Pet Parents Prepare for Travel

Creating a bag in advance and keeping it stocked for your pet simplifies travel and outings. Preparation saves time and minimizes stress. Pet specialty stores carry bags for larger dogs to carry or an appropriate bag can be found in department stores, sporting goods stores and luggage stores. Soft-sided pet carriers often have storage pockets for the smaller dogs. For versatility between breeds, multiple dogs and types of trips, a small backpack with outside pockets works well.

For longer trips or travel by commercial airplane, documentation is necessary and perhaps mandatory - a greeting card size envelope will hold immunization record, registration, health certificate and other medical documentation and a picture. Treat this with the same care as personal identification, passport and documentation.

Depending on the excursion different essentials will be needed. For overnight trips, the list of essentials includes the pet's medication (if needed), drinking water, leash, food and disposable sandwich baggies for clean-up along with fun things (balls, frisbees, toys) and personal items to make the pet feel at home (blanket, pillow, treats). Disposable plastic nesting containers, one with a lid for food and one without a lid for water. The food can stay in the container and be sealed back up. The water dish can be emptied if the pet doesn't drink all the water and then the food dish placed on top.

First Aid is important especially when spending time in the outdoors. Standard supplies may include elastic bandages, sterile gauze or pads, pain reliever approved by your veterinarian, tweezers, scissors, and antiseptic. The veterinarian can give advice for what is best to have for each pet's needs. Tell the veterinarian you are preparing a first aid kit for your pet to travel with and ask what you should pack and how to deal with emergencies. Discuss possible injuries or illnesses for the area where you are planning to travel.

Add additional supplies personalized to your dog's preferences and needs. Some pets require medication, grooming accessories and other equipment. Other items may be necessary to stay in

pet-friendly hotels, accomodations vary from place to place. For comfort find out in advance what a hotel means by pet-friendly or pets allowed. Some hotels assign pets only to smoking rooms or charge a pet damage deposit. The price may be right and just finding a hotel to accept a pet may be worth the sacrifice of a disappointing room. Room deoderizer spray or other room fresheners your pet is accustomed to will help to minimize the stale odor of smoke and cut down on your pet's inquisitiveness. Something to block noise will help as well if the hotel room doesn't have sound-proofing. A portable radio or CD player can provide the right amount of familiarity and keep them from barking at every sound they hear.

Pet parents can make any excursion more enjoyable for themselves and their pets by planning ahead and packing appropriately. Excursions to dog friendly parks for long walks provide the added benefit of daily exercise. Research and preparation has been the key to enjoyment and being a responsible pet parent ambassador can increase pet acceptance at more places.

Print Article

Email Article

View All Articles

How to subscribe to feeds