you conclude your travels with your beloved dog, we hope our “Dog Travel Checklist” has been an invaluable companion on your journey. Remember, each trip is a unique experience, and tailoring your checklist to your dog’s individual needs is key. For further insights and tips on traveling with your canine companion, explore our blog or consider delving into recommended books on pet travel. Safe travels and happy adventures await you and your four-legged friend!
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