The Essential Travel Kit Checklist for Dogs and Puppies

You’ve booked your holiday, found some great accommodation, and you’re all set to go—but wait! You’ve forgotten the dog! No, this is not the pet-themed plot of Home Alone 7—it’s the situation many of us pet parents find ourselves in whenever it comes to enjoying our time away.

The truth is, travelling with our canine pals often requires more consideration than we first realise. It may seem tempting to leave packing to the last minute, but you don’t want to be scrambling to find your dog’s favourite blanket when you’re already half an hour late as it is. And what about their treats? And the spare water bowl? And how many towels will they need?!

So, we thought we’d ease all that last-minute panic and help you prepare ahead of time. Follow our checklist below for everything you need to pack in the ultimate dog travel bag.

How to Travel with a Dog 101

First up on our checklist isn’t actually any kit at all—instead, we have some general travel advice. After all, even with the best-packed dog travel kit of all time, there are several further precautions we should take to ensure a smooth, stress-free trip:

• Plan Ahead: Yep, don’t leave packing your dog’s travel bag to the last moment—we’ve covered that already. But more than that, do some research into your destination. Ensure that it’s dog-friendly and check for any specific rules or regulations, especially if you’re planning to visit beaches or parks.
• Comfort with Car Travel: Is your dog comfortable with travel? It’s something worth looking into before heading out on any particularly long journeys. We have a bunch of resources online to help dogs who may feel unsettled by the experience. You can also try out ADAPTIL Transport to help calm your dog. Spray it onto your dog’s bedding, carrier, or in the car at least 15 minutes before you travel.
• Health Check: Make sure your dog is up to date with vaccinations and is protected against parasites.
• Emergency Contacts: Research local veterinary clinics and emergency services at your destination. You should also have your dog’s ID tag visible and consider an additional tag with holiday info such as the address you’ll be staying at while away.
• Passport Control: If you’re planning on taking your dog abroad, get their paperwork and passport sorted in plenty of time. Your vet will be able to guide you through the local requirements.
• Training: Brush up on basic cues like recall and settle to ensure your dog listens well during the trip.

And with that, we’re ready. Keep reading to see what we’re going to put into our essential dog travel kit.

What Does a Dog Need to Travel?

A well-prepared travel kit can make all the difference in ensuring your dog’s comfort and safety during your trip. Here’s a list of everything to go in the bag:

Dog Carrier or Crate

A secure carrier or crate is essential for dog safety during car travel. It provides a safe space for your dog and also helps prevent any distractions for the driver.

Collar with ID tags and Lead

Always ensure your dog wears a collar with ID tags, including a tag with your contact information. As with any occasion when heading outdoors, a sturdy lead or harness is of course a must.

Food and Water

Pack enough food and water for the entire trip. Collapsible bowls are great space-saving options that can pack neatly into your dog travel bag. Bringing bottled water also helps to maintain consistency and will avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit with essentials like a tick hook and any necessary medications should always be in the bag. This should also include bandages or gauze, blunt-end scissors, antiseptic wipes or solution, surgical sticky tape, and disposable gloves.

Sun Block

Depending on your dog’s coat, where you’re travelling, and the time of year, sun cream may be needed to protect your pooch from the elements.

Winter Coat

Conversely, if you’re travelling anywhere cold, a warm coat might be needed instead! Bonus points if you manage to colour match with your own outfit, but not essential.

Towels

Towels are handy for drying off or cleaning muddy paws. Even if you’re not planning on any swims or hikes, they’re sensible to pack in the travel kit just in case—dogs have a tendency to get themselves into all sorts of situations we don’t anticipate, and you never know when it might rain!

Treats

Treats are great for rewarding calm and appropriate behaviour and for catching a dog’s attention when needed. You can also use them for any games you might get up to with your dog while away.

Toys and Chews

On a similar note, make sure to bring your dog’s favourite toys and chews to keep them entertained. Enrichment toys like stuffed chew toys can be great for keeping them busy during quiet times.

Blankets and Bedding

Well, your dog is going to need to sleep somewhere! But instead of relying on any bedding provided with your holiday accommodation, we recommend bringing a blanket or bedding your dog is familiar with. This will provide comfort in strange, unfamiliar surroundings and can help your dog to relax. If your dog is used to sleeping in a crate, there’s no reason not to bring that along too to maintain their routine.

Waste Bags and Scoopers

As with any walk or outing, make sure to always carry enough waste bags to clean up after your dog. It’s also important to dispose of deposits properly, so bring along whatever else you usually use, be it a scooper, kitchen roll, or any other suitable cleaner.

ADAPTIL Transport

Yep, we mentioned this one already, but if your dog struggles with car travel then you should give ADAPTIL Transport a go to help ease their anxiety. Each spray lasts 4-5 hours, so it can be highly effective for those longer trips, and you can also help your dog settle for the first night by spraying it on their bedding. You can learn more about how best to use ADAPTIL Transport here, but remember to allow at least 15 minutes before your dog accesses the area you’ve sprayed.

ADAPTIL Calm On-The-Go Collar

For support both in the car and throughout the whole trip, you can also try out ADAPTIL Calm On-The-Go Collar. This pheromone collar for dogs provides four weeks of continuous reassurance, making it perfect for those longer outings!

Extra Considerations for Your Dog Travel Kit

So, that’s all the essentials of your travel kit sorted—but we’re not finished yet! There are a couple of extra items to consider.

These might not be needed for all dogs, but they’re worth casting your eyes over in case they’re suitable for your trip:

Grooming Tools

Especially for longer-haired dogs, a brush and other grooming essentials are always a good idea for keeping up your dog’s coat care. It’s also a good idea to maintain your dog’s routine as much as possible, so if brushing your dog forms part of their usual routine, all the more reason to pack it.

GPS Tracker

A GPS tracker on your dog’s collar can provide peace of mind in case the worst should happen and they become lost. These are by no means an essential for your dog travel bag, but they have been growing in popularity and a little extra precaution never hurt anyone.

Buoyancy Aid

Heading to the beach or river? Dogs can tire quickly in the water, so a buoyancy aid is essential for their safety. Be prepared and pop it in the bag.

Alternative Options

And lastly, a final note to conclude with, remember that long trips away may not be suitable for all dogs. Lengthy journeys and new environments can be stressful for our canine pals, so in some situations it may be more appropriate to consider other options like a pet sitter or dog hotel. They’ll ensure your dog is in the best of hands until your return, ready for you to tell them all about your travels!

Interested in finding more of our helpful guides for travel with your dog? Check out the rest of our blogs online! You can also stay up to date with all the latest tips and advice by signing up to our newsletter.