Traveling is a great way to discover new places and create unique experiences, and these trips can be made even more memorable if your furry pals get to come along. That being said, exploring the world with your pet requires a lot of additional preparation compared to jet-setting on your own.
For one, you’ll need to prepare lots of documentation since many pet-friendly services require them. And since traveling isn’t necessarily a normal activity for animals, it can cause them to become uneasy and stressed, especially given that they’ll be constantly exposed to unfamiliar environments. Additionally, long trips in a car, plane, train, or any other mode of transportation may cause them to get motion sickness.
To keep your pets safe and comfortable for the rest of the trip, it’s best to have a travel bag ready with all your fur baby’s essential items. Whether you’re traveling by land or air, here are the things you need to pack in your pet’s travel bag:
Identification Tags
Before leaving your home, make sure your pet is wearing a collar with their identification tags attached. These tags should display vital information such as your pet’s name, your name, and your mobile number. This way, you can easily be contacted if your pet gets lost. If you’re staying in a specific area for an extended period, place the address of where you’re staying on the pet tag as well. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a spare ID tag packed just in case something happens to the one your pet is wearing.
Leashes and Collars
To ensure your pet’s safety, bring along a couple of leashes and collars. Having a leash handy is essential for guiding your pup while you go from place to place and ensuring they don’t run off while you’re in unfamiliar areas. Additionally, a leash will allow you to easily manage your precious pup if you need to take them out for potty breaks or their regular walks during any point of your trip. You can also use a leash to remind your pup to calm down and not chase after wild animals during your outdoor adventures.
Bonus tip: it’s best to pack a spare leash and collar just in case the ones your pet is currently using break or become dirty. You can also order custom dog collars and leashes in bright colors so you can easily spot your pup even from afar. Also, pack a lot of dog poop bags so that you’re well-prepared for quick and easy clean-up each time your pet relieves itself while you’re outside.
A Pet Blanket
If you’re traveling via plane and your pet is staying in the cabin with you, pack a coat or blanket your fur baby can use. This is because airplane cabins can get incredibly cold, and having a coat or blanket can help your pup stay warm and comfortable.
Their Favorite Toy
Since your pet will be in unfamiliar environments, bringing along their favorite comfort toy can ease their anxiety. Also, having toys around will help them stay occupied if you need to leave them in your hotel room for a while.
Food and Treats
Packing your pet’s preferred brand of food can ensure your beloved companion gets proper nourishment anywhere you go. Chances are, you might not find the same pet food at your destination or the place you’re staying at may offer a different brand. If your pup is a particularly picky eater, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If they are up for trying something new, however, you may wish to try Nature’s Feast freeze-dried raw food, which is healthy for your pet and easy to travel with because it doesn’t need storing in a refrigerator. If you are interested in this food, you could take a look at these Natures Feast reviews to see if this could be a good option for your pet.
Also, bring some treats you can easily give to your pet on the go. This way, you can reward them for good behavior throughout the trip. It’s also a convenient way to feed them if you can’t make a quick stop and give your pup a proper meal. If your pet gets anxious while traveling and you need to keep your pup calm, consider a CBD product for dogs, such as Lazarus Naturals’ CBD.
Portable Pet Bowls
Pack a portable dog bowl to make it easy to stick to your pet’s feeding time while traveling. This also ensures your dog has a food-safe container they can eat from anytime, anywhere. If you’re boarding a plane, bring an empty pet travel plastic bottle and refill it after passing through airport security. In case you’re going hiking, collapsible pet bowls are great to have because they’re easy to set up and store away. These pet bowls also don’t take much room in bags so you can still travel light with your pet.
Grooming Items
When traveling, you want to make sure your furry friend stays nice and clean. One way to do this is by packing some grooming wipes. They’re very convenient to use when you can’t give your pet a full bath while you’re on vacation. Additionally, these wipes are also perfect for a quick clean after your pet’s been playing outside all day. Remember to select a brand of wipes that’s hypoallergenic and provides a fresh scent. Other grooming items you need are a comb or brush so you can keep your dog’s fur clean and neat.
Updated Vaccination Records
Some airline companies may have certain rules for passengers traveling with their pets. To ensure your fur baby will be allowed to board with you, make sure to ask the airline ahead of time about their specific requirements regarding pets. These requirements may include proof of a pet’s vaccination and health certificates from the pet’s vet, among others.
Once you know what records you need, take your pet to the veterinarian for a visit before your travel date. Have their vaccination records updated and get your pet a general health check-up as well. This way, you can make sure your furry friend is fit to travel. While you’re at it, ask your vet for any medication that your pup may need during your trips, such as flea and tick medicines.
Traveling with your furry pal is a great way to create unforgettable memories. However, pets have needs that are quite different from those of their human guardians, so you should make sure to pack everything they need before you leave home. By packing your pet’s travel bag with all their essential items, both you and your pet are guaranteed to have an enjoyable and comfortable vacation together.