![What to Take When Travelling with a Dog [Free Checklist and Tips]](http://www.asahipaws.com/cdn/shop/articles/pexels-anna-shvets-4588013.jpg?v=1683713885&width=3000)
Having a paw friend at home is more than just a companion. They are family. Therefore, it’s important to include your paw friends in your travel, although it can be challenging. Today I prepared a checklist and some tips on what you might want to pay attention to when you travel with your pups. Packing is important before traveling, especially if you travel with your paw friend. Here I included a free checking list to save you time.
1. Dog Travel Packing List – Essentials:
Dog Poop Bags - Dog poop bags are a must-have item while traveling with your paw friend, both for the environment and for the comfort of others. Asahi Paws Compostable Bags and Biodegradable Bags can be your choice. They are easy to use, eco-friendly, sort-scented to block the smell, extra thick, and have solid leak protection. Walk and relax your pups with solid dog poop bags, and enjoy your trip!
Quality Dog Leash - You will be walking your paw friend a lot during the trip, so a sturdy, high-quality dog leash is important. A quality dog leash is like socks - they always go missing and it’s mandatory in lots of places to have your dog on a leash. You can simply pack what you usually use to walk your pups, but make sure the leash is long enough to give your furry friend some freedom to move around and explore.
Dog Bed and Blankets - You want your pups to be comfy even when traveling, and dog beds and blankets can make them feel at home no matter where you go. It’s not just the full sense, but also a familiar scent that can ease your paw friend’s anxiety and relax them whenever you travel to a new location.
Extra Towels - Since you may need to bathe your paw friend on the road, you should pack extra towels to wipe muddy paws or clean up spills. With them, even if your pups swim like crazy and have a lot fun, you can still have ease in mind to keep them clean.
Dog Shampoo - For long travels, you might want to take dog shampoo. Your pups can be very playful in new places, so you may need to bathe them at some point. Keep your paw friend clean, pack a gentle dog shampoo that's suitable for their skin type, and avoid using human shampoo, which can be too harsh.
Wet Wipes for Dogs - Scented wet wipes are useful for cleaning your paw friend’s paws, wiping their coat, and even cleaning your own hands. Remember to choose ones that are gentle, PH-balanced, human-grade, and free of harsh chemicals.
Extra Towels - Since you may need to bathe your paw friend on the road, you should pack extra towels to wipe muddy paws or clean up spills. With them, even if your pups swim like crazy and have a lot fun, you can still have ease in mind to keep them clean.
Dog Shampoo - For long travels, you might want to take dog shampoo. Your pups can be very playful in new places, so you may need to bathe them at some point. Keep your paw friend clean, pack a gentle dog shampoo that's suitable for their skin type, and avoid using human shampoo, which can be too harsh.
Wet Wipes for Dogs - Scented wet wipes are useful for cleaning your paw friend’s paws, wiping their coat, and even cleaning your own hands. Remember to choose ones that are gentle, PH-balanced, human-grade, and free of harsh chemicals.
2. Dog Travel Packing List – Health
Before traveling with your paw friends, it will be always important to pack health-related items for your dog’s safety and well-being.
Health and Vaccination Records - Before embarking on your trip, make sure to bring along a copy of your dog's health and vaccination records. This information may be required by airlines or border control, and it's always a good idea to have it on hand in case of an emergency. Another reason for health and vaccination records is that you might have to visit a vet if anything happens on the road. Therefore, having a print-off of an up to date medical records for your paw friend can be a massive help.
Flea and Tick Treatments - While traveling, you don’t know what fleas and ticks are hiding in a new environment, so they might harm your pups. Be sure to bring flea and tick treatments and use them according to the instructions. Besides that, remember to bring a tick removal tool as well in case of an emergency. In the meantime, you’re supposed to treat your pups regularly so it’s also essential to keep the flea and tick treatments, keep a record and reminders of when they should be applied.
Pet Insurance - In case of any accidents or illnesses that happen on the road, it’s a good idea to have pet insurance when traveling with your pups. This can give you peace of mind and financial protection. Keep pet insurance in a handy place if you ever have to use it.
Collar and ID tags - Your pup’s collar and ID tags should include their name, your contact information, and any other necessary identification, including their microchip number. If your paw friend ever gets lost while traveling, having collar and ID tags on them can help ensure a safe and speedy return.
Health and Vaccination Records - Before embarking on your trip, make sure to bring along a copy of your dog's health and vaccination records. This information may be required by airlines or border control, and it's always a good idea to have it on hand in case of an emergency. Another reason for health and vaccination records is that you might have to visit a vet if anything happens on the road. Therefore, having a print-off of an up to date medical records for your paw friend can be a massive help.
Flea and Tick Treatments - While traveling, you don’t know what fleas and ticks are hiding in a new environment, so they might harm your pups. Be sure to bring flea and tick treatments and use them according to the instructions. Besides that, remember to bring a tick removal tool as well in case of an emergency. In the meantime, you’re supposed to treat your pups regularly so it’s also essential to keep the flea and tick treatments, keep a record and reminders of when they should be applied.
Pet Insurance - In case of any accidents or illnesses that happen on the road, it’s a good idea to have pet insurance when traveling with your pups. This can give you peace of mind and financial protection. Keep pet insurance in a handy place if you ever have to use it.
Collar and ID tags - Your pup’s collar and ID tags should include their name, your contact information, and any other necessary identification, including their microchip number. If your paw friend ever gets lost while traveling, having collar and ID tags on them can help ensure a safe and speedy return.
3. Dog Travel Packing List – Safety
Here are some items to help keep your dog safe in the car and on holiday
Dog Crate - For travel safety, bringing a dog crate with you is necessary, particularly if you’re flying or driving long distances. Take a dog crate that fits your paw friend’s size so that they can be kept safe and comfortable. If you go camping, a dog crate can give your pups a safe space to sleep and eat outdoors. Make sure to label the crate with your dog's name and your contact information.
GPS Tracker for Dogs - A GPS tracker for dogs is an excellent way to keep tabs on your paw friend's location, since you’ll be in unfamiliar surroundings all the time while traveling. Your pups can be curious about everything sometimes and they can be explorers. Therefore, attach the tracker to your dog's collar or harness, and you'll be able to track their movements on your phone.
Dog Car Safety - Depending on where you go, each state might have its own rules regarding restraining your pups while you drive. Dog car safety is a very important item if you’re traveling by car, because a seat belt harness or car seat designed for dogs can keep them secure and prevent them from being thrown around in the event of an accident.
4. Dog Travel Packing List – Food and Fun
Your pups might get bored while traveling, when it comes to a long flight or drive. Therefore, you may want to pack food and have fun with your paw friends as much as possible.
Food and Water Bowls Travel Drinking Bowl - It's important to pack your dog's food and water bowls for the trip. You may want to consider collapsible bowls for ease of packing. Besides your pups’ regular water bowl, you should also bring a travel drinking bowl that can easily be filled up on the go. There are many portable options available, including foldable or collapsible options.
Dog Food and Treats and Dog Toys - Having fun should be part of you and your paw friend, so be sure to pack enough dog food plus a little extra just in case. Keep in mind, keep your dog’s diet exactly the same when traveling. You may also want to bring some of your dog's favorite treats for training or rewards. In addition, don't forget to pack some of your dog's favorite toys to keep them entertained during the trip. Chew toys, balls, and interactive toys can all be great options.
5 Tips for Travelling with Your Paw Friends
Before the checklist, there are some things to keep in mind when travelling with your paw friends:
Bring comforts from home - No matter whether you are travelling in a car or by flight, your paw friends can get a little freaked out by the sudden change of the environment, but you can always try to minimize the impact while travelling. For instance, bring your pups usual toys, food, bedding or even a litter box, so they can have ease and quicker adaption to travelling to different places.
Familiarize your paw friends with carrier - If you are flying, you will have to use a carrier so make sure your dog is comfortable with the one you’re using. When it comes to driving, the Humane Society recommends keeping your pups in carriers while in moving vehicles to keep them safe. To familiarize your paw friends with it, you can start by leaving the carrier out at home and gradually getting your dog used to it.
Read on policies - This is very important if you travel by plane. Simply review the airline’s pet policy in advance. For example, according to Virgin Australia Pets Policy, you must meet the following requirements to travel with you:
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Be over eight weeks old (this is due to possible dehydration while travelling);
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Be in good health;
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Not exceed 65kgs (including the container);
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Not be unduly aggressive;
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Be transported in a container that complies with the Virgin Australia guidelines for pet containers and is the correct size for your pet; and
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Be treated for the Hydatids Tapeworm prior to arrival if travelling to Tasmania.
Remember to read everything carefully before boarding.
Research pet-friendly accommodations - Make sure the hotel or Airbnb you’re staying in is pet-friendly, and compare prices to include your pups during your stay. Many hotels, resorts and rentals have specific pet-related policies so it’s essential to read up on those before making a reservation. Some stays may even have size or breed restrictions, so by doing your research and booking a pet-friendly accommodation, you'll ensure that both you and your paw friend have a comfortable and stress-free stay.
Make frequent stops - On your road trip, making frequent stops can not only make you enjoy the drive and sightseeing along the way, you can also stop to walk with your paw friends to give them bathroom breaks, stretching, and fresh air. Just like us, dogs can also be restless and uncomfortable after sitting for too long. It's recommended to stop every two to three hours, giving your dog a chance to relieve themselves, hydrate, and move around. When planning your trip, research dog-friendly parks in Australia, rest stops, or trails to break up the drive and allow your pup to burn off some energy.
In conclusion， travelling with your paw friend can be a lot of fun, but it does require some extra planning and preparation. I hope by following the checklist and tips above can give you ease while getting ready fo have fun times during the trip. To keep your paw friend clean and neat while travelling, pack some extra wet wipes; to better handle their waste, pack some eco-friendly dog poop bags.
As protecting the environment and caring for your paw friends are both part of Asahi Paw’s mission, the products are eco-friendly and can give both you and your pups the max joy while travelling.
