What to Pack
Packing for yourself can be stressful enough, adding kids amps up the anxiety, and that includes the furry variety! But with some careful planning, it's a cinch.
Some lodgings will supply some of the basics such as beds, bowls, kennels, and pick-up bags. Heck, some even have doggie room service! Still, we prefer to be prepared.
Granted, in our connected age, forgetting most of these things is not the end of the world but being prepared can make for a more enjoyable, stress-free vacation.
MUST Haves:
Proof of Vaccination - Most establishments require proof that your dog's vaccinations are up-to-date. Our vet also recommends bordetella (kennel cough) if the dog will be in frequent contact with other dogs. We usually pick up the paperwork from the vet and immediately place it in the glove compartment so it doesn't get left behind.
Leash - Definitely make packing the leash your top priority! Without it, you can't go anywhere. We try to keep a spare in the trunk.
Medications - Also, a priority. Bring any and all medications your dog takes. Instead of taking the whole bottle, we usually count out what we need plus one or two and store them in a baggie. Also, consider taking care of things like tick repellent in advance.
Bags, bags, and more bags - Always be prepared for a pick-up!
Crate - Our gal is free-range but if your pet prefers a crate, definitely pack it. It takes up a lot of room but your dog will be much more secure with it. Also, some places require it, especially if you leave him in the room (which we don't recommend and many establishments forbid it).
Photo/Tag - Bring a photo just in case your friend decides to go exploring solo! Also, create a temporary tag with your hotel address or make sure that your cell phone number is on the tag.
GOOD to Haves:
Food - Sure there's grocery stores but you can't always be sure you'll find your dog's brand. To keep things simple, we pre-measure servings and store them in individual bags. We always add an extra just in case!
Water - You never know how long you'll be on the road or what is available at rest stops so we bring a gallon of water to keep on hand.
Snacks - Though we usually tend to find yummy treats on our travels, we pack some extras just in case!
Bowls - We like to keep things as normal as possible so we bring our bowls from home and try to keep the dog on her regular feeding schedule as our travels allow. We also bring a collapsible nylon bowl for water on the go. Outward Hound makes a great one.
Bed - Packing your own bed is great because you have it for the car ride, it smells like home, and should there be any accidents, it might just save you your security deposit.
Toys - Our gal is not into toys but if your dog is, make sure to pack his favorites whether it's a stuffed friend, a ball, or a chew toy.
Towels - It's always a good idea to have a few towels in the car so you can dry the dog after a swim or an unexpected rain storm. It's also considerate to wipe the paws before entering your lodgings. It may also increase the chances you'll get your deposit back!
First Aid - We found this out the hard way (see above photo). When Mufasa split a pad on a shell, we drove for miles to find supplies to bandage him up. As it occurred on my watch, I briefly considered witness protection!
Coat/Sweater - If it's winter, don't forget to pack anything your dog normally wears in inclement weather.
Have we forgotten anything? Share your packing tips.
Some lodgings will supply some of the basics such as beds, bowls, kennels, and pick-up bags. Heck, some even have doggie room service! Still, we prefer to be prepared.
Granted, in our connected age, forgetting most of these things is not the end of the world but being prepared can make for a more enjoyable, stress-free vacation.
MUST Haves:
Proof of Vaccination - Most establishments require proof that your dog's vaccinations are up-to-date. Our vet also recommends bordetella (kennel cough) if the dog will be in frequent contact with other dogs. We usually pick up the paperwork from the vet and immediately place it in the glove compartment so it doesn't get left behind.
Leash - Definitely make packing the leash your top priority! Without it, you can't go anywhere. We try to keep a spare in the trunk.
Medications - Also, a priority. Bring any and all medications your dog takes. Instead of taking the whole bottle, we usually count out what we need plus one or two and store them in a baggie. Also, consider taking care of things like tick repellent in advance.
Bags, bags, and more bags - Always be prepared for a pick-up!
Crate - Our gal is free-range but if your pet prefers a crate, definitely pack it. It takes up a lot of room but your dog will be much more secure with it. Also, some places require it, especially if you leave him in the room (which we don't recommend and many establishments forbid it).
Photo/Tag - Bring a photo just in case your friend decides to go exploring solo! Also, create a temporary tag with your hotel address or make sure that your cell phone number is on the tag.
GOOD to Haves:
Food - Sure there's grocery stores but you can't always be sure you'll find your dog's brand. To keep things simple, we pre-measure servings and store them in individual bags. We always add an extra just in case!
Water - You never know how long you'll be on the road or what is available at rest stops so we bring a gallon of water to keep on hand.
Snacks - Though we usually tend to find yummy treats on our travels, we pack some extras just in case!
Bowls - We like to keep things as normal as possible so we bring our bowls from home and try to keep the dog on her regular feeding schedule as our travels allow. We also bring a collapsible nylon bowl for water on the go. Outward Hound makes a great one.
Bed - Packing your own bed is great because you have it for the car ride, it smells like home, and should there be any accidents, it might just save you your security deposit.
Toys - Our gal is not into toys but if your dog is, make sure to pack his favorites whether it's a stuffed friend, a ball, or a chew toy.
Towels - It's always a good idea to have a few towels in the car so you can dry the dog after a swim or an unexpected rain storm. It's also considerate to wipe the paws before entering your lodgings. It may also increase the chances you'll get your deposit back!
First Aid - We found this out the hard way (see above photo). When Mufasa split a pad on a shell, we drove for miles to find supplies to bandage him up. As it occurred on my watch, I briefly considered witness protection!
Coat/Sweater - If it's winter, don't forget to pack anything your dog normally wears in inclement weather.
Have we forgotten anything? Share your packing tips.